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2024 Events
Fall Gathering 2024 registration is now open!
Please go to our Fall Gathering page for details how to register.
October 31 – Nov 3, Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Here is a taste of some of the workshops and presentations that will be offered at the Fall Gathering:NAVC 2024 Teaser Class List (Just a few of the many!)All About Pockets (Debbie Young)The history and evolution of pockets.Fit Lab/Sewing Circle (Claire Sparling)Bring your sewing project and get advice on fit and assembly.Pushing Karl into Rabbit Holes(Karl Koster)Three stories that Karl, fur-trade historian, found fascinating.In the West: John Colter's Run, Tall Tale or Fact? (Dick Weaver)Was John Colter telling the truth about his escape from the Blackfeet and his run to safety?Through the Eyes of Jean Baptiste Chandonne (Mike Cox)A Metis fur trader's perspective of the War of 1812 and after.The Rowdy, but Respectable, Beaver Club (Paul Ellenbecker)The history and function of the NWC club. Build a Better Moccasin (Dave Turner)Learn tips and tricks to make better-fitting moccasins. A SHOCKING look at Fur Trade Medicine! (Matt Roy)Medical galvanism in the early 19th century. Trader Henry M. Rice and the Removal of the Winnebago in 1848 (Linda Bryan)Henry M. Rice made a fortune by manipulating the Winnebago and the U.S. government.French Canadian and Metis Identity in the Fur Trade (Matt Jollineau)Cultural identities and context of French Canadians and Metis in the fur trade. See Through Clothes(Thomas Shaw)An examination of original garments to understand construction, patterns, and alterations. Fire Starting Basics (Nicole Odegard)The record holder of Grand Portage's fire-starting competition shares her secrets. Blacksmithing (Bob Rossdeutcher)Make your own camp spatula.**Field trip** Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park An enchanting journey through time that offers a captivating glimpse into the past. Enjoy the museum and visit the restored village.Plus more!!!
The early bird deadline of September 15 is fast approaching…visit navoyageur.org today to register!Registration for the Fall Gathering is now open! Visit our website at navoyageur.org to register.
Registration for the Fall Gathering is now open! Visit our website at navoyageur.org to register.
2024 NAVC Fall Gathering – Advance Notice AnnouncementThe Fall Gathering will occur between Thursday, October 31 through to Sunday, November 3! The location this year is Fort William Historical Park, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada – just 45 miles north of GrandPortage.Your Fall Gathering registration includes lodging and meals from the evening of Thursday, October 31 through to the morning of Sunday, November 3. Presentation and workshop offerings will be held on Friday, November 1and Saturday, November 2, with the detailed schedule to be released in September.Registration will officially open on August 15 - please visit our website or watch our Facebook page for the announcements when registration is open!Click here to learn more about the Fall Gathering.
2024 NAVC Fall Gathering at Fort William HIstorical Park
The Fall Gathering will occur between Thursday, October 31 through to Sunday, November 3! The location this year is Fort William Historical Park, in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada – just 45 miles nort...
Members should find the summer issue of the newsletter in their email inbox: Dear NAVC Members,We are thrilled to announce the release of the Summer 2024 issue of the NAVC Voyageur Journal! This edition is packed with insightful articles, historical explorations, and captivating stories that celebrate our rich voyageur heritage.Inside this issue, you’ll find:The Beaver Club by Paul EllenbeckerA deep dive into the history and traditions of this elite social club founded in 1785 by the wintering partners of the North West Company.Scottish Culture in the North West by Jeremy KingsburyAn exploration of the profound influence of Scottish culture on the fur trade and life in the North West.The Tale of the Flying Canoe by Berit AllisonDiscover the legendary story of "La Chasse-Galerie," a thrilling tale involving voyageurs, the Devil, and an enchanted canoe.Pemmican’s Multi-Cultural Impact on the Fur Trade by Sandy GimplLearn about the crucial role of pemmican in the fur trade and its significance across different cultures.Past Fall Gathering Video PresentationsA summary of video presentations from previous fall gatherings, showcasing memorable moments and key insights.Book Recommendation by Janet La FranceGet a glimpse of our featured book, carefully selected to enrich your understanding of voyageur history and culture.Cover Photo, by Berit AllisonWe hope you enjoy this edition of the Voyageur Journal and find it both informative and engaging. Your feedback and contributions are always welcome.Happy reading!Warm regards,Kiri Butter - The Voyageur Journal EditorA companion episode of the Voyageur Express Podcast also went live today to accompany a couple of the articles.Listen wherever you get your podcasts or here:
Popular Culture of the Fur Trade (Ossian Poems) Voyageur Express 4
This episode is a reading from Donald Macpherson's collection of poetry he attributed to Ossian. You can read the original here: Fingal an ancient Epic Poem in Six Books: Together with several other P...