A volunteer interpreter sits by a fire inside Fort Gibraltar at Festival du Voyageur on Saturday, February 16, 2019. (CHRISD.CA FILE)
WINNIPEG — Festival du Voyageur marked a major milestone last year, celebrating 50 years of French Canadian culture and setting the tone for its future as western Canada’s largest winter festival.
“Festival du Voyageur is a reflection of our present-day community and our community during the fur trade era. The fur trade would not have been possible without a deep kinship between Indigenous peoples and the voyageurs,” said executive director Darrel Nadeau.
Organizers unveiled their complete programming lineup on Thursday.
“This year, our festival as a whole is a true reflection of this kinship that makes up our history, and it is with this spirit we will carry forward into the future.”
In support of Manitoba 150, Festival du Voyageur will not only highlight Indigenous musicians, but also Indigenous languages, stories, and visual arts.
Indigenous programming includes:
- Jamie Black, creator of The REDress Project, creating a new installation and live performance art piece
- Michif and Indigenous storytelling
- Indigenous Music Showcase in partnership with Indigenous Music and La musique francophone de l’Ouest canadien
- Field Trip Sessions art installation and walk-though gallery with Roots Above Branches
- Indigenous Makers Market on Louis Riel Day
- Reading and conversation with In Search of April Raintree author, Beatrice Mosionier
- An Indigenous culinary experience with ISHKODE pop-up
Organizers have also promised the biggest tent ever will be the most energetic venue in the history of the festival.
More than 1,000 people will pack the Bell MTS Red River Tent to hear their favourite local band or discover their next favourite artist.
Tickets are available now at heho.ca or at the Festival du Voyageur office at 233 Provencher Boulevard.
Festival du Voyageur runs February 14-23.
