In the heart of Winnipeg across from the Historic Forks and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the St. Boniface Heritage Garden is located on the traditional territory of the Assiniboine, Anishinaabe and Métis, and historic river front property of the Archdiocese of St. Boniface. This historic green space renders homage to Catholic Women Religious who were instrumental in the development of Manitoba’s health, educational, and social service systems, to Western Canada’s first missionaries, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, who were instrumental in the foundation of many mission communities throughout Manitoba, the North and Western Canada, as well as an area dedicated to pay tribute to the Métis Nation. The property also houses the Archbishop of Saint-Boniface Residence constructed in 1864.
Some of the first settlers in Manitoba were Metis, progeny of French Canadian hunters and trappers and indigenous peoples, and this garden includes a Tribute to the Metis Nation designed by two Metis women. There is also an area that pays tribute to the first missionaries to come to Manitoba, the Oblates of Mary Immaculae. Nearby is the St. Boniface Museum where you can explore more information about the French Canadian culture so important to the founding of this province.
