Treaty and York Boat Days

Schedule of Events – 2025 Treaty & Annual York Boat Days

Annually, in the first week of August since 1973 the Norway House
Cree Nation (NHCN) hosts York Boat Days. NHCN will play host this
Summer Celebration from August 1-10, 2025. Our celebration relives
the community’s history during the time of the fur trade and the accomplishments that have resulted from the “will to succeed in life.”

Our celebration symbolizes our ancestors, past leaders, community members and preserves the legacy of the Norway House Trading Post and the York Boat. The York Boat carves out the community during a time when survival depended on an iron will and steady determination.

NHCN plays hosts to the Championship York Boat Races and its through strength and determination, contestants from across Manitoba relive the day of the York Boats as they take it upon themselves to heave and thrust fifty pound oars in an effort to claim race supremacy. The culture and livelihood is expressed in the many ways through personal and team challenges, gatherings, song and dance. York Boat Days will host a spiritual component to open our festival through song and praise while opening in a good way. This is a time for prayer and celebration the community and our visitors for safe journeys and to bless them during their stay in our Cree territory