News release details

Torch light walk, Flag Day events, Franco‐Manitoban performances

Winnipeg –The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) will open for Louis Riel Day this Monday and feature family‐friendly activities throughout the weekend — starting Friday evening with an event to kick off the Festival du Voyageur's opening torch light walk.

"Francophones and the Métis people have contributed their culture, their heritage and their language to help make Manitoba the diverse and inclusive province it is today," said CMHR interim president and CEO Gail Stephens. "By taking a stand for their rights and the rights of others, they have enriched the lives of all Canadians. In the Museum, we share many of these inspiring stories."

Tomorrow night, the public is invited to share the opening‐day excitement of Festival du Voyageur inside the Museum at 5:30 p.m. The CMHR will be the starting point for a celebratory walk by torch and candle light across the Esplanade Riel to Voyageur Park. With free hot chocolate of course! The first 100 participants will receive a free day‐pass to Voyageur Park.

On Sunday, February 15, the Museum partners with the Department of Canadian Heritage to host a free public event in Bonnie & John Buhler Hall in celebration of National Flag of Canada Day, marking the 50th birthday of Canada's flag. The event kicks off at 11:30 a.m., followed by an outdoor ceremonial flag raising, then back inside for birthday cake. As part of paid Museum admission, visitors can also participate in special Flag Day activities led by programming staff in three different galleries.

On Monday, February 16, the CMHR will be open for paid admission on the Louis Riel Day holiday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering guided tours and special family programs. An official welcome at 11 a.m. in Bonnie & John Buhler Hall includes the Festival du Voyageur's mascot, Leo, who will also interact with children in the Canadian Journeys gallery. Activities take place in several galleries, including an opportunity to make your own Spirit Panel and discuss Winnipeg's connections to Métis rights.

Performances by Les cordes à danser and Ensemble folklorique de la Rivière‐Rouge will be held in Bonnie & John Buhler Hall at 1:15 p.m. until 3 p.m.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the first museum in the world solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. Using multimedia technology and other innovative approaches, the CMHR creates inspiring encounters with human rights for all ages, in a visitor experience unlike any other.