The St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg is the oldest continuously active Scottish society in Western Canada. The Society was founded in 1871 and incorporated in 1896 by Act of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. At its inception, the Society had two objectives: the care and welfare of immigrant Scots and promoting and preserving Scottish culture in Manitoba.

The St. Andrew's Society of Winnipeg through the St. Andrew’s Society Trust Fund considers awarding financial grants to individuals or organizations for initiatives that further the objectives of the Society, which include but are not limited to

a) Preservation and promotion of Scottish culture and heritage within Manitoba, for all Manitobans,

b) Increased understanding by the Manitoba public of the Scots’ role in the origin and development of Manitoba, and c) Positive presentation to the world of Manitoba’s Scottish culture and heritage.

Mission

• To promote and preserve Scottish culture and tradition for the people of Manitoba

• To create and increase awareness of the Scot’s role and heritage in the development of the Province of Manitoba, including our unique First Nations – Orcadian – Scots blended heritage, and

• To provide opportunities for our members to participate in social and other activities intended to create bonds of friendship and increased appreciation for our Scottish and Orcadian heritage.

Vision

The Vision of the Society for the 21st century is to expand its leadership role of the last two centuries in the promotion and preservation of Scottish culture and heritage in Winnipeg and Manitoba. The Society endeavors to expand and renew ties to Scotland, including Orkney. Included in the renewal is outreach to our Anishinaabe, Assiniboine, Cree, Dene, Dakota, Inuit, and Ojibwa indigenous people as well as with our Scots and Orcadian compatriots and their descendants.

For more information: A Proud Heritage: A History of The St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg by Thomas Saunders. Pequis Publishers 1982