Oct 24, 2023
In the heart of Winnipeg, where the Red River flows and the arts flourish, one organization has been a pillar of support for Manitoba Opera’s mission to enrich the cultural tapestry of the community. With a legacy of community service, Red River Co-op has extended its reach to support the upcoming opera production, Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North.
What began as a single gas bar in downtown Winnipeg has grown into an expansive co-operative with an 85-year history of serving Manitobans. At the heart of every co-operative is a community where members are owners. Returning profits to membership ensures that the money stays local and is re-invested in the community. Just like Manitoba Opera, Red River Co-op is more than an organization serving its members, it is a trusted brand whose reputation is built on strong relationships. This season, Manitoba Opera has been connecting with Métis, First Nations, and settler communities to develop meaningful relationships that promote intercultural understanding. These culminate with Li Keur, the first Indigenous-led opera on a Canadian opera mainstage, which celebrates the Red River Métis, a founding culture of our province.
Manitoba Opera is deeply grateful for Red River Co-op’s support of this opera and the arts in our community. A vibrant arts sector is essential for cities like Winnipeg, fostering cultural experiences, driving economic growth, building community, and providing education to its residents. The arts create platforms for engagement, participation, and collaboration, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together and fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging.
In the words of Red River Co-op, “The arts encourage dialogue, empathy, and understanding, facilitating connections among community members. They also provide opportunities for skill development, personal expression, and creativity.”
Red River Co-op’s commitment to Li Keur: Riel’s Heart of the North speaks to the value it sees within the larger result of this investment. This unique opera allows for the promotion and celebration of Indigenous creativity, talent, and innovation. Red River Co-op is optimistic that supporting Indigenous productions like this will foster understanding, empathy, and dialogue, providing a platform to engage with Indigenous experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
