Government of Canada supports celebrations for the 175th anniversary of the heritage building that houses Le Musée de Saint-Boniface

Winnipeg's oldest building will remain firmly rooted in its community.

WINNIPEG, MB, Sept. 7, 2026 /CNW/ -- Heritage sites are cornerstones of our history. They showcase our culture and shape our identity. By investing in their preservation and accessibility, we are protecting places of remembrance at the heart of our communities.

Today, Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament (St. Boniface–St. Vital), announced funding of $400,000 over two years, starting in 2026–2027, for the project to highlight the 175th anniversary of the heritage building that houses Le Musée de Saint-Boniface in Winnipeg. She made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.

Since 1851, the building that houses this museum has played an important role in the history of St. Boniface and the rich cultural heritage of Winnipeg. Over the years, it has served many functions, including a convent, a hospital, a hospice and a school, and today is a gathering place where the heritage of Francophone, Métis and First Nations communities in Manitoba can be discovered.

The funding will make it possible to preserve this historic building and highlight its 175th anniversary by making it even more welcoming and accessible. The renovated spaces will also allow the museum to expand its cultural programming by hosting exhibitions, performances, screenings, outdoor installations and artist residencies. The project will also foster participation of the community, as well as artists and heritage experts from the region.

Through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program, we are building strong communities where our culture and heritage are celebrated and accessible locally.

Quotes

"For 175 years, this building has been part of the history of St. Boniface and of those who have helped shape it. Even today, the museum brings the community together and keeps the cultural heritage of Francophones, Métis and First Nations alive. Preserving places like this one means keeping our identity alive, bringing generations closer together and strengthening the bonds that unite us."

--The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages

"This anniversary is a chance to celebrate the rich history and heritage of St. Boniface. The museum is at the heart of that story. It keeps our history, our culture and our identity alive. I'm proud that the Government of Canada is supporting its future and the people who make this special place come alive every day."

--Ginette Lavack, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament (St. Boniface–St. Vital)

"As we prepare to celebrate the 175th anniversary of this remarkable building on September 7, this investment through Canadian Heritage's Legacy Fund comes at an especially meaningful moment. For generations, this historic place has carried the stories of our Francophone, Métis and broader community, and today it continues to serve as a museum where those stories can be preserved, shared and understood. This funding will help us continue the careful preservation of the building so that it remains a living place of heritage, learning and community for generations to come."

--Cindy Desrochers, Executive Director, Le Musée de Saint-Boniface

Quick Facts

This funding is being provided through the Legacy Fund component of the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program. The fund supports projects that involve the restoration, renovation or transformation of existing buildings or exterior spaces with local community significance that are intended for community use.

Le Musée de Saint-Boniface is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and promote the rich history and cultures of the Red River Métis, the First Nations of Manitoba and the French settlers of the region. Its construction was completed in 1851 by the Grey Nuns. It is recognized as the oldest building in Winnipeg.

Associated Links

Legacy Fund – Building Communities through Arts and Heritage

Le Musée de Saint-Boniface

SOURCE Canadian Heritage

Contacts: For more information (media only), please contact: Hermine Landry, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, [email protected]; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, [email protected]