Canada: Manitoba Métis Federation tends heritage garden at Riel House

Produce from garden at national historic site to go to Métis elders and citizens in need

By Stefan Richard
CBC News
Sep 13, 2022

Excerpt:

Terrie Dionne, Parks Canada’s superintendent for the Manitoba Field Unit, said thanks to the garden project, visitors could learn about historic gardening practices on a traditional river lot farm.

Corn was also being grown at the garden, along with beans and squash, in a traditional method. Beaudin said the “three sisters” crops are grown together as the corn stalks support the beans while the squash leaves provide shade that helps to control weeds and soil moisture.

He said there are plans to establish a greenhouse and a community garden in each MMF region next year to give families a chance to reintroduce traditional Métis recipes into their daily lives with the end goal being food sovereignty.

At the MMF’s annual corn roast at Riel House on Aug. 27, produce from the garden for the meal included beets, onion, chard, peppers, potatoes, and corn.

About 225 kilograms of vegetables, fruits, and herbs harvested from the Riel House garden will be distributed to Métis elders and citizens in need.

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