Manitoba Government Invites Manitobans to Celebrate Vibrant Cultural Heritage and History at Festival du Voyageur

February 13, 2025

The Manitoba government announced it is proudly providing Festival du Voyageur with $324,000 as it celebrates its 56th year showcasing Manitoba’s rich francophone heritage, Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy announced today.

“Festival du Voyageur is not only a cultural highlight but also an economic driver for Manitoba,” said Kennedy. “With events that draw well over 75,000 visitors, this festival is an opportunity to connect with our province’s heritage through music, storytelling, historical interpretations and more. We look forward to seeing you all there.”

Since 1969, Festival du Voyageur’s long-standing commitment to showcasing Manitoba’s francophone roots has made it a beacon of cultural pride, noted the minister. Running from Feb. 14 to 23 at Whittier Park and other locations in St. Boniface, the festival celebrates Manitoba’s diverse francophone cultures and fur-trading history.

“Festival du Voyageur is deeply grateful for the ongoing support from the Manitoba government, whose contributions are vital to the success of our winter festival celebrating the rich history of Manitoba and the cultures of francophone and Indigenous peoples,” said Breanne Lavallee-Heckert, executive director, Festival du Voyageur. “This annual grant is critical in supporting our festival and we are proud to see continued investment in preserving and celebrating the heritage of our province.”

Festival du Voyageur has grown to become Western Canada’s largest winter festival. It celebrates Canada’s fur-trading past and the Manitoba francophone community’s renowned “joie de vivre” through entertainment, arts and crafts, music and historical interpretation, noted the minister.

To learn more about Festival du Voyageur, visit https://heho.ca/.

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For more information:

• Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
• Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
• Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

NT5