Visit with the People of Red River
Teachers' and Caregivers' Guide
Teachers' and Caregivers' Guide
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Hello Teachers and Caregivers!
Welcome to Visit With the People of Red River, brought to you by Manitoba Living History Society.
All of our interpreters are volunteers and are committed to providing you with an educational historic experience. We heartily support a safe and respectful learning environment for all.
Just a note that there are a few take-aways from some of the stations, so having a small bag for each student would be handy.
When you arrive, one of our guides will meet with you and provide a brief introduction.
There will be a half hour lunch break from 12 noon to 12:30 PM. No students will be allowed near the displays during this time.
This year, we have about 15-20 stations planned. There may be some minor variation in what is actually offered. Stations with a red star icon on the map can accommodate 12 students every 20 minutes. Occasionally, the interpreter at that station may invite a few more students to join the session. The remaining stations are come and go. Our interpreters love to share their knowledge! We encourage students to remain at a station that they are interested in and ask lots of questions. Students may not get to every station in the day.
The following stations are timed (red star) stations...
Hello Teachers and Caregivers!
Welcome to Visit With the People of Red River, brought to you by Manitoba Living History Society.
All of our interpreters are volunteers and are committed to providing you with an educational historic experience. We heartily support a safe and respectful learning environment for all.
Just a note that there are a few take-aways from some of the stations, so having a small bag for each student would be handy.
When you arrive, one of our guides will meet with you and provide a brief introduction.
There will be a half hour lunch break from 12 noon to 12:30 PM. No students will be allowed near the displays during this time.
This year, we have about 15-20 stations planned. There may be some minor variation in what is actually offered. Stations with a red star icon on the map can accommodate 12 students every 20 minutes. Occasionally, the interpreter at that station may invite a few more students to join the session. The remaining stations are come and go. Our interpreters love to share their knowledge! We encourage students to remain at a station that they are interested in and ask lots of questions. Students may not get to every station in the day.
The following stations are timed (red star) stations...
1. Laundry Day
Students will be introduced to an entirely different perspective on cleanliness. Keeping one's body and clothing clean was a difficult and tedious chore in the pre-washer and dryer world. In the 1800's, textiles were relatively expensive and "store bought" soap was a luxury that few could afford. Join Genevieve and give the washing, wringing and hanging a try.
Students will be introduced to an entirely different perspective on cleanliness. Keeping one's body and clothing clean was a difficult and tedious chore in the pre-washer and dryer world. In the 1800's, textiles were relatively expensive and "store bought" soap was a luxury that few could afford. Join Genevieve and give the washing, wringing and hanging a try.
2. The Blending of Two Cultures
Olivia, Aria and Brynja will be discussing the history of the people of the Red River specifically where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers cross, beginning 300 years ago. They will look at the Indigenous people who used this area before any contact with the Europeans; their way of life: clothing, shelter, food, dependence on nature. There will be a discussion on the arrival of the Europeans: who were they, when and why did they come? What did they bring that changed the lives of the Indigenous people? What was the result of the blending of these diverse cultures? At this station, students may choose to make a necklace or bracelet using sinew and glass beads.
Olivia, Aria and Brynja will be discussing the history of the people of the Red River specifically where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers cross, beginning 300 years ago. They will look at the Indigenous people who used this area before any contact with the Europeans; their way of life: clothing, shelter, food, dependence on nature. There will be a discussion on the arrival of the Europeans: who were they, when and why did they come? What did they bring that changed the lives of the Indigenous people? What was the result of the blending of these diverse cultures? At this station, students may choose to make a necklace or bracelet using sinew and glass beads.
3. Preparing Wool for Spinning, Weaving and Felting
To the Scottish settlers, Red River seemed very isolated and so different from their homeland. They struggled to become self-sustaining. They needed to produce a commodity that could be used for meat; to make clothing for themselves; and also, that they could sell to the Hudson’s Bay Company. Sheep were the answer! Join Lori in learning to card wool as you listen to stories about how sheep and their wool were used in the Red River Settlement
To the Scottish settlers, Red River seemed very isolated and so different from their homeland. They struggled to become self-sustaining. They needed to produce a commodity that could be used for meat; to make clothing for themselves; and also, that they could sell to the Hudson’s Bay Company. Sheep were the answer! Join Lori in learning to card wool as you listen to stories about how sheep and their wool were used in the Red River Settlement
4. Traveling by Canoe
200 years ago, rivers were the highways. Students will have help to conceptualize not only the size, but also the advantages and drawbacks of a canoe in the 1800's. David will tell students about the North West Company /Hudson's Bay Company and assist them to gain some insight into the operation of the vessel. He will teach students to paddle as a group to the beat of songs from the time.
