Low German speaking Mennonites could be found enjoying music, food, and conversation at Winkler's Bethel Heritage Park Sunday. Kanadiertreffen featured music by Estaban Peters of Cuauhtemoc, Mexico; stories, games and singing for children; and special guest speaker Henry 'Hein' Remple, host of De Brigj Radio.

Kanadiertreffen isn't just a place to enjoy Low German music and food, it's a place where new immigrants can meet and learn about services in the community, says organizer Tina Fehr-Kehler.

"It's a place to meet each other where they normally wouldn't necessarily get to meet. It's a place to get some information about MCC, and about other programs in Manitoba and across Canada."

Fehr-Kehler also coordinates MCC's Low German Mennonite Services Office in Winkler. A service which helps Low German families immigrate to the region with proper with the necessary documentation and translation.

For many non-Low German speakers, they may be unfamiliar with the term Kanadier Treffen Fehr Kehler explains that Kanadier translates to Canada, and represents Low German immigrant families journey to Canada in1870 and left in 1920. 'Treffen' means gathering, a gathering fo those who traveled and lived in Canada.

This year's guest speaker Henry 'Hein' Remple spoke about the Low German radio station program he hosts in Aylmer, Ontario, spoke how their station helps new Low German immigrants.

"It's primarily to help newcomers who come to Canada from the Latin American countries, to help them integrate."

Remple explains these families need a place where they can listen, and learn about the Country and its culture, a native voice to help guide them.

Remple also spoke about the importance of preserving Low German via Radio. He explained during the early years many schools and churches spoke High German, and at home Low German was spoke, so they could still communicate. While High German has mostly been lost in communities, families migrating from Latin American countries still speak Low German, and having a place to listen to someone who speaks your native tongue is very helpful.

Kanadiertreffen ended with a potluck faspa, many who attended said it was a great success and can't wait until next year.

 

Low German Mennonites could listen to music in their native tongue