Story Seeds - Part 5: Intellectual wealth, trade, & markets

A timeless gathering place

The Forks is where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet. It has been a key spot in the trade network, uniting Indigenous peoples for thousands of years across the continent. Seeds, pottery sherds, beads, Knife River flint, freshwater and marine shells, and other materials have been unearthed from this area.

A groundswell of commerce and communication shaped a diversity of experiences. These ranged from political conferences to sharing plants, medicines, culinary tastes, stories, languages, music, ceremonies, knowledge, art, and technology.

These exchanges let us see the qualities that make each Nation unique.

Wolfwillow necklace, 2009. Contributed by Gerald McKay (Mamawi Apikatetan Inc). Remnants of clay pots (replica), 2009. Contributed by Leigh Syms (Mamawi Apikatetan Inc.) Antique Trade Bead Identification Chart, 2016 (Kakwa Crafts, Riceton SK).

Groundswell of exchange

The Forks, or “Nestaweya” in Cree, is a timeless gathering place. Shared connections to Winnipeg markets extend across the urban landscape. Think of places like the once popular North End Market, Old Market Square, and farmers’ markets like the one in St. Norbert.

For Métis people in the Red River settlement and beyond, the Red River Cart was an important means of transportation. They carried goods across the prairies in the 19th century.

Model replica produced by the Employment Preparation Centre, a service of the Society for Manitobans with Disabilities and contributed by the City of Winnipeg Archives.

North End Market behind Dufferin Avenue and Derby Street, circa 1914. City of Winnipeg Archives Photograph Collection. (City of Winnipeg Archives, Box OP5 File 9 Item 1).

City Hall and Market Building as depicted in “Winnipeg, Canada” booklet, 1903. City of Winnipeg Archives Photograph Collection (City of Winnipeg Archives, Box OP3 File 1 Page 31).

Tipping the scales

In the early days of the Great Depression, market gardeners from communities near Winnipeg petitioned Winnipeg City Council. They wanted opportunities to sell their produce at public markets.

The North End Market on Main Street between Stella came about as a result of these efforts.

North End Farmers’ Market (west side Main Street, north of Stella Avenue), 1931. (City of Winnipeg Archives, City of Winnipeg Committee on Health series, Box A618 File 855 Vol. 2 Item 2).

This archival image depicts bags of flour on a delivery truck for the Lake of the Woods Milling Company. They operated a flour mill that specialized in the production of “Five Roses Flour.”

This food scale was used for weighing creamery butter in 5-pound blocks.

Delivery Truck, Lake of the Woods Milling Company, circa 1905. (City of Winnipeg Archives Photo collection, Box OP7 File 2 Item 1).

Food Scale. (City of Winnipeg Archives, Museum Collection, Item M17).

Timeless exchanges

As the capital city of our province, Winnipeg is a hub for local artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses. It continues to be an important destination point for travelers, shoppers, and visitors.

In these photos from 1977, vendors are selling wares at Old Market Square.

The Forks Market is still an important place for commerce. It is also key for social gatherings, events, and a range of diverse experiences!

Vendors selling wares at Old Market Square, May 28, 1977. Parks and Recreation Photograph Collection (City of Winnipeg Archives, Box A69 File 5 Item 1).

The Forks Market, 1993. Parks and Recreation Photograph Collection. (City of Winnipeg Archives, Box A69 File 26 Item 11).

The Forks Market, taken from the River Walk, 1993. Parks and Recreation Photo collection. (City of Winnipeg Archives, Box A69 File 26 Item 11).

Story Seeds exhibit at Millennium Library, 2022. Photo credit: Jesse Green (Mamawi Apikatetan Inc).

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