Fur trader day

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Visitors to Fort Carlton were recently able to relive the past by experiencing present day traditions. During Fur Trader Day, which took place on July 12, local First Nations and Metis people demonstrated that crafts and customs learned from their ancestors are still very evident.

A centre for provisioning, transportation and trade for 75 years, the fort on the North Saskatchewan River was unlike most trading posts in the 1800s. Others moved every eight or ten years, while Fort Carlton served as a vital hub in a busy transportation system that stretched from Winnipeg to Hudson Bay and to the Rocky Mountains.

Inside the reconstructed stockade and buildings at Fort Carlton Provincial Historic Park, a full day of events was scheduled to bring back the golden era of carts and pemmican.

However, it was before visitors reached the walls of the fort, they got their first taste of what life had been like. Young dancers from Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation put on a breathtaking display of traditional, jingle, fancy and grass dancing. The youth put their hearts and souls into the performances. From the tiniest toddler to the most accomplished main attraction, they glowed with pride in their costumes and their skills.

Rain forced the dancers into a big tent set up as a canteen at first, but they were able to move outside later so that everyone had an excellent view of their expertise.

A group of exchange students from Japan, in Canada to learn English were at the fort on a field trip. They were delighted with the day's events.

At its peak, red river carts, york boats and dog sleds all met a the fort to pick up or drop off supplies, trade goods, furs, people and news. Tragically, the end of the fur trade signaled the end of Fort Carlton.

The activities of the day included trail walks, fiddling by Kerri English, blacksmithing demonstrations by Rick and Joan Dixon, blackpowder demos by Gordon and Sylvia Pocha, traditional demos by Lyndon Tootoosis, dogsledding with Harris English and a range of children's activities.

There were also period demonstrations and historic interpretations by a well-trained and informed staff.

Victorine Eyahpaise provided a close-up look at how the detail was achieved on the beautiful hand-beaded costumes and accessories. She put the most intricate designs together on a hand loom in minutes, using old techniques and a few of her own shortcuts.

Fort Carlton is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until Labour Day. Admission applies. Phone 787-2700, 467-4512 or 1-800-667-2757 for more information.