With funds from the grant from the Morris Area Foundation and money from other sources, The Morris & District Centennial Museum Inc. chose to educate the public as to the roles Alexander Morris and his son, Edmund Morris played in the development of our town and our country. The Town of Morris was named after Alexander Morris. His role in negotiating Treaties 3,4,5 and 6 as well as redoing Treaties 1 and 2 with the Indigenous people of the area has greatly influenced our development as a province and a country. His work as a cabinet member in Sir John A Macdonald’s cabinet and then serving as Lieutenant Governor of the area has not been given the recognition it should have received. It is somewhat shocking to find so many locals had very little or no knowledge of his work. The same can be said for the artistic skill of his son, Edmund Morris.

Edmund Morris was a portrait artist who was commissioned by the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta to paint portraits of Indian Chiefs as part of a permanent record. We are pleased to have an original portrait done by Edmund Morris on display at the museum.

Over 100 people attended a dessert and coffee gathering at the museum on July 1. We had photos of Alexander Morris, special charts prepared as well as copies of Treaties 1, 2, and 3 available for the visitors to scan. We also updated the museum brochure which will become part of tourism promotions.