Above Left: Kjell Plath of Chaska, MN was this year’s winner of the Rugged Voyageur Contest, beating last year’s winner, Bob Anderson, of Elk River, MN by just 30 seconds. Close behind was another pasl top three finisher Corey Morse of Lindstrom, MN. Above Right: Viveka Hall-Holt enjoyed a lesson on making a cornhusk doll at the Voyageur encampment at Grand Portage National Monument.
Above: Grand Portage Rendezvous includes the best of all worlds, blending cultures in both historic and modern times. That is the appeal of Rendezvous, explains voyageur reenactor Terry Cheney. “In this era of our history, we met as equals,” said Cheney, with Natives and Europeans working together and trading to survive. Enjoying Rendezvous Days camaraderie was (L-R) Kimberly Whiteman, Phillip Whiteman, both of Hayward; Terry Cheney, Twin Cities; Lee Nelson, Hayward. Left: Tending the fire in their voyageur camp is Ethan Kelsey, 4, of Eagan, MN and Rebecca Nelson, 13, San Jose, CA.
Above: Visitors to the Grand Portage National Monument were treated to music on the lawn in front of the Great Hall, including some lovely tunes that featured spoons.
A meditative moment during the Grand Portage Traditional Rendezvous Days PowWow.
This year’s PowWow saw a record number of participants with 372 registered dancers and 27 drum groups.
Passing down the tradition—young dancers walk beside parents and elders to learn PowWow customs.
Fancy dancers were a blur of movement and power at the 2009 Grand Portage Traditional Rendezvous Days PowWow, Saturday and Sunday, August 8 – 9.
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