200 years ago, rivers were the highways. Students will have help to conceptualize not only the size, but also the advantages and drawbacks of a canoe in the 1800's. David will tell students about the North West Company /Hudson's Bay Company and assist them to gain some insight into the operation of the vessel. He will teach students to paddle as a group to the beat of songs from the time.
5. The Life of a Soldier in 1812
Wayne will have students standing at attention like the soldiers of 1812 with a wooden "musket" over their shoulder. He will teach students some basic movements of the Manual of Arms and guide them through a Platoon Exercise. Before they leave, they will be treated to a demonstration of the loading and firing of a real musket with blank cartridges.
Wayne will have students standing at attention like the soldiers of 1812 with a wooden "musket" over their shoulder. He will teach students some basic movements of the Manual of Arms and guide them through a Platoon Exercise. Before they leave, they will be treated to a demonstration of the loading and firing of a real musket with blank cartridges.
6. Indigenous Kids' Games
Indigenous peoples have a long history of playing games that promoted physical fitness and built a spirit of community. Try the Hunting Game, Leg Wrestling, the Unbalancing Game, and Listen and Find. Charlie encourages everyone to let off steam in these fun, friendly and competitive activities.
Indigenous peoples have a long history of playing games that promoted physical fitness and built a spirit of community. Try the Hunting Game, Leg Wrestling, the Unbalancing Game, and Listen and Find. Charlie encourages everyone to let off steam in these fun, friendly and competitive activities.
7. Quill Pen Writing
Marc will provide the students with an overview of the importance of literacy in the early 19th century. He will talk about the difficulty in finding young men who had sufficient skills to keep journals and ledgers, and indeed to write letters for their fellow workers who were illiterate. Give writing with a real quill pen and ink a try and take home a sample of your work!
Marc will provide the students with an overview of the importance of literacy in the early 19th century. He will talk about the difficulty in finding young men who had sufficient skills to keep journals and ledgers, and indeed to write letters for their fellow workers who were illiterate. Give writing with a real quill pen and ink a try and take home a sample of your work!
8. How Homes Were Lit/Candle Making
Early inhabitants of the Red River Valley had to be as self-sufficient as possible. They lived and worked by the rising and setting of the sun, but in the winter, the available daylight wasn't enough to complete all the required tasks. Candle making was a major family activity so that a supply could be readied for winter. Elizabeth and Mackenzie will help students dip their own tallow candle that they will be able to take home at the end of the day.
Early inhabitants of the Red River Valley had to be as self-sufficient as possible. They lived and worked by the rising and setting of the sun, but in the winter, the available daylight wasn't enough to complete all the required tasks. Candle making was a major family activity so that a supply could be readied for winter. Elizabeth and Mackenzie will help students dip their own tallow candle that they will be able to take home at the end of the day.
9. The Company Guide
Even in the middle of the city in 2026, there are secrets of nature that a company guide would be able to share. Blake will take groups of a dozen students at a time on a trek through the "forests" of Seven Oaks House Museum. He will point out clues that helped guides find their way from one trading post to the next. Guides like Blake are encyclopedias of knowledge when it comes to local flora and fauna!
Even in the middle of the city in 2026, there are secrets of nature that a company guide would be able to share. Blake will take groups of a dozen students at a time on a trek through the "forests" of Seven Oaks House Museum. He will point out clues that helped guides find their way from one trading post to the next. Guides like Blake are encyclopedias of knowledge when it comes to local flora and fauna!
10. Doctor in the Community,
Doctor Sutherland is ready to remove your arms or legs should they be damaged beyond repair. Don't be shy, he will need a volunteer to demonstrate his skills! He will also tell you about how medicine in the 1800's was different from the medicine of today.
Doctor Sutherland is ready to remove your arms or legs should they be damaged beyond repair. Don't be shy, he will need a volunteer to demonstrate his skills! He will also tell you about how medicine in the 1800's was different from the medicine of today.
*Two stations have open fires. Students are strictly prohibited from interacting with the fire and we ask that teachers and supervisors enforce this rule.
Stations where students can come and go...
