Delta Marsh History Initiative, Steering Committee Meeting

9:00 am, 21 March 2005
Home of Shirley Christianson, Portage la Prairie

Present: Barry Bills, Shirley Christianson, Denzil Gamble, Gordon Goldsborough (sec), Heidi den Haan, Bob Jones, Cynthia Jordan, Winnie Pauch, Glen Suggett

1. Minutes of the last meeting (21 February) were approved by consensus.

2. Business

a) Elder’s meeting – Suggett, Jones, Goldsborough and den Haan will attend this meeting. Names of suggested invitees were: Barb and Harvey Carmichael, Gladys Paterson, Pat Lee and Margie Koppen, Bill and Marie Linden. Suggestions for a further meeting: Johnny Murphy (857-6614), Gordon Hutchinson, and Andy Rutherford.

b) Writing progress report – Suggett has a draft of an introduction written, and a piece on Dr. Atkinson for the “shooters” section. He will meet with Maurice Blanchard when he (Maurice) has finished moving his home. Suggett is looking for information on Jimmy Robinson and people acquainted with him.

c) Women’s meeting – A summary of the meeting should be written.

d) Fish Fry – Christianson reported that we have received quite a few donations already (for example, four pillows from Alvin Vust). Other proposed items: books (Suggett / provincial government), Historical Atlas (Manitoba Historical Society). We will purchase ice cream rather than solicit a donation this year.

e) Farmer meeting – Jordana, Gamble and Christianson will call to invite people to attend, and inform den Haan on the numbers expected.

f) Fishermen’s meeting – Pauch and den Haan will phone to make invitations.

g) List of prospective book buyers – Given that we are receiving occasional inquiries about the future book, it was agreed that we should start a list of people interested in copies, along with their contact information. Bills will maintain the list.

h) Local history workshop – Goldsborough reported that the Manitoba Historical Society will be co‑hosting, along with Friesens Corporation, a workshop on how to compile and write local history books, on 20 June, at its Dalnavert Museum. He asked everyone to pass the word so that groups who may benefit from the session will attend.

3. Next meeting: The next meeting will be held at the home of Shirley Christianson (118 Wilkinson Crescent, Portage la Prairie) at 9:00 am on Monday, 18 April 2005.

4. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 AM.