• Do you know who Admiral Sir Thomas Button was?
• Which of the three ships shown on the “Quadricentennial” coin was used by Thomas Button in his voyage of 1612?
• Was this the same ship that Henry Hudson sailed in 1610?
• Why was the sinking of the ship the “Pelican” significant to Manitoba’s history

If you have an interest in the 400 year history of the military in Manitoba then you are at the right place. Read on!

We have launched a project develop an overview of the history of the military in Manitoba. It will be produced in both written and visual format to increase the awareness of Manitoba’s rich history and the impressive contribution Manitobans have made to world peace and security. It will be presented as a mosaic of historical events illustrating Manitoba’s Military Heritage.

The year 1612 is the starting point of Military history in Manitoba. Tha was when the first meeting of a European formed military unit and Aboriginal peoples took place on land which  became Manitoba.

The information gathered during the project will aid in the production of a feasibility study and a business plan to determine the organization, financial considerations and potential cultural and tourist value associated with the incredible history. The study phase will be completed by November 2009.

The General Criteria and Scope of the Project

• We are collecting information on all military events from 1612 until present date and eventually to 2012.
• We will include military events for the next 3 years to provide for the “400” year history.
• We plan to identify major events of all services including NWMP/RCMP and armed settlers/militia within or near the present borders of Manitoba.
• We wish to assemble as much history of aboriginal tribal conflicts or warrior activity pre 1612, within or near the present Manitoba boundaries.
• Include events that took place in the Hudson’s Bay area.
• Include events outside the province which involved Manitoba units or substantial participation by Manitobans.
• Include significant events and efforts of individuals, units, and battle groups/formations.
• Include all VC winners who were Manitobans or served in Manitoba units/actions.
• Only describe the highlights of each event as the intent is to establish an interest in the reader which will encourage them to learn more about the Military in Manitoba.
• Gather or identify the location of illustrations, paintings, photos, maps, documents of each event/location.

The project is managed by Black Island Group Inc. who is commissioning experts in the field of military history with professional with extensive experience within the Manitoba military museum and heritage community and who have an established success record in major literary works and historical research.

Please stay tuned to this web site for more information. We will post new information as the project unfolds.