Every Year, during one of the coldest weeks of February, Manitobans hold a giant out door festival celebrating the history of the fur trade. It brings French Canadian Voyageurs, Metis and First Nations histories back to life in one of the largest winter festivals in Western Canada.
Each year there are Fiddling & Jigging Contests, Snow Sculptures all around the city, Snowshoeing, activities and tours teaching us all about the history of the fur trade in Canada, Traditional French-Canadian Food and Music, and our favourite the Maple Syrup on a stick, which is just discovers is called Maple Taffy.
To celebrate this week long festival we created a couple of activities that are sure to get you in to the Voyager Spirit.
Wooden Canoe
The Voyagers main mode of transportation was the Canoe. They traveled all across what would later be known as Canada; trapping, trading, and transporting furs from all different kinds of animals. Click here to find out how you can make your own canoe with Popsicle sticks, glue and a little paint.
Quebec-Style Pea Soup
Food and drink is always a huge part of Festival du Voyageur, with the staples like tourtière, pea soup, bannock and maple taffy. We came up with a pea soup recipe that will make you feel like you are huddled in a tent cheering at the bread growing contest.
Metis Sash Inspired Bracelet
In the days of the voyageur, the sash was both a colourful and festive item of clothing and an important tool worn by the hardy tradesmen. Doubling as a rope when needed, the sash served as a key holder, first aid kit, washcloth, towel, and as an emergency bridle and saddle blanket. Using wool you can make your own Metis inspired Sash Bracelet.
We want to see all your art creations!
Don’t forget to take a picture of your Craft and tag us on Instagram @_kreativekids.
For more Festival du Voyager Activities please check out their website Here
