Learn about traditional knowledge through information sessions at Lower Fort Garry and the Forks this summer
Do you have an interest in learning about traditional Indigenous knowledge, local history or traditional art forms in our area? The Speaker Series at Lower Fort Garry this summer has you covered with information sessions where this knowledge is going to be shared taking place in the months of July and August.
“On select Saturdays, pretty much throughout July and August, Lower Fort Garry and the Forks, National Historic Sites, welcome Indigenous guest speakers to share their experiences and knowledge with visitors. Parks Canada invites visitors to come connect with First Nations and Red River Métis culture, art, and history through the series. What’s kind of neat is that it got launched in 2022 so we’re heading into our fourth season, which has been giving Parks Canada an opportunity to keep working with Indigenous peoples to provide educational and meaningful experiences in Manitoba. The program’s been growing, so we’ve gotten to expand not only the number of sessions, but also where they’re located. So, we’re really excited to be able to have it at Lower Fort Garry and the Forks again this year,” said France Richards the Knowledge Weaver for the Manitoba Field Unit of Parks Canada.
There will be a bunch of sessions that residents can choose to take part in this summer.
“The next upcoming one is going to be this Saturday, and that’ll be tipi teachings with Jaime Grasby, and that will be at the Forks location. But the next lower Fort Garry one will be July 19, and that will be beadwork and Norway House style silk embroidery with Cynthia Boehm,” said Richards.
Additional sessions at Lower Fort Garry include birchbark biting with Pat Bruderer on Aug. 2 and Red River carts with Armand and Kelly Jerome on Aug. 16.
Richards explained that it’s important to continue to share this knowledge with our communities.
“Parks Canada is committed essentially to a system of national heritage places with the interest of recognizing and honouring historic and contemporary cultures of Indigenous peoples, as well as the relationships Indigenous peoples have with ancestral lands and waters that connect to places like Lower Fort Gary and the Forks. So, one of the ways that we are fostering a better understanding of these histories and cultures and relationships is through Indigenous led programming. Just to kind of finalize the thought, I suppose, Parks Canada administered places are committed to providing visitors with high quality and meaningful experiences across the country through collaboration with Indigenous partners. I think it’s great for people to be able to access that through art, through culture, and through meeting people one on one,” said Richards.
There’s also a nice appeal to these talks being in-person sessions where we can exchange knowledge through oral discussions. This is much like knowledge would have traditionally been passed in our area and also is a great way to learn in a stress free environment.
“Guests have the opportunity to connect one on one, but also as a group with the speaker, and that’s how you get that memorable experience. Because I think there’s a lot to be said about being able to opt in to an experience, and you’re drawn in with curiosity, and then you stay for the learning. You get inspired. And from there, it’s just easy to be pursued, to explore more experiences, more knowledge, and maybe go to the next one,” said Richards.
To make the most of your experience at these events you can check out the information about the session online at https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/mb/fortgarry/activ/connaissances-knowledge and while you’re at Lower Fort Garry don’t forget to check out the rest of the Fort.
“There is no cost. And what’s kind of nice about this is you may have heard about the Canada Strong Pass. The Government of Canada is offering free admission to national parks, national historic sites, and also, National Marine Conservation Areas operated by Parks Canada. So the knowledge sharing series is just one more way to get the most out of that strong pass. So yeah, no sign up. Just come show up and have a nice time,” said Richard.
Residents should also know that both the Forks and Lower Fort Garry are accessible sites but there are some gravel paths that might be something worth noting if using a mobility device or stroller.
Everyone is welcome to attend these sessions.
“It can be art lovers. It can be people who are interested in history and Indigenous culture, and sometimes even just the curious, if you know nothing about the site, come find out,” said Richards.
