Born in Selkirk in 1929, Melvin “Mel” Joseph Clifford Bedard was a legendary Métis fiddler who dedicated his life to preserving Indigenous and regional musical heritage. A master of the Red River Jig style who counted Don Messer and Andy de Jarlis as close friends, Bedard won over 80 competition awards, recorded acclaimed albums, and mentored generations of performers before his induction into the Fiddlers Hall of Fame in 2013.
In 1989, a fierce but friendly culinary battle erupted between Selkirk and Emerson to claim the undisputed title of “Catfish Capital of Manitoba.” The high-stakes rivalry culminated in a televised cookoff on CBC’s The Journal, where a blind taste test by local judges ultimate crowned Selkirk’s pan-fried preparation over Emerson’s deep-fried entry, cementing Selkirk’s legendary status on the map.
Established in 1884 by the St. Andrews Agricultural Society, the Selkirk Fair and Rodeo stands as one of Manitoba’s oldest agricultural fairs. Evolving over 145 years from a traditional autumn showcase for livestock, baking, and plowing matches into the action-packed “Triple S” semi-pro rodeo and community festival at Selkirk Park, this beloved annual tradition continues to bring together residents from St. Andrews, St. Clements, and Selkirk.
In 1985, local fisherman Chuck Norquay wrote to Babe Winkelman, host of the American television show Good Fishing, hoping to showcase Selkirk as the “Catfish Capital of North America.” His letter caught Winkelman’s eye, leading to a filming session along the Red River where the crew caught nearly 200 pounds of catfish in a single day—a massive success that launched Norquay’s successful new career as a local fishing guide for eager tourists.
Founded in 1967 to secure equal rights and opportunities for all people, the Selkirk Friendship Centre has served as a vital community pillar for decades. From its modest beginnings in a former plumbing shop to the opening of its dedicated Eveline Street facility in 1975 and the 2.3-million-dollar Tyro Housing project in 1990, the Centre—propelled by its passionate volunteers—continues to deliver essential recreational, cultural, and social programming.
During Selkirk’s 1982 Centennial, a royal luncheon for Princess Anne aboard the MS Lord Selkirk turned into an unexpected kitchen comedy. When the head chef got so nervous he overindulged in the cooking wine and turned the kitchen upside down, a local health inspector and a doctor had to step in, completely from scratch, to save the day—culminating in a last-minute menu swap from Goldeye to Pickerel.
Established in 1897 by Walter “Harry” Gibbs, Gibbs’ Drug Store served as a beloved multi-generational cornerstone of daily life in Selkirk for over a century. From filling crucial after-hours prescriptions to providing postcards and souvenirs for tourists traveling aboard the S.S. Keenora, this historic downtown fixture faithfully served the community for 110 years before closing its doors in 2005.
From its 1920s beginnings equipped with borrowed tools to a striking appearance in an Oscar-winning Hollywood film, Gilbart Funeral Home is one of Selkirk’s most enduring landmarks. Discover the fascinating four-generation legacy of this local institution, the trailblazing businesswoman who blossomed the family trade, and the grand Queen Anne Revival heritage home that holds it all together.
From serving as a 13-year-old canteen boy on the S.S. Keenora to commanding naval warships and becoming the Mayor of Selkirk, Bill Shead’s life is a masterclass in leadership. Discover his incredible journey as a proud Cree naval officer, his royal appointments, and his decades of trailblazing volunteer service dedicated to Indigenous education and veterans.
From its humble late-1970s beginnings in a church basement to a bustling, modern facility on Eveline Street, the Gordon Howard Senior Centre has redefined aging in Selkirk. Discover the inspiring legacy of Gordon Howard, his fight against ageist stereotypes, and how his vision continues to keep local retirees active, independent, and deeply connected