A group dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Southwestern Manitoba seems to be hitting the right notes with area residents. 

The Turtle Mountain – Souris Plains Heritage Association (TM-SPHA) strives to take a regional approach to heritage by involving a collection of Towns, Rural Municipalities, Métis Locals and concerned citizens. They work cooperatively to protect heritage sites, collect and share stories, attract visitors and promote creative and partnered economic development.  

They work towards having this culturally and environmentally diverse region broadly recognized for its dynamic history, beauty and spirited cooperation. 

Every year the TM-SPHA holds an annual meeting and local history seminar and over the past few years more and more people have been attending. 

Administrator JoAnne Juce says it’s to the point where this year’s AGM and seminar will take place in Deloraine’s Community Complex instead of Mountview Centre due to the need for more room. 

 

“We work with seven municipalities, and we research and celebrate the local history from our area. We do more than research it because we write and publish books and they’re called Vantage Points. We have volumes one to five and volume six is being worked on right now,” said Juce. 

The group also produces short films and is working on one about Whitewater Lake. 

This year’s seminar will have a variety of topics on the agenda. 

“We have Leah LaPlante with the Metis Federation and she’ll talk about growing up in the Turtle Mountains. We’ll also have the Hicks family from the Boissevain-Ninga area making a presentation about cattle grazing in the Turtle Mountains. The afternoon session will include a discussion about is there a future for the past.” 

The Turtle Mountain-Souris Plains Heritage Association’s annual meeting and seminar will take place March 7th in Deloraine.