Purpose of our Group!

The Habitants of New France, Inc. is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to interpreting the history of the Great Lakes French Fur Trade Era c.1634 -1765. The Group owns and operates the historic reenactment site, "Fort Bon Secours" as means to this end. The Habitants also attend other historic reenactments for this purpose. We welcome all interested persons who would like to visit our site and/or participate in any of our events. As a group, the Habitants are a highly motivated and skilled group of reenactors who have dedicated themselves to the study of this era of our nation's past. We would welcome all who would like to join us and are willing to continue to learn.

Becoming a part of our reenactment group!

We understand that it is never easy to become a part of an established organization, and especially when the group requires so much knowledge and new skills. Please be patient with yourself during the acquisition process—we will! We know what it takes time to acquire the necessary skills to become an accomplished reenactor.

Your first goal is to read through and digest as much information about this era of history as you can. If you have any questions or need assistance in locating good materials don't hesitate to contact us. Next, you will need to develop a personal character or "Persona"; this will take time, and we suggest you develop a life "timeline" for your character. Next, you will need to obtain the necessary cloths and equipment for your character in order to be able to sustain yourself while living at a rendezvous or event. Know this can be expensive and will take time. We suggest you visit us at our fort site and let us help assist you in the process. We would be happy to allow you to "stay at the Fort" and use our facilities until you have procured your needed equipment. Finally, as you become a part of the group, we will help coordinate some "interactive scenarios" with you as you begin to interact with the public and become a full-fledged member of the group.

This sounds like a lot—and it is! However, with the help of the other members of the group and with a little practice you will find that in no time you will become a confident and competent reenactor. That's when the real fun and enjoyment of history begins - as you learn to make history come alive!

Our Basic Group Scenario (the year is 1754-1755)

As a reenactment Group the" Habitants of New France" always presents itself as an entourage of people who have recently traveled to the western regions of New France for the purpose of establishing a new community.

The entourage was first organized by Father Thomas, the Jesuit Missionary, along with Ignace Rouillard, the Fur Trader and Senior Partner of the Rouillard Fur Company. Assigned to accompany the group has been Captain Gerard, a young French Marine Military Officer who has being sent to make a survey of the fortification of the western outposts. Also joining the entourage is Robert LaSalle, a famed Cartographer and Explorer sent by the governor to make a more reliable maps of the region. Around these four principle members a collection of Voyagers, Courier des Bois, Servants, Soldiers and Indians has been formed to help transport the entourage to its desired destination.

In addition to these four members, there are several individuals that form an important part of the group: Madame Couchette a courtesan and mistress to Monsieur Rouillard. She seeks a husband and has made it abundantly clear she will have one by the time the entourage reaches its destination. Monsieur Ian Semus McLeod (Le Scott) and his wife Lynette who are the wintering partners of Monsieur Rouillard. They have came from the Michilimakinac to accompany him on his journey westward. Monsieur McLeod has continually expressed his concern about the lack of adequate liquor supplies to be able to do profitable business with the natives. Jan St. Luc, Monsieur Rouillard's nephew, who has been retained as his clerk and assistant. Louis La Rouge and his Lakota wife Wash-teh Wak-Pella have been engaged by Father Thomas as guides and interpreters for his dealings with the natives. These and other servants, voyagers, soldiers and natives comprise the entourage headed for Western New France. Because of the amount of baggage the entourage carries, it has been required to travel at a very slow pace. Consequently the entourage has only recently reached the eastern most fringe of the Nadouaissioux country (the Eastern Sioux) where they have chosen to build their permanent site (Fort Bon Secours) and make contact with Indian tribes of the area. Thus are the goals and nature of the situation for the Habitants of New France. . .

(The Story Continues... !)