Above: There were no cameras at Rendezvous Days of old. People like miniature portrait artist Kelly James helped preserve memories of the era. Right: This device is a rudimentary rotisserie. It is wound tight and slowly turns over a campfire for about an hour. The blacksmith made a new hook for it and it was used in the encampment later for roasting a bear.
The Mist of Avalon from Nova Scotia anchored off shore at the historic fur trade depot during Rendezvous Days on Friday through Sunday, August 12-14. The schooner was too large to come ashore, so the Grand Portage National Monument and Grand Portage-Isle Royale Transportation Line partnered to take visitors out for a closer look at the stately vessel. Over a thousand people took advantage of the free ferry ride aboard the Voyageur II on Friday or the Sea Hunter on Saturday.
Above: Also on the waters of Lake Superior during Rendezvous was this Montreal canoe, the sturdy birchbark vessels used to transport furs and supplies. Although small, a Montreal canoe could carry four tons. Right: Practicing their lacrosse skills were Lily and Quin, while Lily’s brother Owen oversees the action.
Left: Clouds threatened, but the rain held off until after the Saturday, August 13 Rendezvous Days Powwow Grand Entry and flag-raising ceremonies. Despite the rain, the dancers stayed in the arena. Middle: Autumn Clearwater Day of Grand Portage was among the dancers. Right: This dancer had a unique staff fashioned of diamond willow and a deer antler.
A highlight of the Rendezvous Powwow is the crowning of Grand Portage Royalty, which follows a traditional drum song just for them. Above left: 2016 Tiny Tot Princess Avionna Deschampe dances with her friend Nevaeh Deschampe. Above: Jordan Porter danced boldly as Senior Brave for Grand Portage. Right: All of the youths who took part in the Princess and Brave event (L-R, front) Nevaeh Deschampe, Tiny Tot Princess Avionna Deschampe. (L-R, back) Junior Princess Kassia Deschampe, Senior Brave Jordan Porter, Senior Princess Samantha Scalise, Junior Brave Hunter Childs.
Leave a Reply