[THUNDER BAY, JULY 12] — Fort William Historical Park is celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a Great Rendezvous running from July 8 to 16. The event features a diverse range of activities, reenactments, interactive demonstrations, and knowledge-sharing sessions, offering visitors an immersive experience into the rich history of the fur trade in the region.
One of the notable highlights of the muti-day event is a day focused on Métis Culture in the region – taking place on Wednesday, July 12th. As part of this, Fort William Historical Park, in collaboration with the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO), is presenting a Jigging Workshop led by talented MNO citizen, Ashley Moreau. The workshop will take place at 11:30 a.m. and again at 3:00 p.m., showcasing the vibrant Métis tradition. Additionally, MNO’s Summer Youth Cultural Program will contribute to the Music and Art Day on Wednesday with a workshop provided by three MNO students.
For a Grand Canoe arrival and re-enactment on Saturday, July 15, representatives from the Métis Nation of Ontario, including Region 2 Councillor Tim Sinclair, MNO Thunder Bay Councillor at Large, Tashya Orasi, and MNO Vice Chair, Sharon Cadeau will be in attendance. Métis leadership will journey around the park’s waterways in a big canoe, symbolizing the unity and strength of the community. The canoe arrival will take place from 2:00-2:30pm.
Also taking place on Saturday is the presentation of the James Bartleman Indigenous Youth Creative Writing Awards from 10:30-11:45am, commemorating the legacy of Ontario’s 27th Lieutenant Governor by recognizing twelve to fifteen Indigenous students for their creative writing talent. Awards will be presented by the Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell.
Fort William Historical Park, meticulously re-created to resemble the North West Company’s inland headquarters, boasts over 40 buildings for visitors to explore. These include the artisans’ area, the working farm, and the Anishinaabe encampment, offering a glimpse into the lives of Métis and Anishinaabe peoples, Scottish fur traders, and French-Canadian voyageurs.
The Great Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park is set to captivate and educate visitors of all ages. From July 8th to July 16th, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily, attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant history and cultural heritage of the fur trade era. For more information about the Great Rendezvous and Fort William Historical Park, please visit https://fwhp.org/. Indigenous people will receive free admission to this event.
For more information about the Historical Roots of Métis Communities North of Lake Superior, please see here.
Quotes:
“The Métis community holds a significant place in the history of this region. With a strong sense of shared identity and traditions, they played an integral role in the larger fur trade community that stretched from the Great Lakes to the Athabasca-Mackenzie. The Lake Superior-specific (Sault Ste. Marie/Nipigon/Fort William) Métis communities showcased their heritage and contributed greatly to the growth and development of Fort William and other North West Company trading sites during the early 19th century. Events like the Great Rendezvous are a great way to honour that rich history, culture and heritage.”
– MNO Region 2 Councillor Tim Sinclair
“The Great Rendezvous, returning after a 12-year hiatus, offers parkgoers a thrilling opportunity to journey back in time, exploring the fascinating fur trade and the vibrant Indigenous heritage of the region. As Métis people, we are delighted to connect with our profound history and culture through this historical park, which is also providing our citizens with invaluable avenues for cultural immersion. We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting event and look forward to travelling in a Big Canoe as part of the Grand Arrival and other celebrations.”
– MNO Vice Chair, Sharon Cadeau
“Since 1973, Fort William Historical Park has been providing visitors of all ages with a unique cultural and historical experience, including our 50th anniversary Great Rendezvous celebration. We are grateful to the Métis Nation of Ontario and our numerous partners, alumni and volunteers, who are helping support this event. We look forward to seeing the community enjoy this great opportunity to learn more about fur trade history and the many different cultures represented at Fort William.”
– Fort William Historical Park General Manager, Patrick Morash
Media Contact:
Katie Duklas
Consultant, Media Profile
(905) 703 5841
Katie.Duklas@mediaprofile.com