The story of how the “Brotschuld” or “Bread Debt” was instrumental in helping Mennonites settle in Manitoba on Episode 6 of Still Speaking – PembinaValleyOnline.com

2024 and 2025 marked the a hundred and fiftieth anniversaries of Mennonite communities in Manitoba and on this season of Nonetheless Talking, host Conrad Stoesz from the Mennonite Heritage Archives is sharing true historic tales round this theme.

Following the plague of locusts that ravaged the crops, gardens and even fabric of the primary Mennonite settlers in Manitoba, 500,000 sq. kilometers in dimension, they have been confronted with the opportunity of hunger, however because of the nice identify of Mennonites in Ontario, they discovered an answer…

“The Mennonites requested for assist from the Swiss Mennonites in Ontario. Businessman Jacob Weiss Schantz led the rescue mission. The Ontario Mennonites lend $50,000, however extra was wanted and an enchantment was made to the Canadian authorities. Within the dialogue of Canadian Parliament, concern was expressed by giving cash to pacifists. Others identified the compensation of money owed was a part of the Mennonite faith. The great identify of the Mennonites in Ontario carried the day and $100,000 mortgage was obtained from the federal government, secured by the Ontario Mennonites. If the startups in Manitoba didn’t make it, the Ontario Mennonites can be on the hook for the cash. Mennonites on either side of the Pink River, East Reserve and West Reserve obtained cash often known as “The Brotschuld” or “Bread Debt”. There’s a lot appreciation to the Mennonites in Ontario and the Canadian authorities for this support.”

Hearken to the remainder of the story on Episode 6 of Sill Talking, season three:

Nonetheless Talking airs each Tuesday and Thursday at 9:15am through the Morning Present, and each Saturday afternoon at 12:15pm.