MANITOBA

Before I drew a character from the Cree nation to represent Winnipeg, I drew a young woman in Métis dress for its province.
The Cree term for describing the narrowing shape of Lake Manitoba is “Man-into-wapaow” meaning “narrows of the great spirit”. The bell like wailing of the waves on the lake’s loose surface rocks First Nations believed came from a huge drum beaten by the great spirit Manitou.
The name Manitoba, was given to the province at its creation in 1870 under the suggestion of Métis leader, Louis Riel, who wanted the land to keep its  association with the original inhabitants.
Fingertips of the M hand traces down then sideways on opposite arm in cross motion.
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