The
Battle of Seven Oaks in Winnipeg played a significant role in the
history of that city. In the early days of the settlement, pemmican
(dried meat) was in high demand by both the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC)
and the North West Company (NWC). The dispute came to a head when HBC
declared that this pemmican could be sold only to them. This decision
didn't sit well with the NWC who needed the pemmican for survival, or
the Metis people who wanted the right to trade freely with whomever they
chose. The conflict itself was a one-day battle, in which twenty-one
members of HBC were killed and one Metis from the NWC side. Free trade
for the Metis people was established.
When Lyle and I arrived in
Winnipeg - nearly two weeks ago now - we were in time for the June 19trh
ceremony which commemorated two hundred years to the day since the
battle. The area, only a few blocks from the banks of the Red River,
has now been set aside as a national park. We first visited the small
museum, then watched a re-enactment of the battle before listening to
the speeches of the various dignitaries. It was a good day!
I do
have a couple of pictures from the day but they will have to wait until
I am back with my home computer in Alberta. That will not happen until
after a significant piece in our family story. We are waiting here for
the birth of our second grandchild!
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