University of Manitoba

Next, we were given a tour of the University of Manitoba by Dr. Cholakis, a graduate professor and gum surgeon at the university. Because the University has multiple campuses, we checked out the downtown science and medical campus because it includes many new facilities and is quickly becoming one of Canada’s leading graduate medical programs due to its proximity to the hospital. Students are able to take classes and work in the clinic as an actual doctor, giving them experience in the medical field. The university clinic offers dental surgeries at a lower price than private firms, so it’s a great deal for the students and citizens alike. The University has recently built a new cancer research center, which again gives medical students a chance to work in this field and suggest research ideas related to finding a cure for cancer. Apart from the hands-on dental/medical facilities, we visited the library, the recreational facility, the hospital, and the cafeteria. The University of Manitoba was an impressive educational institution that we enjoyed touring.

Hands-on dental training stations  

Medical lab

Dental clinic 

A display showing dentistry equipment many years ago

The library

The medical building atrium 

Hospital attached to the university 

A lecture hall  

Saint Boniface

Today, we began the day by visiting Saint Boniface, a French community in downtown Winnipeg. First, we explored the Saint Boniface Museum, which is the oldest building in Winnipeg. Originally the Grey Nuns' convent, it now serves as a historic museum about the area. Then, we went to the Saint Boniface Cathedral, considered the mother church of Western Canada. Throughout the years, the church has been rebuilt six times. The first was built in 1818 and the most recent in 1971 after a fire. FUN FACT: The saint, Boniface, is know as the patron saint of Germany and is credited with the creation of the Christmas tree. After that, we toured the University of Saint Boniface, the only french speaking university in Canada besides Quebec. It was founded in 1818 by father Provencher, making it the oldest college in Western Canada. The building had a very traditional feel due to the old architecture, yet the facilities were very modern. Lastly, we visited the Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, which is an art gallery, history center, and community center. We were lucky enough to see an exhibit titled Ondulations by Hélène Brunet Neumann. Her art was a combination of a picture and a sculpture, in which she glued threads to canvas to create three-dimensional works of art. Saint Boniface is an intriguing area combinging the culture of both Winnipeg and France.

Saint Boniface Cathedral 

Inside the cathedral 

The Saint Boniface Museum

University of Saint Bonfiace 

One of Hélène Brunet Neumann's works

Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain

Saint Boniface City Hall