History of Red River West Rendezvous
The idea for Red River West Metis Rendezvous was born in 1997 when Metis people on Vancouver Island participated in "The Gathering of the Valley Festival" hosted by the First Nations People of the Cowichan Valley.
Discussion took place around an evening campfire as to the feasibility of hosting a similar event to promote awareness of the Metis Culture. Given that the Metis people are the least visible of all Aboriginal groups it was decided that a festival which included all aspects of the Metis culture would be of major significance to educate not just non-Metis but also the Metis people as to heritage and culture of Metis. By providing this type of venue and events we are sure to not only promote the culture and heritage of the Metis people but also to educate the general population on the history of the Metis. The significance of "Stepping Back in Time" to a "Historical 1800's Buffalo Camp" increases knowledge and educates all as to the lifestyles of the Metis. That information will be passed on for generations to come. The festival includes a historical 1800's buffalo hunt camp complete with historic dress, tipis, trappers and traders tents, Red River carts, traditional foods, language and customs.
The 1998 and 1999 festivals were held outside of Duncan at Bright Angel Park, a provincial park that offered a great setting to showcase the primitive camp. The planning committee for Red River West 2000 decided to move the festival to a location that would allow a venue where black powder shooting, archery and blacksmith demonstrations could be introduced as part of the activities. To further amplify the atmosphere Ariel, a hunting hawk, was brought in to help illustrate methods of hunting available during that era. Ariel has since been released back into the wild, but is sadly missed by all.
The festival is currently held at the Victoria Fish and Game Club and has been since the year 2000. The Address is 700 Holker Road, which is just off the Trans Canada Highway near the summit of the Malahat Mountain on Vancouver Island. The dates and the location of the rendezvous attract not only the locals but tourists as well. Admission to the festival is by donation thereby making it affordable for all.
RELEVANCE OF THE EVENT
The general public and the Metis Community are the beneficiaries of this event. The Red River West Metis Rendezvous is an educational and cultural resource for Metis people and the general public. There is a very large Metis community on Vancouver Island consisting of approximately 6,500 Metis members. Recent information provided from Stats Canada shows that there are approximately 4400 self-identified Metis in the province of British Columbia. This is one of the fasting growing groups of all Aboriginals.
This gathering allows Metis to get together and learn and share their history and culture. It allows them to come together as a group and promote and educate the general population as well as themselves./n