LES COUREURS DE BOIS ET VOYAGEURS DE STE. CLAIRE SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL ENCAMPMENT, MICHIGAN'S FRENCH CANADIAN HERITAGE DAY, AND JAMES LAFOREST'S STORYKEEPERS PROJECT

The Voyageur's Encampment at Lake St. Clair Metropark 2011

Well ... got myself all geared up for the the Voyageur's Encampment last weekend. Sturdy shoes, sunscreen, hat and camera in hand––I headed over to the Montreal canoe presentation. The presenter was a talented storyteller. He brought the French voyageurs, the fur trade, and history of New France to life. Unfortunately I did not get his name. (Wish the Schedule of Events listed the presenter's names.) 

I was about to take my first photo of his thirty foot Montreal canoe when my camera went dead. I'd forgotten to charge the battery. :( :( :(   But my kind and wonderful husband took some photos with his phone, and along with a few picture's from the 2011 Encampment, I thought I'd update this post. 

Detroit Drunken Historical Society

The Montreal canoe, 30 feet long.

Rabbit, onions and potatoes. 

Jesuit Pears?? 

Launching onto Lake St. Clair

In the Montreal canoe, twelve men could paddle tons of cargo 300 miles in a week.

Just like the 2011 Encampment, it was a beautiful day by Lake St. Clair.

And don't forget Michigan's new French Canadian Heritage day, October 4th, 2013.

Thanks to the efforts of James LaForest, members of the Ad Hoc Committee, and those who signed the petition they sent to Governor Snyder–– October 4, 2013 will be Michigan's first official French Canadian Heritage Day.

James has also started a wonderful project on his blog. He's invited descendants of Michigan's early French to submit memories of their French Canadian families to his Storykeepers Project. Family traditions, childhood memories, food and recipes, genealogy––already there are several great stories posted, so check it out. 

THE STORYKEEPERS PROJECT: YOUR VOICES, FAMILY STORIES

Just thought I'd let everyone know...And thank you James LaForest.

Vivian  : )