Oakview in West Interlake Municipality, Manitoba — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)

Origin of the Name "Manitoba"

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, Sept 2023

1. Origin of the Name "Manitoba" Marker

Inscription. Although Lake Manitoba was named lac des Prairies in 1738 by La Verendrye, the Indians knew these waters from time immemorial as the "narrows of the Great Spirit" (in Cree Manito bau). In stormy weather waves crashing on the limestone rocks of the narrows resounded eerily, and the Indians believed the sound came from a huge drum beaten by Manitou.

In 1868 Thomas Spence of Portage la Prairie attempted to create a republic outside the district of Assiniboia to be named Manitobah. His plan failed, but a year later when he joined Louis Riel's council at Fort Garry, Spence's choice was selected as the name of the new province, and the letter H was dropped.

Erected by Historic Sites and Advisory Board of Manitoba.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1738.

Location. 51° 4.93′ N, 98° 46.717′ W. Marker is in Oakview, Manitoba, in West Interlake Municipality. It is on Skinny Dip Drive, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:

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9 Skinny Dip Drive, Oakview MB R0C 3C0, Canada. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Manitoba’s Interlake Region.

It is also in the Prairies.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony,

the Viceroyalty of New France,

and Rupert’s Land.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 110 times since then and 76 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on November 18, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.