Students in Vita and Sprague were part of a rare moment in Manitoba history this week as the Legislative Assembly’s ceremonial Mace toured their schools with La Verendrye MLA Konrad Narth. The Mace, which symbolizes the authority of the Crown in the Legislature, has only left the Manitoba Legislative Building four times in its 141-year history. Narth hosted the most recent tours, visiting Grade 5 and 6 students in Vita and Grade 9 to 12 students in Sprague. “It was an honour to be part of the 3rd and 4th ever Mace tour in our province,” said Narth. “In 141 years the Mace has only left the Manitoba Legislature three times so these southeast students have made history without even knowing.” Narth said he was struck by the genuine curiosity of the students, who asked thoughtful questions about provincial government, history, and the role of an MLA. He noted that many high school students chose to attend even during their free period. “It was really rewarding to see that young Manitobans are genuinely interested in how government functions and the rich history of this province,” he said. The Mace tour, led by the Legislature’s Sergeant-at-Arms and tour guide, aims to bring Manitoba’s democratic and artistic heritage directly to classrooms. Students learned about the Mace’s origins, dating back to when it was used as a weapon to protect the Speaker, and how it evolved into a symbol of authority and order in government. “The Mace was specifically created 141 years ago for Manitoba, speaking to the strong economic position the province had at that time,” said Narth. “It’s similar to the Golden Boy, pointing to the future of the North and symbolizing what we are as a province.” Teachers at both schools expressed appreciation for the visit, noting that seeing such an important historical artifact up close brought the lessons of civics and Manitoba history to life. Narth said he hopes the experience will inspire more young people to engage with provincial politics and understand how decisions made in the Legislature affect their communities.