Culture Splash
Week 2 of #MNOExpedition: Fort William Training
The second week of our training experience was held at Fort William Historic Park in Thunder Bay. Throughout this week, the canoe expedition staff had their first taste of voyageur life, donning historic dress and getting involved in traditional activities.
The goal of this week was to ensure that the canoers were aware of the historical aspects of Métis culture and teach them the skills they would need to interact with community members along their route this summer. As a result, the youth learned more in depth about Métis skills such as jigging, finger weaving, beading, and Métis music.
One of the most important days of the week consisted of artisan workshops that taught the youth about the various skills that their ancestors may have practiced. They were lucky enough to make an axe head with the resident blacksmith, tin cups with the tinsmith and other artisan activities. This day not only gave us some insight into the duties of our ancestors, but we learned valuable skills that will aid us on our journey this summer.
The canoe expedition team was also given the opportunity to paddle together for the first time during this week. We were first instructed on how to do the proper safety procedures and techniques, and then off to the water we went! We spent 3 hours canoeing outside of the walls of Fort William, learning how to communicate and work as a team. Though it was our first experience as a group, the team worked well together and it gave us confidence in our abilities for the summer. We also practiced the ever important traditional salute!
Overall, our experience at Fort William helped us to understand the objective of this trip; to connect with Métis communities across Ontario and teach citizens about our rich and distinct culture.
