The Rural Municipality of St.Francois Xavier is located in southcentral Manitoba, approximately 34 kilometres west of Manitoba's capital city, Winnipeg. A short 15-minute drive from Winnipeg, St.Francois Xavier is located along Provincial Trunk Highway 26 (also known as Assiniboine Trail), and is only 3 kilometres north of the Trans Canada Highway. The municipality finds itself on the northwestern corner of the rich central prairie plains, surrounded by rich prairie land and the scenic banks of the Assiniboine River. The municipality's largest centre is the small community of St.Francois Xavier.
History
St.Francois Xavier was incorporated as a municipality in 1880, but its history dates back far before this time. St.Francois is a municipality steeped in rich native folklore and legends. The region is known locally as "White Horse Plain", a name that was derived from a native legend. The area around St.Francois was home to tribes of famous Indian nations such as the Cree and Sioux Indians. The lands around St.Francois provided for a rich harvest of buffalo and other animals, used for food and furs for these tribes. Metis inhabitants had a prominent role in the history of the municipality. Cuthbert Grant, was an influential political and military leader of the Metis population, in the early 1800's. Grant led the Metis in the battle of "Seven Oaks", and was the founder of St.Francois Xavier (originally known as "Grantown") Other prominent Metis included Pierre Falcon, a most famous Metis songwriter, and Pascal Breland, an influential political leader, landowner and negotiator.
Immigrant settlers moving west from Winnipeg found the land around St.Francois agreeable for homesteading, and in 1850, Sr.Lagrave and Sr.Lafrance founded a convent in the area. The two sisters had previously founded the Grey Nuns convent in St.Boniface, and were the first sisters in St.Francois Xavier. The convent also served as a school for local Metis and native children, housing approximately 25 students in its early days. The old convent burnt down in 1915, and a new wood and brick structure was built in its place. This new convent still forms a major focal point for the community. By 1968, the "Nunnery" was in disrepair, causing the Grey Nuns to move back to St.Boniface. This move had ended over 118 years of the Grey Nuns presence in St.Francois, and was a great loss for the community. The historic "Nunnery" has since been repaired.
Economic Base
The rural economic situation in St.Francois Xavier focuses very much around agriculture, with farmers operating a variety of different grain, seed and livestock operations.
The village itself also has a basic range of services such as a grocery store, a Credit Union, building contractors and cabinetmakers. Residents must travel to larger centres such as Winnipeg for a wider range of services.
Major Attractions
Visit the statue of the White Horse when entering the village along Highway 26. Steeped in local folklore, the prominent horse is a strong symbol of the rich cultural history of the municipality. The White Horse Emporium and The Richard House will provide all visitors with a full day of sightseeing and delicious country eating. The municipality also boasts fine eating with the Medicine Rock Cafe.
Facilities - Recreation, Parks, Culture
The annual mouthwatering Pig Roast in July at the Belcourt Community Centre, is a must attend for all hungry visitors and residents.
Other Information
The folklore behind the White horse is a story of courage, love and rivalry, and is one of the most famous stories in the history of Manitoba. A young Cree warrior, wanting the hand of an Assiniboine Chief's daughter, offered the chief a beautiful and powerful white horse. Strong rivalries between the Assiniboine and Cree tribes jeopardized the marriage. The young Cree Warrior and his love fled on the white horse. Another expectant suitor of the bride, and other Sioux warriors overtook the couple on the plains and killed them with arrows. Legend has it, that the horse couldn't be caught, and roamed the prairies free and wild. Because of this, the area has come to be known as the White Horse Plain, by Aboriginal communities and European settlers alike.
