The Manitoba government is investing $125,000 to support the long-term sustainability of the North American Game Warden Museum.

The museum opened in 20005 and is located south of Boissevain at the International Peace Garden.

Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced the investment funding. “Conservation officers work tirelessly to protect public safety and ensure the sustainability of the province’s natural resources, and often undertake this essential work in dangerous situations,” said Nesbitt. “Our government is pleased to support the North American Game Warden Museum so it can continue honouring officers for generations to come.”

The museum is the only facility in North America that recognizes and celebrates the work of natural resource officers, conservation officers, and game wardens. The museum is a charitable non-profit organization that features a memorial dedicated to officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and provides educational programming on the multi-faceted role of these essential law enforcement professionals.

The strategic investment will support the development of the organization’s endowment fund program, which will provide the museum with enhanced funding certainty and will be an incentive for private donations and support from other jurisdictions, the minister said.

“The North American Game Warden Museum is very thankful of the investment being made to the museum,” said Blake Patterson, president, North American Game Warden Museum.

“The Manitoba government’s contribution to our endowment fund solidifies its support and commitment to the museum’s missions of educating the public about natural resource protection and honouring the officers who have died protecting our resources. This fund will help greatly in ensuring the museum can operate in perpetuity.”

The $125,000 fund is being administered by the Boissevain-Morton Foundation. Executive Director Raylene Conway Smith says because it’s an endowment fund supporting the museum in perpetuity people can make a donation anytime.