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Programming at the White Oak Learning Centre is based on an actual historical era. Presenting an earlier time, with as much authenticity and honesty as appropriate for given audiences, can involve controversy, especially when dealing with issues for which our society's values have changed. As an example, interpreting slavery for modern era citizens can be uncomfortable for interpreters and viewers alike.
Unfortunately, the fur trade does have such stark and difficult events and there are some elements which may cause discomfort for some people. White Oak is well aware of this and attempts to present all historical happenings in a context that is acceptable for modern era participants by changing our way of speaking according to the age group before us.
We have found it essential to create policies about certain events, values and features of the fur trade era as they may be interpreted or used in White Oak educational activities. We hope that you appreciate our need to balance historical accuracy with modern era knowledge and perspectives. Your comments on our policies are appreciated.
- Firearms
- Seen as basic tools for living, firearms, especially trade guns, were an integral part of the fur trade era. White Oak advocates firearms safety and appropriate use of firearms in historic interpretation. No loaded guns are allowed on the site except under appropriate supervision at the firing range or on competitive trail hikes. Guns loaded with powder charges only may be permitted for ceremonial, interpretive and educational purposes elsewhere on the site.
- Trapping and Fur
- White Oak interprets the fur trade and that means the trapping and taking of animals. We cannot properly interpret the era without the presence of traps and furs. Although the historic era did not always practice sound conservation principles, White Oak supports appropriate ecological and conservation practices regarding all aspects of the natural world, not just fur bearing animals. White Oak accepts that many people in the modern era find trapping and use of furs as inappropriate and, especially in its educational programs, will make accommodations for people who have strong beliefs along these lines.
- Gender
- For better or worse, the fur trade era portrayed at White Oak occurred in a male-dominated society. Portrayal of the period requires that historic male/female roles are presented regardless of their inappropriateness to many people living in the modern era. White Oak's portrayals help point out how social mores and systems have changed over time. In the modern era, White Oak is an equal opportunity facility and operation.
- Native American/European Relations
- The fur trade as practiced in British North America was a unique, mutually beneficial economic exercise between two distinct cultures. Native Americans were essential to the trade's success as providers of furs and users of European goods. Although race relations were not perfect, there was a tremendous amount of group and individual interplay between the two races. At White Oak only Native Americans and Metis may conduct first-person interpretation of Native Americans. Non-Indians may present Indian culture and practices, but only in the third person.
- Liquor and Tobacco
- Liquor and tobacco played prominent roles in the fur trade era. Liquor was a prized trade good, a standard ration for voyageurs, and a standard item in any trader's larder. Alcohol was habitually abused by voyageurs, traders and Native Americans often with devastating results. White Oak recognizes the role of alcohol in the era, offers limited portrayal in its interpretation (e.g., a toast by the gentlemen, a request as a reward for work done by voyageurs), but does not portray its abuse.
Tobacco was also an esteemed trade good and a key part of the voyageur's daily life. White Oak will portray the smoking and trading of tobacco. White Oak will, especially in presentations to children, indicate that the health dangers of tobacco were not known in the 1700's nor did most people live long enough to incur damage to their health.
White Oak does not advocate the use of alcohol or tobacco products in the modern era except as permitted by law and then only in moderation.
- Social Class and Behavior
- Social class and distinctions were an integral part of 18th Century North American life and are presented in White Oak's interpretation. Some modern people may find the harsh reality of social class to be offensive, but it is the presentation of such historic realities that allows people to better understand modern society.
- Authenticity
- White Oak's goal is to present the past with the highest degree of accuracy and authenticity in all aspects including dress, speech, food, equipment, and other items. We constantly conduct research, review our practices, make corrections and upgrades, and seek out constructive criticism. We modify the degree of authenticity for health and safety reasons and to match the circumstances and audience.
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