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Douglas Day at Fort Langley National Historic Site

Fort Langley Douglas Day Photos

Douglas Day is an event in Fort Langley that marks the day when Sir James Douglas proclaimed British Columbia to be a colony at the fort in 1858.

Taking place annually at Fort Langley National Historic Site in autumn, the event is an opportunity to commemorate James Douglas’s multicultural legacy and celebrate with a variety of arts, food, music and dance. The event used to be called “Douglas Day”. Now, however, it’s called James Douglas: A Multicultural Legacy. In past years it has happened in November. In 2024, however, it’s on September 21st.

For full details about the event, visit the Parks Canada Fort Langley website.

 


This article contains the following information about Douglas Day at Fort Langley:

James Douglas: A Multicultural Legacy | Admission Prices | Schedule of Events | Food Trucks | Other Information


 

Fort Langley

 

James Douglas: A Multicultural Legacy

The historic fort in the community of Fort Langley hosts several events throughout the year including Vive les Voyageurs in the winter, National Indigenous Peoples Day and Hawaiian Luau celebrations in the spring, Brigade Days in the summer and Grave Tales Walking Tours around Halloween. The national historic site also hosts Douglas Day in the fall (which was renamed “James Douglas: A Multicultural Legacy” in 2022).

Douglas Day takes place annually at the fort in November, on or close to the same day that Sir James Douglas became the first governor of British Columbia in 1858. The historic moment took place at Fort Langley, which is also why yearly celebrations occur in the area.

In 2024 the event takes place on Saturday, September 21st. This is much earlier than last year’s event, which was on November 18th. As always, the Douglas Day event happens at the Fort Langley National Historic Site. The attraction’s address is 23422 Mavis Avenue. It’s about a 45-minute drive from downtown Vancouver.

Born in South America, Douglas had a multicultural background. To reflect this, at the event at the fort, there are activities from different cultures to enjoy.

 

Metis Interpreter at Fort Langley
Metis Interpreter on Douglas Day

 

James Douglas: A Multicultural Legacy

The newly-named event focuses on commemorating James Douglas’ multicultural legacy through a day of celebrating Black, Scottish, Métis and First Nations arts, food, music and dance. This is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the role people with varied backgrounds have had in shaping Canada’s current rich and diverse cultural landscape.

Sir James Douglas was sworn in as BC’s first governor at Fort Langley during the reading of the proclamation on November 19th in 1858. A long-time Hudson Bay Company employee, Douglas came from a multicultural background. Douglas was born in South America, in Guyana, to a Scottish father and a Creole mother. Later in life, as an adult, he married a Métis woman, Amelia Connolly. Douglas started his career as an apprentice and worked his way up, creating a lasting impact and legacy of multiculturalism in BC.

Fort Langley National Historic Site aims to reflect the rich and varied heritage of Canada and this event provides an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history.

 

Caribbean Music at Fort Langley
Caribbean Music at the Fort

 

Admission Prices

Admission to the Douglas Day event is free with general admission to the Fort Langley National Historic Site. Ticket prices in the summer of 2024 are below.

  • Adults (ages 18 to 64): $9.00
  • Seniors (ages 65 and above): $7.50
  • Youth (ages 17 and under): Free

Folks with annual passes to the fort get in for free. Access to all Douglas Day demonstrations, live entertainment and activities is free with admission.

 

2024 Schedule of Events

In 2024 the festivities run from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm on Saturday, September 21st. The schedule of events and entertainment is below.

  • 10:30 am – Fort 101: An Introduction to the Fort
  • 11:00 am – Amelia Douglas Presentation by Tom Long
  • 11:30 am – Blacksmith Demonstration
  • 12:00 pm – Curator’s Corner
  • 1:00 pm – Black Histories of British Columbia Presentation by Fran Morrison
  • 2:00 pm – Women Who Shaped James Douglas’ Legacy by the Guyanese Association
  • 3:00 pm – Curator’s Corner
  • 3:30 pm – Blacksmith Demonstration

 

Fort Langley

 

Food Trucks

There is sometimes food available for purchase at the Douglas Day event. In some years the food is from one specific culture, which is great for folks wanting to taste flavours from a different part of the world.

At the event in 2024, there are fusion dishes inspired by Caribbean and Indigenous cultures. For example, there’s Jerk Chicken Bannock Tacos. There’s also Pineapple Lemonade with Indian Ice Cream.

 

Other Information

For full details about the event, visit the Parks Canada Fort Langley website.

Other articles that might be of interest include the following:

Examples of other events hosted at the historic site include the following: