Winnipeg Free Press By: Editorial | Posted: 7:00 PM CDT Wednesday, May. 19, 2021 Editorial In the summer of 1871, about 1,000 First Nations people gathered at Lower Fort Garry along the Red River, between present-day Winnipeg and the town of Selkirk. Manitoba had just joined Canada a year earlier, following an armed resistance by the Métis, which led to the province’s negotiated entry into Confederation. In the summer of 1871, about 1,000 First Nations people gathered at Lower Fort Garry along the Red River, between present-day Winnipeg and the town of Selkirk. Manitoba had just joined Canada a year earlier, following an armed resistance by the Métis, which led to the province’s negotiated entry into Confederation.