The Mennonite Heritage Village (MHV) in Steinbach will once again open its doors on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, offering visitors a chance to reflect on history and the connection between Mennonites and Indigenous peoples. MHV Executive Director Robert Goertzen says the day has become an important opportunity for the museum to acknowledge the stories that overlap on the land where Mennonites settled. “We recognize that we have a lot to learn,” says Goertzen. “We tell the story of the early Mennonites who came to Manitoba, but we know that they didn’t come to an empty land. They had Indigenous neighbours right from the beginning, and we want to open up the museum as a place to reflect and think about how the story we tell intersects with the story of Indigenous people.” Galleries open for reflection The indoor galleries will remain open, including displays featuring Red River carts and an exhibit marking 150 years since Mennonites first arrived in Manitoba. Visitors can also explore the heritage buildings on the grounds through a self-guided walking tour. Goertzen highlights the “Reconciling History” tour, which connects specific sites at the museum with shared experiences between Mennonites and Indigenous communities. “It is more of a reflective, meditative day,” he says. “It’s meant to be casual, but it’s meant to be thoughtful.” Free admission and final day for restaurant The museum will be open Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no admission fee. While there will not be volunteers inside the heritage buildings, brochures and interpretive panels will guide visitors through the site. It will also be the final day of the season for the Livery Barn Restaurant. Goertzen notes many visitors make it a point to stop in before it closes for the year. “It’s supposed to be beautiful weather,” he says. “The grounds are just wonderful right now, the gardens are being cleaned up, and the trees are full of fall colour.” -With files from Adi Loewen.