La Compagnie received its name in 1978, but the organization developed out of the associations of members who have participated in various historical re-enactment activities in the years before 1978.
Our activities fall into three main catagories: First, we sponsor presentations, displays, and "living history" events on fur trade subjects for the benefit of the public. Second, La Compagnie sponsors, for its members, activities which attempt to share an understanding of life in those times. For example, in the past we have sponsored voyages of up to 300 miles in length in fur trade replica canoes in which our challenge has been to conduct all aspects of the voyage "in period". The unforgettable experience of those trips have given members a vivid appreciation of the difficulties of travel in those days. Another way members experience this period is in the act of recreating and sharing information of the various crafts and skills of the time. The results of our efforts are displayed in our public presentations and have won praise for their authenticity. In the third area of activity, La Compagnie advocates the preservation of our fur trade heritage; and does so by serving efforts to preserve fur trade buildings such as the Sibley House in Mendota and the Oliver Faribault Cabin at Murphy's Landing in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Some of the agencies La Compagnie has worked with to present the fur trade history to the public include: The Minnesota Historical Society, the Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Bi-Centennial Commission, and historic sites at Pine City, Little Falls, and Fort Snelling. We have given aid to Grand Portage National Monument, Old Fort William, Hennepin Country Parks and many other private and public agencies.