Festival du

Voyageur

The Voyageurs

Voyageurs were generally hired by contract as paddlers,

carriers and manual workers for the fur trade companies.
Most were French- Canadians, but there were also English,
Scottish, German, and Iroquois men.
Transported furs and other goods across more than 5000 km.

Many later became laborers, trappers, and farmers.

Some married First Nations, and later, Metis Women. This
helped bring the Metis nation in Manitoba into being.
The ceinture flche (arrow sash) is a long hand woven sash
made out of wool. It had many uses including: preventing
hernias, as a weight bearer, and even a cup

The Festival du Voyageur

Annual 10-day Winter Festival in February

Winnipeg, Manitoba
Western Canadas largest winter festival
First festival in 1969
Promote discovery of the rich history of the voyageur era
and the vitality of French language and culture in
Manitoba

What is done at the Festival?

The celebration of Manitobas francophonie is done

through entertainment, arts and crafts, music, and
exhibits, and displays.
The Voyageur Song,
Festival is famous for its snow sculptures found around
Winnipegs French Quarter- Saint Boniface.

Important Words
La ceinture flche - the sash
Le canotage - canoeing
La fourrure - fur, pelt
La sculpture sur glace - ice sculpture
La rivire - river

La Ceinture Flche - The Sash

Le Canotage - Canoeing

La Fourrure - the fur / pelt

La Sculpture Sur Glace - Ice Sculpture

La Rivire - River

Lesson Three

Song: (Follow along with your handout)

Down the river you can hear a wind song
Bearing tales of the voyageurs.
Bearing tales oui, oui, oui
Bearing tales non, non, non
Bearing tales of the voyageurs.

Activity:
Create your own verse about the Voyageurs
Remember
Line 1: 9-10 syllables
Line 2: 8 syllables
Line 3: repetition of first 3 syllables of second line (oui oui oui)
Line 4: repetition of first 3 syllables of second line (non, non,
non)
Line 5: repetition of line 2