Dallas Smith and Shawn Desmond to Headline Norway House Festival

By

James Sinclair
March 17, 2026 4:42 pm

Musicians Dallas Smith and Shawn Desman are the confirmed headliners for the 2026 Treaty & York Boat Days in Norway House, Manitoba. The annual summer festival will take place in August 2026 and serves as a major cultural gathering for the community.

The Norway House Cree Nation has hosted the event since 1973. It celebrates the history of the local region, specifically the era of the fur trade. The festival honours the cultural legacy and contributions of the Cree, Métis, and European settlers.

A key feature of the Treaty & York Boat Days is the traditional races using the York boat. These wooden vessels were once vital for transporting goods across Western Canada. The event combines these historical traditions with modern musical performances and community activities.

By featuring well-known Canadian artists, the organizers aim to increase tourism and engagement within the region. The festival remains a central event for showcasing the community’s history and bringing people together for a week of celebrations.

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