Drums thundered as canoes made their way to their final destination along the Fraser River in Prince George on Thursday.
Community members were eager to meet the voyageurs who made their way to Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park after a three day voyage.
"We are friends now. We have had many adventures and many misadventures," a member of the Fort to Fort Voyageur Brigade shouted as he made his way to shore. "We are asking permission to enter. We offer goods. May we come ashore?"
"Yes, you are welcome," a member from Lheidli T'enneh bellowed in return as the voyageurs clapped their paddles in roaring unison.
There were 11 canoes that traveled from Stuart Lake and Stuart River in Fort St. James, along the Nechako River near Vanderhoof and finished in Prince George over three days.
"I feel great. It was three days at a really nice, relaxed pace," said Eugene Peters. "We only had one mishap. Our canoe tipped so we did have to do a rescue but all was fine and we didn't lose anyone."
But Peters has only begun his voyage. He will now be canoeing his way to Ottawa.
For Lheidli T'enneh elder Edie Frederick, the event was very much a recognition of the past.
"This is a reenactment of an event that took place over 150 years ago," Frederick said.
"We believe our ancestors encountered the first non-natives. They were offered tobacco and tea. With spears in hand, they took the goods not knowing what these things were."
For Frederick, it the oral history that keeps these stories alive.
"It's bittersweet for me. I remember listening to these stories from my elders. It's up to our children to grasp these stories and pass them on."
As each canoe made their way to shore, brigade members were welcomed for a formal gathering at the park.
Michel Bouchard, anthropologist from UNBC and president of Le Cercle des Canadiens-Francais de Prince George was thrilled to take part in the event.
"Things are just falling into place," Bouchard said.
"An event such as this allows for a better understanding of the past and brings communities together. It's a path to reconciliation and it's nice to highlight French speakers of the past and present also. We are all so proud."
Voyageurs were greeted warmly as they made their way to shore.
"I think this event brings voyageurs into our community from all over," said Prince George Mayor, Lyn Hall. "This is an opportunity to learn. And it builds on tradition and reminds people of what voyageurs were all about."
