St. François Xavier was formerly called Grantown, named after the first settlement of the Red River Métis, founded by Cuthbert Grant just outside of Winnipeg. Grant also led the Battle of Seven Oaks.
The community recently celebrated its bicentennial, marking one of the oldest communities on the continent.
RM of St. François Xavier Reeve Delmer Nott notes it was established in 1824 by Cuthbert Grant, and they decided it was time to revisit their roots. He calls the celebration, held on Sept. 21 and 22, a tremendous success.
“Our schools were involved, our daycare was involved, our community club was involved, and our Historical Society was involved. We had another community club at the other end that participated as well. So, it was the whole community. I referred to it as ‘A Community Without Borders.’ That’s how I see our area. Everybody pulled together to put on this event. We had an outstanding 200th Committee with four people who did an incredible job. All the businesses sponsored one or more events, which was amazing. The RM itself -- the staff, the workers, and the council -- took an active role. The RM also funded the event to ensure it could happen. Without that support, we would have had a hard time pulling it off.”
Some of the performers included Brandi Vezina:
He extends his thanks to everyone who organized it, as well as to the RM for making it possible. Nott says it’s an event people will talk about for years to come.
“The music was phenomenal. The tent, everything, was unbelievable. Well planned, well laid out, and well organized. There were literally hundreds of people. We had different stations. At first, it didn’t seem like many people were at each one, but then you’d go to the next station. There were six in total: the brewing house, fire hall, municipal office, Cuthbert Grant Park, Prairieland Doors, and the school. People were moving through them all.”
Nott adds there was also a marketplace showcasing artisan works and items for sale. He notes it rained that day, but many people came out regardless.
“The lots were full, and our golf carts were busy transporting people. We had four carts running non-stop all day, moving people from site to site. All the reports were amazing. We received nothing but glowing feedback. A Métis meeting group was also involved, bringing it back to what it was originally -- a Métis settlement.”
Deputy Reeve Jim Proulx says it was their first major community event since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was the first time we really reached out to a volunteer group for such a large project. They pulled together and found resources from all over. Hats off to them. We as council and the RM supported them financially, but these folks took it and ran with it. They brought the community together. I brought my family to the events, but I did very little to help other than offering some advice. They had everything covered, with volunteers scheduled down to the hour.”
He says the tents were full, music was playing, and children were enjoying the bouncy castles.
“It gave our community a sense of togetherness that I hadn’t seen in years,” Proulx adds.
Nott adds the admin staff went above and beyond, handling the trash afterwards, with much extra work and time. Their effort was obvious and very much appreciated. He says the St. François Church group held a wonderful mass for those who wanted to attend on Sunday, followed by a meet and greet with coffee and tea.