"Journey in the Heart of the Homeland Idea Competition"- MMF Releases Details on Metis Nation Heritage Centre Design Contest

July 29, 2020

The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) invites all Canadians to become a part of Métis Nation history and join its "Journey in the Heart of the Homeland Idea Competition" to design the future home of our long-awaited Métis Nation Heritage Centre.

For nearly two decades, the Métis Nation has envisioned a Métis Nation Heritage Centre that will display our artifacts and contemporary art and educate the public on Métis culture and heritage. Finally, this dream is becoming a reality. The Métis Nation Heritage Centre will offer heritage workshops, protection and display of artifacts, photography, as well as traditional and contemporary arts including beadwork, music, dance, painting, and clothing design.

Recently, the MMF purchased a historic building in Winnipeg, the Bank of Montreal, on the south-east corner of Portage and Main - one of Canada's most famous intersections. While respecting the building's architectural importance, its interior space is ideal for housing the Heritage Centre, which will protect and celebrate our Métis heritage in a manner benefiting current and future generations of Canadians.

"This building, temple-like in appearance, has stood the test of time. While skyscrapers were erected in all directions, it stands firm and protects its place in history," commented MMF President David Chartrand "What better story could be told using this space? This building closely resembles the story of the Métis Nation - though our surroundings may have drastically changed, the Nation is still here."

Historically, Portage and Main is the crossroads of two major Red River Cart trails that were frequently traveled by the Métis and other prominent historical figures. Today, it is the social, economic, and political centre of Winnipeg. All roads in Western Canada ultimately lead to Portage and Main.

To begin the building's transformation, the first step is to sketch what the inside and outside of the Heritage Centre might look like. We invite all Canadians to submit their vision and design concepts for the interior and exterior of the building. These submissions should include the interior space of the Heritage Centre as well as the building's exterior, letting everyone know what is inside.

Submissions will be evaluated by a jury. There will be monetary as well as non-monetary incentives for participants or firms. These incentives include expanding their portfolio, being part of something meaningful, and forever engraving their name in history. There will also be a separate contest component for children and youth.

"We are incredibly excited to have this opportunity to work with the many talented Canadians who will take part in this competition," concluded President Chartrand. "This project has been a dream of the Métis Nation for a very long time and we look forward to reviewing everyone's vision for the project. Together, we will bring this historic idea to life."

The competition opens August 1, 2020. Submissions will be accepted until September 28, 2020 at 11:59 pm CDT (Winnipeg Time). Visit www.journeyintheheartofthehomeland.com or the MMF Facebook page to stay up to date with contest details as they become available.

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