ESTEVAN - The Souris Valley Museum celebrated National Indigenous People's Day on June 21 by hosting a dedication ceremony for its new Red River cart.
The carts were once used by Métis people for the transportation of virtually everything from goods and materials to people. The cart that is located at the museum was crafted by George Fayant, who has made numerous carts over the years, including one that used to be on display at the Estevan Art Gallery and Museum.
Marg Friesen, who is the regional director for Eastern Region III with the Métis Nation Saskatchewan, was among the many people at the event, and she spoke to the Mercury of the cart's significance.
"The Red River Cart, originally, was a form of transportation, and it was actually utilitarian for Métis people to get from Point A to Point B, to get their goods to trade," said Friesen. "And it was originally pulled by oxen. However, once Métis people moved their way and homesteaded in the Prairie provinces, it was then pulled by horses because horses were easier to come by than oxen."
She believes this is a great way for people in Estevan to learn more about the Métis people who homesteaded in the Souris Valley and who continue to thrive in this corner of the province.
Friesen described Fayant as a proud but humble Métis citizen, and she thinks he did a great job of designing the cart.
Other speakers during the afternoon included Linda Sopp, who is the president of Métis Nation Saskatchewan Local 25 Estevan; Estevan City Coun. Rebecca Foord, who is of Métis descent; and Souris Valley Museum board chairwoman Brenda Olson.
Museum director Melanie Memory acted as the MC.
Bannock was served to those in attendance after the dedication.
The next edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
