7 fun facts about the Southeast Region

May 15, 2025

7 fun facts about the Southeast Region you may not be aware of!

_{From the beautiful Lake Winnipeg to the historic St. Malo Grotto, here are 7 fun facts about the Southeast Region.}

The Southeast Region of Manitoba is known for its beautiful communities, ecological systems, and rich history rooted in Red River Métis culture. As the National Government of the Red River Métis, the Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) continues to support our growing Regions and showcase the wonders that come out of them. Here are 7 fun facts about the Southeast Region you may not be aware of!

1. The Southeast Region borders one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world

_{Areas surrounding Lake Winnipeg are home to many vibrant Red River Métis communities, harbouring deep connections with the lands and waters.}

The Southeast Region borders the world's 10th largest freshwater lake, Lake Winnipeg. Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Canada, the Southeast Region has a great role in Manitoba's tourism, recreation, and fishing industries (Government of Canada, n.d.). In addition, areas surrounding Lake Winnipeg are home to many vibrant Red River Métis communities, harbouring deep connections with the lands and waters.

The MMF works hard to protect our resources through a wide variety of programs for Citizens to participate in across the Homeland, including water quality monitoring, restoring riparian areas, and advocating for climate change adaptation. For more information on getting involved, click here.

2. Have you 'herd' about our bison ranch?

_{The MMF has supported Red River Métis entrepreneurs Jason and Erin Boily in opening Iron Head Bison Ranch.}

In partnership with the MMF, Red River Métis entrepreneurs Jason and Erin Boily made their dreams a reality when they opened Iron Head Bison Ranch, a renowned bison ranch in Southeastern Manitoba. The ranch takes preservation of the bison population into consideration; when the animals are harvested, the entire bison is utilized by turning winter pelts into robes or rugs, and summer pelts into leather gloves, slippers, and gauntlets. They use the skulls and bones for soup or dog bones and offer the cuts on the animals and organs to the public.

Visit their website to learn more about Iron Head Bison Ranch.

3. Connecting with the land in the Southeast Region, one event at a time

_{Dana Wood, on a guided nature walk with Red River Métis Citizens in the Southeast Region.}

In the Southeast Region, Citizens have the opportunity to engage in various workshops and events aimed at fostering a deep connection with their environment. From hunting and harvesting workshops to guided nature walks, there are activities suitable for all in this Region!

Keep yourself in the loop with everything happening in your Region by checking out our website's event page.

4. The Red River Métis' history in Grand Marais

_{The town of Grand Marais still hosts a wonderful Red River Métis community, where Citizens come together often for various events and activities!}

Grand Marais is situated along the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, approximately 60 miles from present-day Winnipeg. From the early 1800s onwards, numerous Red River Métis families called this area home, leading to Grand Marais maintaining a predominantly Red River Métis identity until the mid-1950s. (Barkwell, 2018).

In Grand Marais, the local economy was centered around farming, fishing, and trapping, embodying a traditional way of life focused on sharing and support. This community lifestyle provided stability and continuity for Red River Métis families over the years. However, the arrival of the railway after 1900 brought significant changes to the economy. The once-quiet horse and buggy trails transformed into bustling highways, while the rail line opened up the sandy beach area, now called Grand Beach, to visitors from outside the community. (Barkwell, 2018).

Following the expansion of the tourist industry, the local Métis economy transitioned, eventually leading families to relocate across the Homeland. Despite these changes, the Red River Métis presence remains strong in the community of Grand Marais (Barkwell, 2018).

5. The opportunities for Red River Métis Youth are endless

_{Contact the MMF's Youth Department to get more involved in community events!}

There is no shortage of culturally enriched community events available in the Southeast Region for Youth to participate in. Whether it's getting creative at a moccasin making workshop or participating in gaming tournaments, there's always something exciting happening!

Currently, there are 741 Youth being supported by the MMF's Youth Department to participate in a wide variety of sports, recreation, arts and cultural programs. For more information, contact Shay-Lynn Thomas at shay-lynn.thomas@mmf.mb.ca.

6. We talked about a lake, now let's talk about a (Berens) River!

_{Berens River was a stopping point for Red River Métis boatmen and traders as early as 1765.}

_{Reference: Hudson's Bay Company Archives, Archives of Manitoba, 1987/363-B-27/14 - Berens River (Old), 1934. Photographer: Nicholas Morant, H4-199-1-2.}

The Berens River, situated on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg, served as a crucial stop for Red River Métis boatmen and traders starting in 1765. This eventually led to the establishment of the first post in 1814, named after the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) governor, Joseph Berens. This post was relocated briefly to "Old Fort Portage" in 1816 and then to Pigeon River before being brought back to its original location in the mid-1820s by HBC employee, John Robertson (Barkwell, 2018).

Berens River was known as a thriving Red River Métis community from then on, until fishing was prohibited on Lake Winnipeg in 1970 due to mercury pollution. Some fishermen relocated, while others stayed and relied on partial government compensation provided through a work program. (Barkwell, 2018).

7. Have you ever wanted to go to a pilgrimage? St. Malo awaits!

_{The St. Malo Pilgrimage is attended by Citizens from across the globe, drawing in thousands of people every year!}

The St. Malo Grotto, which the Rural Municipality of De Salaberry gave heritage status last year, attracts thousands of parishioners from around the world who are captivated by its profound historical significance.

The MMF has been an active supporter of the event, most notably in 2022 when President Chartrand graciously donated a new cross and statues to further his commitment to the preservation of the sacred grounds.

To read about last year's pilgrimage, click here.

Sources

Government of Canada (n.d.) Lake Winnipeg. www.gov.mb.ca/sd/water/lakes-beaches-rivers/lake-winnipeg.html

Barkwell, L. (2018) Historic Métis Settlements in Manitoba and Geographical Place Names. Louis Riel Institute. www.metismuseum.ca/media/document.php/149493.Historic%20Manitoba%20Metis%20Settlements%20July%202018%20final.pdf

 

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