Today is Manitoba Day, the 153rd anniversary of the provinces founding.
The province was founded on May 12, 1870, when the Manitoba Act received royal assent. Manitoba was officially incorporated into Confederation on July 15, 1870, becoming the fifth province, and the only one to enter Confederation under an indigenous leader.
The name Manitoba originates from the languages of the Aboriginal people who lived on the Prairies and traveled the waters of Lake Manitoba.
According to the province's website, the name's evolution mirrors the region's history.
"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”)."
A plaque commemorating its origin is located on the east side of the Lake Manitoba Narrows.
There is a Manitoba Day event at the Children's Museum in Winnipeg from 11 - 3 today. Mitchell Makoons will also be performing and speaking in the Mingling Area of the Douglas Knowles Building at Brandon University at 5:30 today.
