Feb 12, 2025

TB, Mimì and Indigenous Peoples

Winnipeg opera and theatre performer Keely McPeek is a member of the Anisininew (Oji-Cree) Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation in northwestern Ontario with Irish and German settler roots. She made her MO debut as Marie Serpente in Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North in 2023 and sits on the Manitoba Opera Community Engagement Committee.

In La Bohème, Mimì suffers from an infectious disease contracted by inhalation called tuberculosis (TB).¹ Referred to as consumption at the time in which the opera is set, TB is depicted in the opera as a social disease that particularly impacts those living in poverty.² Mimì suffers from malnutrition and inadequate living conditions, creating an ideal environment for tuberculosis and in the end, she wastes away and succumbs to the disease.³

A group of young patients at Clearwater Lake Indian Hospital in 1964. This building was not intended for long-term use, leading to many structural issues. Image source: https://indigenoustbhistory.ca/projects/photos/will-01-39-001

Tuberculosis has disproportionately affected Indigenous peoples in Canada since Europeans brought the disease in the 18th century.⁴ In the 1930s, the term “Indian TB” was coined to label a more virulent form of the disease that Indigenous peoples were thought to be more racially susceptible to.⁵ The “experts” who coined the term failed to consider the social aspects that caused higher TB rates in Indigenous populations, such as poverty, malnutrition, and overcrowded and inadequate housing on reserves and in residential schools.⁶ Indigenous peoples were deemed a public health threat, “soaked with tuberculosis,” which could “leak” into settler communities.⁷ In Manitoba’s response to the perceived threat of “Indian TB,” an “Indian Hospital” opened near Selkirk in the late 1930s.⁸ “Indian Hospitals” promised to segregate Indigenous peoples to contain TB while giving the impression of a humanitarian Canadian government.⁹ The care of Indigenous peoples was expected to cost half as much as the care given to non-Indigenous people.¹⁰ “Indian Hospitals” provided substandard medical care in overcrowded facilities that were ill-suited for proper care.¹¹ Many patients experienced abuse from staff, were subjected to medical experiments, and were isolated from their communities.¹² Indigenous peoples have suffered a long history of being disproportionately impacted by TB.

Tuberculosis is not a disease of the past; it still disproportionately affects Indigenous people.¹³ In 2023, Indigenous individuals accounted for 77% of new TB cases among the Canadian-born population.¹⁴ Manitoba has a higher incidence of tuberculosis compared to most provinces, falling behind only Nunavut and Saskatchewan in 2022.¹⁵

Poverty has been a risk factor for developing TB since before the time La Bohème was written. Indigenous peoples in Canada continue to face socio-economic disparities compared to the non-Indigenous population.¹⁶ Many Indigenous peoples today live with malnutrition and inadequate housing, increasing their risk for TB infection – these same risk factors which the seamstress Mimì confronted.¹⁷

References/Sources

Dec 4, 2024

MO TICKETING SYSTEM OUT OF SERVICE DECEMBER 8 – 18

Ticketing system will be down for upgrading December 8-18

Manitoba Opera is undergoing a ticketing system change which will result in our system being out of service from Sunday, December 8 to Wednesday, December 18. During this time, it will not be possible to make any online purchases or donations and staff will not be able to process/reserve tickets via phone or in person. If you were planning to purchase tickets for La Bohème, we encourage you to do so now until Saturday, December 7. Otherwise, purchases will have to wait until the new system is up and running beginning Thursday, December 19.

Already Purchased La Bohème Tickets & Wondering About Getting Your Tickets?

Whether you have a subscription or have purchased single tickets to La Bohème already, once our new system is running, we will be sending out tickets electronically and via Canada Post once the strike is over.

Tickets for Gifts

If you are purchasing tickets as a gift and need a proof of purchases before we will be able to print tickets later this month, please call the Box Office at 204-944-8824 and we will arrange to provide you with a letter indicating the ticket purchase.

Donations

While our system is down, donations can be made in the following ways:
BY PHONE – Credit Card
IN PERSON – Credit Card, Debit, Cash, Cheque
ONLINE – E-Transfer (development@mbopera.ca)
For more information/assistance with donating call our Annual Giving Manager, Liz Miller at 204-942-0489.

If you have any questions, please call the Box Office at 204-944-8824. Our sincere thanks for your understanding and patience during this transition period.

All the best,
The Box Office Team

Sep 19, 2024

MANITOBA OPERA NAMES MICHAEL NESBITT AS 2025 RECIPIENT OF THE GAIL ASPER AWARD

Manitoba Opera announced today that the company will honour one of Winnipeg’s most respected philanthropists, Michael Nesbitt, with The Gail Asper Award. Mr. Nesbitt is renowned for his exemplary vision in bringing world-class art and culture to his hometown of Winnipeg, as well as supporting arts organizations, and funding numerous educational initiatives. He believes Manitobans deserve to be exposed to top composers, artists, and the architects of our time. Mr. Nesbitt will receive The Gail Asper Award at a Gala Reception held in his honour Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the Manitoba Club, 194 Broadway, Winnipeg.

The Gail Asper Award was created by Manitoba Opera in 2018 to honour individuals who, like its namesake philanthropist Gail Asper, demonstrate exemplary leadership in a field of endeavor or pursuit of a visionary goal.

“We are delighted to honour such an outstanding and generous member of our community with The Gail Asper Award,” commented Judith Chambers, Chair of Manitoba Opera’s Board of Trustees. “Michael has been a staunch supporter of many arts organizations, including Manitoba Opera, for years and his contributions to the arts and funding for educational projects have greatly enriched and benefitted this community both at home and nationally.”

“I am deeply honored to receive The Gail Asper Award,” said Michael Nesbitt, “but the true credit belongs to the countless individuals who dedicate their time and talents to enriching our cultural community. Supporting the arts has always been about making sure everyone has access to world-class experiences right here in Winnipeg. I hope this recognition encourages others to continue investing in the arts and in the future of our city.”

Through his philanthropy, Nesbitt has enriched Manitoba’s creative landscape, supporting organizations included the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Graffiti Gallery, and has been a major supporter of Manitoba Opera for decades, making ongoing investments to help the organization present rich artistic programming. He has also been an ardent supporter of the University of Manitoba’s Desautels Faculty of Music including providing a foundational gift for the building of the recently opened Desautels Concert Hall.

His contributions have brought important exhibits to Winnipeg and furthered the careers of Winnipeg-born, internationally recognized artists like Micah Lexier, Sarah Anne Johnson, and Dominique Rey.

Support for educational initiatives that benefit Indigenous students and inner-city youth programs are also high on Nesbitt’s list of priorities.

“Michael Nesbitt’s generosity has significantly shaped Winnipeg’s cultural landscape” said Manitoba Opera General Director & CEO, Larry Desrochers. “Michael’s steadfast support for Manitoba Opera and so many other organizations reflect his belief in the power of culture to enrich and uplift our community. We are proud to honour his contributions with The Gail Asper Award.”

For information on Gala Reception tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Nadine Hink nhink@mbopera.ca 204-957-6361 or go to mbopera.ca