Manitoba’s rich multicultural heritage will be the highlight of celebrations honouring Manitoba Day on May 12 at the Legislative Building, Culture, Heritage, Tourism and Sport Minister Eric Robinson and Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allan announced today.

 

“All Manitobans are encouraged to join in Manitoba Day events and help celebrate our wonderful heritage,” said Robinson.  “Manitoba’s cultural diversity is showcased in the province’s signature museums, provincial heritage organizations, and community museums and heritage organizations.”

 

“Manitoba’s newest citizens are making considerable economic and social contributions to our growing multicultural and multilingual province,” said Allan.  “Manitoba Day is a great time to welcome newcomers to our beautiful province.”

 

Celebrating Manitoba’s diversity past and present will be the focus of the 2008 spring Citizenship Court event where 30 new Canadian citizens will be welcomed to the province.

 

A proclamation declaring May 12as Manitoba Day, which celebrates the province’s entry into confederation, will be presented to Le Musée de Saint-Boniface/St. Boniface Museum, the province’s newest signature museum.  The museum welcomed close to 3,500 visitors on Manitoba’s first Louis Riel Day on Feb. 18.

 

The ministers also noted that May 18 is International Museum Day in honour of Manitoba’s heritage institutions, staff and volunteers for their commitment to preserving and promoting the province’s colourful history.  This year’s theme, Museums as Agents of Social Change and Development, recognizes that museums strive to ensure the province’s heritage connects to present day youth and multiculturalism. Each year, more and more heritage organizations forge partnerships in order to share pride in Manitoba’s multicultural experience.

 

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