The 2,339-acre Garden on the border between Manitoba and North Dakota has long served as a testament to peace and friendship between the U.S. and Canada.

“This was the strongest weekend attendance in five years, and we’re thrilled to have had so many visitors celebrate this milestone with us,” Tim Chapman, CEO of the International Peace Garden, said. “While we enjoy looking back to explore the area’s rich history and culture, we’re also looking to the future. Recent additions like the Children’s Nature Play Area and the ongoing expansion of the Conservatory ensure that we are providing new ways for visitors to experience the many ways the garden promotes peace through the principles of conservation, education, recreation, and arts and culture, for the past 90 years and for many years to come.”

Dorothy Dobbie, Peace Garden president and recent recipient of the Order of Canada, spoke of the conditions in the area and in the world in 1932, with the Great Depression at home and war on the horizon in Europe.

“So I think when people heard about the Peace Garden, it stirred something in their souls. I think they were looking for something beautiful and hopeful, and I think that we still do. It’s my dream that someday people will gather here, and this generation and new generations to come will find a way to peace through this garden,” she said.

Submitted Photo Visitors take in the beautiful gardens at the International Peace Garden in this photo by Jonah Neufeld.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum addressed the Peace Garden’s plans for a long-term sustainable future.

“We think about the ideals of this park,” he said. “As we celebrate the 90th, let’s look to the 100th and I challenge all of us to dare to dream big dreams because the ideals of peace, collaboration, friendship and everything this park stands for is a lesson we can show the whole world about what we can all do together.”

The minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade and deputy premier of Manitoba, Cliff Cullen also addressed commitments to the Peace Garden’s future.

“[There are] more great things to come for this park. The state and province are committed, and we’re going to get our federal cousins engaged too. We’re going to move the needle a long, long way. We have great ideas coming down the road and we’re going to make great things happen,” he said.

Jamie Azure, tribal chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, spoke of his long personal history with the Peace Garden.

Submitted Photo Dakota Gunville demonstrates Indigenous dancing at the Peace Garden anniversary celebration in this photo by Jonah Neufeld.

“I had the honor of growing up in the Peace Garden. Every summer I was here at basketball camps, music camp, and we would take school trips here. So when Tim approached myself and some of the other council members about finding new partnerships and showing the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa respect and bringing us in right at the beginning, we were more than overjoyed. Like we said this morning at the flag raising, respect is power, and how do we change the world? By respect, and that’s what we’re doing here today,” he said.

The Peace Garden is built on sacred lands that are the ancestral home of Metis and Indigenous peoples on both sides of the border. Interpretive and cultural content, such as traditional storytelling at the new Children’s Nature Play Areas, provide opportunities for visitors to learn about the rich history and heritage of the local Metis and Indigenous peoples. In his remarks, Chief David LeDoux of Gambler First Nation, spoke of the area’s past and future.

“This is such a beautiful place with such historic significance. Thanks to the efforts of Mr. (Doyle) Piwniuk and Governor Burgum and their teams for the hard work and strong relationships that will allow future generations to experience the significance of this place,” he said.

Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis Ariel Delouya also spoke of the origins of the land where the garden is located.

“I want to begin by expressing my gratitude for the land on which we’re gathered and acknowledge the Indigenous people who are its ancestral inhabitants. The IPG is located on sacred lands. It’s crucial to ensure that they are part of the IPG’s future and not just its past. Reconciliation with our Indigenous communities is all of our responsibility, and I congratulate the IPG on taking steps in this regard, including plans to strengthen Indigenous interpretive and cultural content for visitors,” Delouya said.

The Peace Garden’s goals of sustainability and continuing to add enriching cultural content are supported by a commitment of $12 million US/$15 million Canadian in capital funding from the state and provincial legislatures. Manitoba recently announced an increase in its annual operating grant to the garden from $383,000 to $541,000.