Manitoba voyageurs hit Red River for Canada 150 rendezvous

A group of modern-day voyageurs are taking to the Red River for the next three days for a special rendezvous.

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La Brigade de la Rivire Rouge is going on a trip to celebrate Canada 150 that is being organized by the Manitoba non-profit Rivers West before the organization shuts its doors for good later this year. Rivers Westhas struggled to stay afloat after losing provincial funding a few years ago.

"It's just our way of honouring our ancestors and the history of the river and the fur trade," said Anne-Marie Thibert, executive director of Rivers West.

Thibertand the groupleft St. Jean Baptiste, Man., on Thursday morning and will arrive at The Forks on Saturday, where they hope to gather 150 canoes on the river.

They will travel about 100 kilometres on the riverand will make stops to have community barbecues in Ste. Agatheand St. Norbertbefore arriving in Winnipeg.

Connection to the land

She is asking canoeists to gather on the Red River facing the St. Boniface Cathedral at 3:45 p.m. Saturday for a special salute.

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She said being on a Canadian river is the perfect way to blend history with the cultural aspect of Canada 150.

"It's a resource right in our own backyard."

She said being on the water in a canoe on a voyage gives her greater appreciation for life, food, and shelter.

"It really helps you put into perspective, well, what's important," she said.

"It's the connection to the land, the connection to history."