1. Spinning
Learn all about the history of the spinning wheel while watching Rose, an expert spinster at work. What breed of sheep would make the best socks? Who would do the spinning in the household? Why do you see spinning wheels next to the fireplace in old paintings?
Learn all about the history of the spinning wheel while watching Rose, an expert spinster at work. What breed of sheep would make the best socks? Who would do the spinning in the household? Why do you see spinning wheels next to the fireplace in old paintings?
2. Weaving
Yarn could be woven to make a thick wide cloth, very thin ties and everything in between. Is it faster to knit a blanket or to weave one? Can you weave without a loom? How are fancy patterns made? How are Metis sashes woven? What is the history of May's box loom?
Yarn could be woven to make a thick wide cloth, very thin ties and everything in between. Is it faster to knit a blanket or to weave one? Can you weave without a loom? How are fancy patterns made? How are Metis sashes woven? What is the history of May's box loom?
3. Rug Hooking
Oriole is an author and master storyteller. As she creates a functional piece of artwork, she will engage her audience with tales of what life was like for her parents and grandparents as far back as the 1800's. Ask her to tell you a story! You won't be disappointed.
Oriole is an author and master storyteller. As she creates a functional piece of artwork, she will engage her audience with tales of what life was like for her parents and grandparents as far back as the 1800's. Ask her to tell you a story! You won't be disappointed.
4. Open Fire Cooking
Even indoors, in the early years, meals were made over an open fire in a fireplace. There is great skill needed to keep the temperature just right. Bernice will tell you all about the size of fire and her choice of simple ingredients that would fill hungry bellies. You will be able to sample some traditional oat cakes hot out of the pan!
Even indoors, in the early years, meals were made over an open fire in a fireplace. There is great skill needed to keep the temperature just right. Bernice will tell you all about the size of fire and her choice of simple ingredients that would fill hungry bellies. You will be able to sample some traditional oat cakes hot out of the pan!
5. Setting up a Small Tipi
Kahy will need your help to set up a small tipi. They will tell you about who used tipis for shelter, what were they made from and how they were transported from place to place. Join them for a one-of-a-kind experience!
Kahy will need your help to set up a small tipi. They will tell you about who used tipis for shelter, what were they made from and how they were transported from place to place. Join them for a one-of-a-kind experience!
6. The Buffalo
Indigenous and Metis people really did rely on the Buffalo for so many things. Food, shelter, clothing, medicine.... Ask Kristine about how the Buffalo sustained the people of the Red River. Feel the softness of a real Buffalo robe. Touch the bones of a real Buffalo skull.
Indigenous and Metis people really did rely on the Buffalo for so many things. Food, shelter, clothing, medicine.... Ask Kristine about how the Buffalo sustained the people of the Red River. Feel the softness of a real Buffalo robe. Touch the bones of a real Buffalo skull.
7. Rope Making
People all over the world twisted various materials to make a cord strong enough to keep their houses and their trousers from falling down. Barb will help you make a short length of rope that you can take home. You will also get the chance to turn the crank and marvel at the simple genius of the rope making machine!
People all over the world twisted various materials to make a cord strong enough to keep their houses and their trousers from falling down. Barb will help you make a short length of rope that you can take home. You will also get the chance to turn the crank and marvel at the simple genius of the rope making machine!
8. Quern and Farm Tools
Alex and Nicole will walk you through the trials of breaking land to start a farm in order to grow important food crops. Learn about the stone quern that was used to grind grain into flour to make bread. Students are invited to give it a try.
Alex and Nicole will walk you through the trials of breaking land to start a farm in order to grow important food crops. Learn about the stone quern that was used to grind grain into flour to make bread. Students are invited to give it a try.
9. Blacksmith
The blacksmith was perhaps one of the most important people in the community. He could make or fix almost anything! Dan loves to talk about the role of the blacksmith in community life. You will see for yourself how he can transform a simple piece of iron into a thing of beauty.
The blacksmith was perhaps one of the most important people in the community. He could make or fix almost anything! Dan loves to talk about the role of the blacksmith in community life. You will see for yourself how he can transform a simple piece of iron into a thing of beauty.
10. Music and Dance
Come take a break and listen to some fiddle tunes or get your feet tapping and show off your best jigging! Daniel, Kaiti and Ameena will entertain you and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to dance your way through the rest of the afternoon!
Come take a break and listen to some fiddle tunes or get your feet tapping and show off your best jigging! Daniel, Kaiti and Ameena will entertain you and leave you feeling refreshed and ready to dance your way through the rest of the afternoon!