The North American Voyageur Council
History of
The Fall Gathering
The North American Voyageur Council (NAVC) is often understood to be simply a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about the Great Lakes/Canadian Fur Trade. But this organization also has quite a long and rich history of bringing such folk together to meet each other and to deepen our knowledge of this fascinating time period in history through workshops, speakers, demonstrations, and exhibits.
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​For most of the year, this organization lies largely undercover, providing an excellent quarterly newsletter that appears in our members' mail boxes. But then, as fall approaches, with a flurry the call goes out for the annual "NAVC Fall Gathering" which provides some of our most proud moments.
The "Annual Gathering" had its birth in the late 1970's, a time when reenacting was spurred by the Bicentennial and growth of all kinds of reenacting flourished. Since that time many avenues of reenacting have developed their own "Gatherings" or "Schools" of classes and talks suited to educate those interested in their time period. Examples of these include the Woodland Native Conference, the Sam Brady Conferences, The School of the Soldier, The School of the Longhunter, The School of the Cannoneer, and The Kentucky Woodsmen Weekend. The 30 years of NAVC Gatherings rank this event among the first of its kind, if not the oldest.
The Gathering, in its inception, was organized by and assembled various "Brigades" or groups. Now, groups and individuals from all over North America are a part of this organization. Over the years the Gatherings have been held in numerous states and provinces, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Manitoba, and Ontario. These events have gathered from 40 to over 130 participants. Recently the board members of this venerable organization have organized the last few Gatherings and the NAVC itself is flourishing and indeed is witnessing a resurgence.
Writing Credit: Karl Koster and Wayne Krefting
