A world class museum

Ken Johnston
Editor

Long before any Europeans, even the Vikings, ever visited this continent aboriginal culture was thriving and just to the east of Rainy River was the centre of civilization for hundreds of years.
Located just north of the headwaters of the Mississippi River, the Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung (Manitou Mounds) were at one time the hub of great activities, including trade. “There was at least 30 village sites at this area,” said Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Executive Director Cheryl Copenace.
Indigenous people from as far away as South America travelled the Mississippi to visit and trade along the banks of the Rainy River just south east of Stratton. They brought items to trade and even unique plants to the area. “We have 12 species of plants not native to this region, still growing here today,” said Copenace.
For hundreds of years European explorers and eventually settlers passed right by the original site of a thriving civilization and likely did not realize that the hills on the banks of the Rainy River near the Long Sault Rapids were in fact as historically telling as the Egyptian pyramids a half a world away. While the elders of Rainy River First Nation pass down the stories of long ago to today’s generation, the history of that area goes back about 8,000 years and is now told through a world class museum or interpretative centre.
When it opened in 1995 the centre was pretty much empty. It was the gatekeeper to a trail that leads to the Manitou burial mounds, and a roundhouse used for special ceremonies. The roundhouse was built at the same time as the centre.
However, a lot has changed in the ten years that ensued. Copenace said that the entire facility is nearly full. It takes visitors through a circular tour through aboriginal time. It begins with settlements dating back to the late 1800s and walks through time all the way back to prehistoric days.
The centre and the mounds have been recognized as a National Historic Site and the calibre of the exhibits there are testament to that.
The first exhibit features village life in1850. Just around the corner an exhibit shows an activity that native people in the area have been famous for, Jigging for Wild Rice.
The next part of the museum features a special children’s story area where the bench kids sit on while visiting has many animals and clans represented on it. A replica stone wall faces the children. On it are pictographs, which the people long ago painted on the rocks in the region to tell their stories.
Just around the corner from the story area, is the home of a brand new conservation exhibit which will officially open May 20th. “It will talk about the efforts we have made to conserve the Oak Savanah Prairie and the mounds,” said Copenace.
A well know artist, Cal Bombay, Jr., has several pieces of soap stone carvings on display.
The final stop in the centre’s historical pathways is at the Land Claims Exhibit. It features historical information about where the people of Rainy River First Nation used to live and the final claim settlement which will be officially signed this May at the annual fish fry at the mounds. The exhibit also features 84 artifacts on lone from the Bruce Lloyd collection. Perhaps the most unique piece in that collection is an actual treaty medal dating back to 1875.
Once the tour is complete, guests can treat themselves to a meal in “The Hungry Hall” which features Native cuisine. “This year we have added more traditional items such as venison, elk and bison to the menu,” said Copenace. However, the ever popular walleye will still be on the menu. The restaurant overlooks the Rainy River and seats 40.
Just before departing the centre, guests can purchase many different kinds of souvenirs, ranging from the art of local crafts people and painters to hand made native moccasins. Copenace said they are always looking for local crafts to sell and not just native items. Last year they sold fired clay mugs made in the Stratton area.
They also have a featured artist every summer in the gift shop. This year is the painter Michael Robinson.
Outside the centre guests can then take a trail down to the round house area and see the mounds.
Copenace said that in addition to the tour inside and out, they are planning to expand the opportunities for people this year to include flint knapping, black ash basket making and have plans to feature the performing arts. “We are working on schedule for regular dancing this summer.”
The centre is almost 100% full of exhibits now and Copenace is hoping that visitors from afar will be also joined by local people. “It surprises me how many local people have not been here or do not know what we fully have to offer.”
Copenace said that the centre adopted a new more aggressive marketing strategy last year and she has been as far away as Los Angeles, California promoting it. However, that marketing strategy also included making their neighbours more aware of this treasure in their own backyard.
The new plan has also opened the experience up to campers. People can bring their own tents or take another step back through time and sleep in a rented tee pee. “We have four of them for rent and they sleep 12,” said Copenace.
The centre has also been working hard to get camp owners to send their guests to share in the cultural experience at Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung. Last week they held an ambassador’s day inviting camp owners and the media to visit.
The centre opens in May and will remain open to September. In the mean time, Copenace, her assistant Sherry Wilson and maintenance staff will put the finishing touches on everything for the upcoming season of cultural sharing.
For more information on the centre and upcoming events there you can call 807-483-1163 or log onto the internet at www.KayNahChiWahNung.com.