Red River Cart signifies history of Métis in St. Paul area

A new monument in St. Paul recognizes the deep historical ties the community has with the Métis. 

Now at Lagasse Park is a Red River Cart, one of the chief means of land transportation the Métis people used in the 19th Century moving across the prairies. 

Used extensively for fur trading and the buffalo hunt, it is a symbol of the development of the Métis people in Manitoba and across western Canada. 

“In the late 1800s, Red River carts could be heard coming from miles away on this very land. Many families came to make a home here at St. Paul-de-Métis and the Red River cart was a primary method of transportation,” said Andrea Sandmaier, vice-president of Region II of the Métis Nation of Alberta. 

“Today, the Red River cart is the most recognizable symbol of Métis culture and nationhood.”

Mayor Maureen Miller

Mayor Maureen Miller

Yvonne Weinmeier, St. Paul Chamber

Yvonne Weinmeier, St. Paul Chamber

Andrea Sandmaier – Metis Nation Region I vice-president.

MLA Scott Cyr

County of St. Paul councillor Maxine Fodness.

Spearheaded by the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce, but not without significant contributions from the Smoky Lake Chamber of Commerce, Iron Horse Trail Association, Champions for Change, Lakeland Tourism and Historical Society, Community Futures, the project began in late 2021. 

Funding came by way of a federal grant in the Celebration and Commemoration Reopening Fund last summer, and while the cart was completed towards the end of summer 2022, they waited to set a date to give the unveilling its full shine. 

“I just want to make sure that everybody that was involved in all of the different projects to this piece. My gratitude is unbelievable,” said Yvonne Weinmeier, executive director of the St. Paul & District Chamber of Commerce. 

Attended by dignitaries including MLA Scott Cyr, Mayor Maureen Miller, and County of St. Paul deputy reeve Maxine Fodness, introductory prayers were given by Vyna Fluney in English, James Cardinal in Cree, and Herman Poulin in French. 

Those in attendance were treated to fiddling by Calvin Vollrath and Alex Kusturok, Tim Turret on guitar, and Karen Dion, who performed jigging and the broom dance. 

In fact, a class walked over and the kids started to get up and jig along to the music. 

“I can tell you that for us as MLAs in the local legislature, we all want to make sure that we hear the history of the Métis people, the First Nations people, and learn from the mistakes that have been made in the past and move on to create better partnerships going into the future,” said Cyr. 

After the entertainment, bannock and hot dogs were offered for lunch. 

“This cart will remind us of Métis heritage that is deeply rooted in mobility and strong interconnections and social networks that characterize both Métis people and people in the prairies as well,” said Fodness. 

While it was a celebration of community roots out of COVID, Maureen Miller spoke on the quick turnaround those primary organizers had with the municipal government to help get this project together. 

“I’m very proud to be standing here on behalf of the community today, to see it actually in fruition. I’ve been thinking about this for a while because it’s truly dear to my heart and truly to our community’s hearts. So, today on this momentous occasion, we gather here to unveil the magnificent Red River cards, a symbol of our community’s resilience, unity, and commitment to reconciliation.”