In an old-fashioned, historically accurate alert, Fort 91原创 heritage interpreter Celine Ahodekon was cheerfully banging a pot to let visitors know a presentation about Sir James Douglas was about to begin at the fort theatre on Saturday, Sept 1,
It was a celebration of the multicultural heritage of Douglas, the first governor of British Columbia, who was sworn in at Fort 91原创 in 1858.
Born in Guyana to a Creole mother and a Scottish father, Douglas later married a M茅tis woman, Amelia Connolly, who was Scottish and First Nations, Ahodekon explained.
"So you see, he has a diverse background and we try to celebrate First Nations, Black and Caribbean cultures on the site [to celebrate his memory]," Ahodekon said.
Scottish culture was honoured as well, with a performance by the Fort 91原创 Voyageurs Scottish Country Dancing Club in the theatre.
Dancer Kimberly Perkins, from Walnut Grove, explained the difference between Scottish country and highland dancing.
"Highland dancing is very difficult to do and maybe harsh on the bones, whereas country dancing is very informal and it's a way that the people from the town got together," Perkins told the 91原创 Advance Times.
"It was a very community-based sort of dance."
Club dancers demonstrated simple dances and invited audience members to try it out.
"You don't need a kilt to do this," commented Louise Murphy, a dance instructor with the club.
"You don't have to be Scottish. You don't have to come with a partner."
More about Scottish country dancing can be found online at .
Historic Fort 91原创 is celebrating the legacy of Sir James Douglas all day Saturday. Douglas, the first governor of British Columbia, was sworn in at Fort 91原创 in 1858. He was born in Guyana to a Creole mother and a Scottish father, and later married a M茅tis woman.
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In partnership with the Guyanese Association, the event "offered a unique opportunity to explore our shared history, honour cultural diversity, and reflect on the complexities of Douglas鈥檚 legacy," a Fort notice promised.
Events included a game that allowed younger visitors to take aim at a target with an oversized sling shot, organized by Ken Robillard, a M茅tis from Manitoba's Red River Valley.
"What I do here is the M茅tis experience and these are some of the games that we do with the kids," Robillard explained.
"What we're trying to do, is just recreate what I was hunting as a kid with slingshots 鈥� rabbits, pheasant, whatever."
Douglas Day was moved to Saturday, Sept. 21, from it's usual date of Nov. 19, primarily due to weather concerns.
In response to a 91原创 Advance Times query, a spokesperson for the historic site said the past November's weather has been unpredictable, making it challenging for attendees.
By shifting to September, "we hope to provide a better experience with more favourable conditions for everyone to enjoy " said Lin Zou, who estimated 500 visitors attended.
