Today is Manitoba Day!
The province of Manitoba was created by The Manitoba Act, which received royal assent on May 12, 1870. On this day in 1966, Manitoba's official flag was dedicated and raised for the first time.
May 12 officially became Manitoba Day in 1968 when the Government of Manitoba recognized the importance of this day.
The Government of Manitoba websites explains how Manitoba was named:
"The name Manitoba originated in the languages of the Aboriginal people who lived on the Prairies and travelled the waters of Lake Manitoba... From Aboriginal name and legend to official title of the province, the evolution of the name Manitoba mirrors the history of the region. At the Lake Manitoba Narrows a strong wind can send waves washing against the limestone rocks of an offshore island. The unique sound from the waves is said to be the Manitou, or Great Spirit (in Ojibway, “Manito-bau”). The legend survives in the Province’s name – Manitoba."
A plaque commemorating its origin is located on the east side of the Lake Manitoba Narrows.
May 12, 2020, marked the 150th anniversary of Manitoba's founding; accordingly, commemorative events, activities, projects, initiatives, and so on were planned to take place throughout 2020 under the banner of Manitoba 150
