Who We Are
"The Fort Vermilion Heritage Centre exists to preserve, study and make accessible distinctive collections, so to inspire and engage people in learning cultural and natural heritage of the Fort Vermilion area. Through discovery, recollections and the making of memories, we serve and improve the quality of life for others."





This mandate is achieved through various programs such as:
-Museum Tours
-Research Requests
-School Tours
-Community Events
If you are interested in any of these programs please

 

Opened in 1995, the Fort Vermilion Heritage Centre is the nucleus of heritage preservation and conservation in the Fort Vermilion area. Boasting over 16,000 photos, 22,000 archives, 8000 objects and 2 heritage houses - there is much to explore! The history of the Fort Vermilion area is vast, fossils and bones ("Rocks Tell Tales" exhibit) are remnants of the pre-human history of the Fort Vermilion Area. "Weyiman Waskahikun Wehkohkewin (Fort Vermilion A Special Gathering Place)" is a tribute to the Dene Tha', Beaver and Cree nations. Agriculture, industry, and community events of days past compose our nuclear collection from the Fort Vermilion Experimental Farm (58° North and Farming).  

"Boreal Beauty, Bounty and Balance" features the area's natural heritage. With these main exhibits, and a plethora of other displays and artifacts, the Fort Vermilion Heritage Centre is the premier historical resource in Mackenzie County.




Artifact of the Week!

Mushers Whip

This is a homemade whip used for Dog Mushing. It is beautifully decorated with yarn detailing and an ornately carved (and painted) wooden handle. It generally would not be used to strike the dogs -rather it would be "cracked" which would make noise to encourage the dogs to run. Dog sled teams were a major source of transportation in the area from the early years up until 1950 or so. Kids would mush dogs to school, mail was brought by dog team and trappers relied on them while on the trapline. 2004.01.08 / Clarke, Pete + Doris

This is a homemade whip used for Dog Mushing. It is beautifully decorated with yarn detailing and an ornately carved (and painted) wooden handle. It generally would not be used to strike the dogs -rather it would be "cracked" which would make noise to encourage the dogs to run. Dog sled teams were a major source of transportation in the area from the early years up until 1950 or so. Kids would mush dogs to school, mail was brought by dog team and trappers relied on them while on the trapline.
2004.01.08 / Clarke, Pete + Doris

Former Artifacts of the WeekFormer Artifacts of the Week