Originally constructed at the forks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in 1809-10, Fort Gibraltar was a North West Company fur trading post. Although not terribly important in terms of the volume of furs that passed through her gates, Fort Gibraltar did play an impressive role in the development of the Red River Settlement and the legendary conflict between the two fur trading empires: the North West and Hudson’s Bay companies. Fort Gibraltar was reconstructed by the Festival du Voyageur in 1978.
Activities at Fort Gibraltar during Festival du Voyageur
Take a tour of Fort Gibraltar and learn more about the fascinating history of this previous North West Company fur trading post.
GUIDED TOURS OF FORT GIBRALTAR
Every hour, starting at 12 p.m., there will be two tours of Fort Gibraltar, one tour in English and one tour in French.
February 17 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
February 18 & 19 – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
February 20 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
February 23 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
February 24 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
February 25 – 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
February 26 – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
FUR TRADE MUSEUM
The members of Manitoba Living History Society become “The People of the Red River”. This interactive museum is offered in the Partners’ Room (2nd Floor, Maison du Bourgeois) and consists of a variety of themes relating to the early Selkirk Settlement era.
February 17 – 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
February 18 & 19 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
February 20 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
February 23 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
February 24 – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
February 25 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
February 26 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
KITCHEN PARTY
Visit an authentic voyageur style ho-down in the “Cabane des Hivernants” inside Fort Gibraltar. Come and listen to historical music featuring traditional instruments and great sing along tunes. Dance along with the voyageurs as they practice their jigging!
February 17 – 9 p.m. to 12 a.m.
February 18 & 19 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
February 20 – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
February 23 – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
February 24 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
February 25 – 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
February 26 – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
RED RIVER SKIRMISH
Watch an authentic display of historical military tactics right inside Voyageur Park! La Compagnie de La Vérendrye and The Forces of Lord Selkirk will be drilling with flintlock muskets and black powder, demonstrating how battles were fought years ago. Join them in Fort Gibraltar before and after the battle, and discuss the reality of a soldier’s life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
February 19 – 3 p.m. – Fort Gibraltar (Riverside)
February 26 – 3 p.m. – Fort Gibraltar (Riverside)
Workshops
Fort Gibraltar offers a series of workshops for individuals looking to expand their historical knowledge. Seating is limited, please arrive early.
Snow Goggles
Have you ever wondered how the Inuit developed the first sunglasses? Test your creative skill by making your own pair of wooden snow goggles using traditional methods and materials.
February 19 – noon to 1 p.m. in the workshop
February 26 – noon to 1 p.m. in the workshop
Coopering
Coopering is a highly skilled trade dating back for thousands of years. The cooper fashions sturdy shipping containers out of wooden staves held together using only hoops, without glue or nails.
February 18 – noon to 4 p.m. in the workshop
February 25 – noon to 4 p.m. in the workshop
Metis beading
Be that person with the beautiful beadwork! Learn how to make your own traditional métis-style beaded crafts with our resident expert.
February 20 – noon to 1 p.m. in the Maison Chaboillez presented by Superior Propane
February 26 – 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Winterer’s Cabin
Fur trade dances
Put on your dancing boots and join us in a whirl of jigs and reels reminiscent of times and traditions gone by.
February 25 – 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Maison du Bourgeois
Pemmican: Fuel for the Voyageurs
Learn about the importance of pemmican to the fur trade and about the First Nations People who made it. We will demonstrate authentic production techniques and even a couple of recipes.
February 20 – 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the store
Flint Knapping
Make a plain old rock into a useful tool! Using age-old techniques our expert will show you how people developed these essential skills to survive in times gone-by.
February 18 – noon to 4 p.m. in the Maison du Bourgeois
Pierre Bonga
The son of freed slaves, this highly skilled African-American voyageur had a lasting impact on the fur trade. Come and discover this fascinating character through an interactive workshop and lecture.
February 20 – 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Maison Chaboillez presented by Superior Propane
February 25 – 1 p.m to 2 p.m. in the store
Birch-Bark Biting
February 25 – noon to 4 p.m. in the store
