Linguistic minorities across Canada have long fought to protect and assert their language rights. In Manitoba, the Francophone community has played an important role in shaping the province’s bilingual identity.

Start at the Speaking for the Future exhibit, in the Canadian Journeys gallery on Level 2, to discover how two Franco‐Manitoban activists, Georges Forest and Roger Bilodeau, defended the validity of one of Manitoba’s foundational documents: the Manitoba Act of 1870. It was negotiated by Louis Riel and the Métis provisional government to protect language, land and cultural rights.

Then visit the Garden of Contemplation, on Level 3, for a limited‐time installation exploring the life and legacy of Georges Forest. From serving as the first official voyageur at Festival du Voyageur to leading a landmark constitutional case that helped restore French as an official language in Manitoba, explore how his deep connection to his culture and roots fueled his drive to create change.

As the Société historique de Saint‐Boniface explains, “Georges Forest is best known for demanding language rights for Francophones in Manitoba. However, an overview of his achievements shows he was ultimately dedicated to fighting for a fair and equal society.”

Visit the Museum June 4–6 and June 25–26, 2026 to experience this temporary installation and learn more about the lasting impact of this Franco‐Métis activist.

Produced in 2024 by the Société historique de Saint‐Boniface with financial support from the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Georges Forest.