Village News

Heritage is relational. It is a major commodity of community that is developed over centuries. Tangible and intangible heritage strengthens relationships by developing in us feelings of belonging, purpose, and significance. Our common experiences, historic buildings, artefacts, and learned communal wisdom can holds us in good relationship with one another.

We do it naturally, in small ways, like commenting about the weather when meeting a stranger. ‘Pretty cold out today, eh?’ really means ‘we are in this hard world, and we are in it together, eh?’ As individuals we are constantly on the look out for what connects us with each other and the deeper it is, the better. Used negatively, a value of heritage can cause racism and exclusivism, but used positively and with an open heart it can create well-being and a platform for good work.

When people gather at Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV), it’s a way of saying ‘we have a place in this world’, ‘this is part of who we are’ and ‘we have experienced a lot and are better prepared for the future because of it’. At MHV we enable people to learn from Mennonite heritage, how it relates to other cultures in the world, and how we should then live out our heritage today – like a preserved seed that germinates and grows differently in different types of soil.

On April 17, MHV will continue its ‘All My Relations’ series with a presentation on treaty making by Dawnis Kennedy. Dawnis grew up in Roseau River reserve and has a memorable way of sharing stories and wisdom. During the week we hope to have a class from the SRSS will be doing a tipi-raising with Tipi Joe that the community is welcome to see. And on April 25th there will be a film night with multi-award winning documentary film producer Erica Daniels. Erica is a proud Cree/Ojibway mother from Peguis First Nation.

As Mennonites, we are growing in a different soil than we did 150 years ago. It is vital that we know and honour the soil that hosts us so we can continue to grow sustainably and bear good fruit abundantly. We no longer live isolated in colonies, but need to find a way for our heritage to be distinct and yet inclusive in today’s world. Heritage 2.0.