The Grand Opening of the Dawson Trail Commemorative Project was held on May 27th, 2023
The Dawson Trail Commemorative Project invited the community to join them in Richer for the official launch of their interpretive tour celebrating the art and history of the Dawson Trail, Canada’s first all-Canadian access road linking East to West. This new development includes 15 wayfinding markers and a series of permanent artistic exhibits spanning nearly 150 kms along the historic Dawson Trail from the southeast corner of the province (at the NW Angle) to Winnipeg, including the ever-popular Longitudinal Centre of Canada as its promotional anchor. The Dawson Trail Commemorative Project is the final phase of development and the culmination of a major grassroots and community-based initiative launched four years ago to celebrate and promote artist-residents and the heritage of the Dawson Trail. Over this period, significant inter-regional support was gained all along the trail that links us, demonstrating the connectedness and strength of our communities. They are deeply grateful to the organizing committees, as well as all elders and individuals who have given of their time to this project. The Dawson Trail Commemorative Project is made possible in part by the Government of Canada, the Government of Manitoba, the CDEM, the FDÉFO (PrairiesCan), the CN Community Fund, the Thomas Sill Foundation, the McLean Foundation, the Richer Community Club, Francofonds and the Municipalities of Taché, Ste. Anne, Springfield, and Reynolds.
The unveiling of Marker 15 was held on April 26th, 2023.
We beat the rain and the turnout was better than we could have expected. There was a great sense of community and collaboration, with many partners coming forward to lend a hand and support our efforts.
Photos by : Anne-Louise Michel (Radio-Canada)
Article which appeared on Radio Canada (translated to english in Google)
Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Tour 2021:
"Le Rendezvous Weekend"
Location: Dawson Trail Museum - 67 Dawson Rd, Richer, MB R0E 1S0
Date: Saturday September 18th, 2021 10am to 4pm
Sunday September 19th, 2021 12pm to 4pm
This event was originally planned as an annual, free, self-guided tour that showcases the work of professional artists in their home studios and/or group venues along the Dawson Road. The traditional format of the tour will not take place this year, and instead we will be showcasing an interactive art event with the artist group that will feature a group art exhibit and some special programming.
Each artist from our group will have their own space to showcase their beautiful artwork, demonstrate their process and offer their wares for purchase.
We will also be holding an online art auction throughout the weekend in an effort to raise funds for our project.
Event will be held following any current Public Health Guidelines in effect at the date of the event.
Click to view online flipbook of event program:
Special Programming:
We have a great deal of archival imagery gathered as part of our extensive research. The Dawson Trail museum provides a fantastic venue to share these historic and commemorative gems with you.
We are also be inviting some local musicians to perform and help create a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Our artist group will also provide some interactive workshops and seminars on their inspiration, process and background.
Our exclusive researcher and historic interpretive writer will be onsite to offer us some bilingual presentations that surround the history and stories of the Dawson Trail. This is a great opportunity for people to ask questions and learn about the significance of the Dawson Trail.
A large part of The Dawson Trail Arts and Heritage Tour project is installing permanent trail markers and art installations along the Dawson Trail. We will have some inaugural unveilings to share with you as well!
Join us, in the wake of the Dawson Trail's 150th anniversary, as we celebrate the events, people and landscape that influenced the building of the Dawson Trail - Canada's first "great highway" to the West!
The celebrations start with a full weekend of art, music and special programming from September 18-19, 2021 in Richer, Manitoba, just 30 minutes East of Winnipeg off the TransCanada Highway #1.
The history will also come alive in the months to come as we unveil a commemorative trail and landmarks throughout the communities of the Dawson Road from Lorette to Richer, Manitoba and beyond - At the heart of a great country and our shared history!
We look forward to seeing you on the Dawson Trail!
Previous page: Sponsors
Next page: List of Reference Annexes