Until the 1880s, the Métis nation played a major role in transportation, hunting, trading, and agriculture in communities throughout the Great Northern Plains. After 1885, punitive measures taken by governments and citizens compelled the Métis to live in poverty as marginalized citizens in Canadian society. This situation existed until a number of Métis became soldiers in World War II. Métis identity and spirit were rekindled during the post-war period, in part due to increased understanding of the significance of their past. Today, organizations such as the St. Norbert Meéis Cart Builders’ Association bring to life the history, culture, and way of life as no museum has done. In 2004–2005, a trek in Red River carts from Winnipeg to Batoche helped hundreds of citizens learn about Métis heritage. Similarly, the National Museum of the American Indian featured a Bombardier at the St. Laurent, Manitoba exhibit in 2004. In both cases, the knowledge and stories about the heritage and life of the Métis emanated from the Métis people themselves.