Message from the President and the Executive Director

After six weeks of winter activities during the Saison Voyageur, here we are ready for the biggest winter celebration! This year’s Festival du Voyageur promises to be full of new and updated activities that will keep you entertained with family and friends.

We are extremely proud of our Festival and we hope to be able to celebrate with all of you during the 10 days of the Festival.

The Festival du Voyageur could not take place each year without the support of our family…our sponsors, partners, staff, volunteers, and our ever-growing patrons. Thanks for being there every step of the way! We thank you for your continued support and we are honoured to share the Festival’s success with each and every one of you.

Have fun and welcome to the Voyageur Training Centre!
HÉ HO!

Daniel Damphousse, President
Josée Vaillancourt, Executive Director

MESSAGE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA, STEPHEN HARPER

I am pleased to extend warm greetings to everyone attending the 41st Festival du Voyageur. This unique event is a veritable anthem to the remarkable Franco-Manitoban heritage, showcasing the epic history of the voyageurs in a festive winter atmosphere. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate the organizers and wish everyone a memorable Festival.

MESSAGE FROM THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF MANITOBA,

the Honourable Philip S. Lee C.M., O.M.

As The Queen’s representative in Manitoba, I extend vice-regal greetings on the occasion of the 2010 Festival du Voyageur.
Each year, winter returns to Manitoba with promise of frosty weather and plenty of fun during the festival. I applaud this event for highlighting the importance of the fur trade era and paying tribute to the historical and cultural significance of French-Canadian heritage. Best wishes to everyone involved for another enjoyable celebration.

MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER, GREG SELINGER

Bienvenue! On behalf of the people and province of Manitoba, I warmly welcome you to the 41st Annual Festival du Voyageur.
The streets of beautiful St. Boniface come alive during this 10 daylong celebration. Le Festival is a special occasion to rejoice in our Franco-Manitoban and Metis culture and experience the Voyageur heritage of our great province. The music, cuisine, dancing and history entertain and delight the over 105,000 visitors who come every year to the heart of the Francophone community to partake in this joyous winter festival.
I join all Manitobans in thanking the organizers and volunteers for their dedication to bringing a spirit of festivity and fun to our province year after year. I wish all participants a fantastic Festival!

MESSAGE FROM THE MANITOBA MINISTER OF CULTURE, HERITAGE AND TOURISM,

Flor Marcelino

Bienvenue!
Welcome to Festival du Voyageur, the celebrated showcase of Franco-Manitoban culture and heritage. The genuine joie de vivre so prominent at this popular event brings a special warmth to St. Boniface and our entire province.

Manitobans are proud of our Franco-Manitoban community, one that takes such spirited pride and pleasure in its cultural richness.
Bon Festival!

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR, SAM KATZ

As the Mayor of Winnipeg, I am honoured to bring greetings on behalf of the City of Winnipeg to all those attending the 41st anniversary of the Festival du Voyageur.
As you celebrate this time-honoured event, it is my hope that guests in our City will experience the warm hospitality that Winnipeg – Canada’s cultural capital for 2010 – offers.
I wish you all the best.
Bon Festival!