October 18, 2002

Manitoba will contribute $25,000 to support a new northern heritage exhibit opening today at the Sam Waller Museum in The Pas, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson has announced.

"This important exhibit pays tribute to the local community and First Nations people." said Robinson. "Through the development of Manitoba’s unique heritage resources, we recognize enhanced tourism opportunities and local economic benefits that are key components of our province’s Northern Development Strategy."

The exhibit tells stories of the community in the early 20^th century that recognize the contributions of the First Nations and documents the vision of museum founder Sam Waller. The $165,000 cost of the exhibit was shared by the province through the Heritage Grants Program, the Town of The Pas ($75,000), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada ($25,000) through the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and other private support.

Waller settled in The Pas in 1939 and taught on the nearby reserve until 1957 when he turned a personal collection of artifacts and mementoes gathered during his northern travels into a private museum. Upon his death in 1978 the Town of The Pas took over the museum and moved it to the former courthouse which had been renovated and renamed to house the collection.

"The legacy of Sam Waller and his observations of northern life are important to the people of this community," said Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Oscar Lathlin. "We see his deep respect for, and understanding of, Manitoba’s First Nation heritage embodied in this exhibit."

Lathlin will officially open the exhibit today at 8 p.m.

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