June 30 - The Battle of Seven Oaks

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!