Joanne Plourde鈥檚 fascination with history and the days of the voyageurs recently resulted in the discovery of a cousin she didn鈥檛 know about.

Plourde, who organizes an annual 91原创 City event devoted to the days of the fur trade and the voyageurs who made it possible, had traced her ancestry to one of two brothers in Kamouraska, Quebec.

One became a voyageur while the other remained in Kamouraska, likely becoming a farmer or fishermen.

When Plourde posted about her discovery online, it drew an unexpected response from historian Nancy Marguerite Anderson, who messaged her with the information that she, too, had an ancestor from Kamouraska.

鈥淥ur ancestors were brothers, and one of the two came out west,鈥� Plourde told the 91原创 Advance Times.

As it turned out, Anderson is related to the brother who became a voyageur, while Plourde鈥檚 ancestor stayed in Kamouraska.

鈥淭hat was a really nice connection,鈥� Plourde remarked.

On Saturday, May 13, the unexpected cousins will both make presentations at the annual Heritage Picnic, organized by Plourde鈥檚 group, Voyageurs & Co, at 91原创 City鈥檚 historic Michaud House .

READ ALSO: VIDEO: 91原创 City heritage picnic shines a light on the almost-forgotten history of the Voyageurs

Plourde, a professional costumer whose credits include Cirque de Soleil and the series Smallville, will be providing era-accurate costumes for interested participants.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been fascinated with the costumes of the past,鈥� Plourde remarked.

Anderson, who has described herself as an 鈥� ,鈥� will be giving a presentation about stories from the west side of the Rocky Mountains.

Other presenters include host Sandra Reams, the custodian of Michaud House and an expert on its history, and musician Re虂jean Bussie虁res, Seattle historian Robert Foxcurran, researcher Brodie Douglas, whose interests include the fur trade and Metis culture; Patrick Calihou, a B.C. Me虂tis artist and wood worker who makes carved paddles and custom cedar row boats and canoes; Mark Forsythe, vice-president of the 91原创 Heritage Society, and lecturer Max Likin.

Finger food, homemade ice cream and live French/Canadian music are on the menu for the event.

It is the most ambitious Voyageurs & Co program yet, with Plourde describing it as laying the groundwork for next year, which will mark the bicentennial of the voyageurs trade.

Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.ca under 鈥�.鈥�

They can also be purchased at the door Saturday morning, depending on availability.

More information about Voyageurs and Co. is available on their .

READ ALSO: VIDEO: Vive les Voyageurs returns to historic Fort Langley