Fort Langley National Historic Site, where Sir James Douglas proclaimed British Columbia a Crown colony, still has some of his possessions.
Those attending Douglas Day at the Fort on Nov. 19 can see his satchel, among the fort’s historical treasures.
On Nov. 19, 1858, Douglas made the Crown colony proclamation in Fort Langley’s Big House. Douglas, born in Guyana to a black mother and a Scottish father, was the first governor of B.C.
Though Douglas Day is a provincial designation, Langley is one of the few communities that actually holds events.
At the Fort on Sunday, the public can enjoy heritage activities and demonstrations. They can also meet interpreters dressed in costumes to represent Judge Begbie, James Douglas, and a Royal Engineer.
Schedule:
11:00 a.m. - Guided Tour - Meet a costumed interpreter for a personal 30-minute history tour about the James Douglas and the Proclamation of British Columbia.
12:00 p.m. - Daily Feature – Proclamation Skit
1:00 p.m. - Historic Treasures - Fort Langley is full of hidden gems. Engage with intriguing items from our collections and learn the stories behind them. Today’s feature: James Douglas’ footstool and satchel!
2:00 p.m. - Food Program - “What’s for dinner?” Explore the importance of natural resources and food production in Fort Langley’s success. Get your hands dirty as we discuss the daily meals here at the fort.
3:00 p.m. - Meet a costumed interpreter for a personal 30-minute history tour about the James Douglas and the Proclamation of British Columbia.
Louis Riel Day
On Saturday, Nov. 18, the Fort marks Louis Riel Day in partnership with various Metis organizations.
The day will be packed with Metis cultural activities, from finger weaving to jigging to archery as well as the Fort’s regular events.
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Beading, finger weaving, rattle making, children’s crafts (Exhibit’s Building)
10:15 a.m. - Storytelling (Servants’ Quarters)
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. – Storytelling & Jigging with Marion & Fergus (Theatre)
11:00 a.m. - Talk on Louis Riel and Louis Riel’s Trail with Mike Hanly (Big House)
11:15 a.m. - Storytelling (Servants’ Quarters)
11:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. – Spoon workshop with Maurice Guibord (Theatre)
12:00 p.m. – Bangers demonstration and samples (outside Big House)
12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. – Fiddle & jigging with Keith Hill & Aimee Fauteaux, Marion & Fergus (Theatre)
1:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m. - Flag Raising Ceremony (Theatre)
2:00 p.m. – Talk on history of Batoche and traditional plant uses with Joe Smith (Big House)
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Beading, finger weaving, rattle making, children’s crafts (Exhibit’s Building)
2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. – Spoon workshop with Maurice Guibord (Theatre)
2:15 p.m. - Storytelling (Servants’ Quarters)
2:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. – Fiddling with Keith & Aimee (Theatre)
3:00 p.m. - Talk on Louis Riel and Louis Riel’s Trail with Mike Hanly (Big House)
3:15 p.m. - Storytelling (Servants’ Quarters)
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Storytelling & Jigging with Marion & Fergus (Theatre)
4:00 p.m. – Talk on history of Batoche and traditional plant uses with Joe Smith (Big House)
4:15 p.m. - Storytelling (Servants’ Quarters)
4:15 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - Fiddle & jigging with Keith Hill & Aimee Fauteaux, Marion & Fergus (Theatre)
Admission during 2017 is free.