Manitoba Métis Federation tends heritage garden at Riel House

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) partnered with Parks Canada this summer to grow a period-specific garden at Riel House, the former home of the family of Métis leader Louis Riel.

The national historic site in Winnipeg is meant to show Métis life in the 1880s.

What exactly is a period-specific vegetable? According to MMF Minister of Agriculture David Beaudin, they are non-GMO heirloom or heritage vegetables that maintain the same characteristics from one generation to the next.

Some of the 40 species of plants grown in the garden include atomic red carrots, blue coco beans, dill, cucumber and bell peppers.

Terrie Dionne, Parks Canada's superintendent for the Manitoba Field Unit, said thanks to the garden project, visitors could learn about historic gardening practices on a traditional river lot farm.

Corn was also being grown at the garden, along with beans and squash, in a traditional method. Beaudin said the "three sisters" crops are grown together as the corn stalks support the beans while the squash leaves provide shade that helps to control weeds and soil moisture.

He said there are plans to establish a greenhouse and a community garden in each MMF region next year to give families a chance to reintroduce traditional Métis recipes into their daily lives with the end goal being food sovereignty.

At the MMF's annual corn roast at Riel House on Aug. 27, produce from the garden for the meal included beets, onion, chard, peppers, potatoes, and corn.

About 225 kilograms of vegetables, fruits, and herbs harvested from the Riel House garden will be distributed to Métis elders and citizens in need.