Red River Carts

The Story, the Craft, and the Culture

Craftsmanship

At Krtti, we honor this iconic piece of our history by creating authentic handcrafted replicas of the Red River Cart.  We believe in crafting more than just products. Each cart we make reflects our values and sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Made from a variety of reclaimed, repurposed, recycled, and donated hardwood, canvas, and leather scraps, each cart is a tribute to the past and a celebration of resiliency.


Each cart features:

  • Over 90 individually handcrafted pieces (custom carts may vary)
  • Mortise and tenon construction (no nails, no screws)
  • Dished wheels, keeping true to the historical design


These miniature replicas showcase the craftsmanship and ingenuity that defined the original Red River Carts while bringing a touch of history into your home. Learn more about us here or keep scrolling to read more about the carts.

Order Now

THE ARTIST

Garry Patterson

Garry Patterson in his shop displaying his handcrafted Red River Carts

"Each cart I build tells a story,"

"not just of the Métis people, but of my own family’s journey, their resilience, and the values they passed down. They are a bridge to the past and a way to honor the legacy of those who came before us."

Garry Patterson is a Métis wood crafter from the Lakelands of Saskatchewan, Canada who's hobby for wood crafting has transformed into a passion not only for the creation of the Red River Carts but to share his Metis culture with the world.


 "Growing up close to my mother’s family instilled a sense of belonging to a unique culture. Coal oil lamps and solemn voices recalling family pasts and hopeful futures. My uncle’s involvement with the Métis organizations of the 1960s and 70s had me reading 'Newbreed' publications as a teenager. In 1973 my mother's cousin Maria Campbell published 'Halfbreed'. Mom gave me a copy when I was thinking of dropping out of high school, changing my outlook completely. I took that book and my father's good sense and craftsmanship and relocated to Edmonton."


His career led him to become a journeyman in the pipe trades, a carpenter, and eventually skilled in every aspect of building construction, working across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories. Yet, after years of hard work, Garry felt the call to return to Saskatchewan and reconnect with his roots.


"After some time, I retired back to Saskatchewan and found myself wanting to reconnect and contribute to my now late mother's memory. These Red River carts became my hobby. The first one took weeks to make. The second one, I built for my younger brother, then one for each of my siblings... and I've never stopped. Every single one of these carts comes from the respect I have for the past, to honor my mother's life and the love of who she was. They are a reminder of the history and survival of all Métis people."

Garry's approach to crafting each cart combines precision, artistry, and heart. Every detail, from the dished wheels to the mortise and tenon construction, reflects his commitment to authenticity. His work not only preserves a significant piece of history but also inspires others to celebrate and embrace Métis culture.


  • Garry Patterson in his workshop crafting Red River Cart replicas

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Garry Patterson wirking in his shop to create the hand crafted Red River Carts

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Garry Patterson in his workshop crafting Red River Cart replicas.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Assorted pieces of reclaimed wood being turned into pieces for the handcrafted Red River Carts

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Garry Patterson in his workshop crafting Red River Cart replicas.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Assorted reclaimed hardwoods to use in the makeing of Red River Cart replicas

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Garry Patterson in his workshop crafting Red River Cart replicas.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Garry Pattersons shop where he created the hand crafted Red River Carts

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Garry Patterson in his workshop crafting Red River Cart replicas.

    Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

The History of the Red River Cart

The Red River Cart was an essential item for Métis communities, with origins deeply tied to their way of life on the Prairies. The first record of the two-wheeled vehicle being made was at Fort Pembina, just south of the Canada/US border. Alexander Henry Jr., a trader with the North West Company, taught the men at his fort how to construct the cart. Constructed entirely of wood, using a method called Mortise and Tenon, these carts featured tall, spoked wheels that were often wrapped in rawhide cord in order for the cart to be able to endure the rugged terrain of the Prairies. The dished wheels provided enhanced stability, while the absence of metal components allowed for repairs to be made quickly during their travels.


These carts were not just transportation tools either; they were infact multipurpose vehicles. They could be covered with a canvass or hide top and made into a shelter, tied together to form long cart trains (seen below) or the wheels lashed together and the cart placed on top like a makeshift boat in order to float cross rivers. These are only a few of the ways these carts were used!  Usually pulled by oxen or sometimes ponies, the carts carried everything from trade goods and furs to meat from hunting/trapping, and supplies. The distinctive sound of the carts, referred to as an "unearthly shriek", caused by their ungreaseable axles, made these carts so loud it was said you could hear their arrival from kilometres away.

A picture of a Metis Red River Cart train taken at Fort Smith near Edmonton AB
A painting of a red river cart and a family in the prairies
A Metis family camped with their Red River Carts in Pembina just south of the Canada/US border
Visit our blog

our Half-Size Cart Project

We are currently in the process of constructing a half-size Red River Cart. This project is a labor of love, combining historical accuracy with modern craftsmanship to bring the past to life. Stay tuned for future updates as we build.

Sources


  • Gabriel Dumont Institute. Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture. Retrieved from https://www.metismuseum.ca
  • Métis Nation of Ontario. (n.d.). The Red River Cart: A Métis Icon. Retrieved from https://www.metisnation.org
  • Minneapolis Institute of Art. (1858). Red River Carts, From Pembina [Public domain image]. Retrieved from https://collections.artsmia.org
  • Toronto Public Library. (1862). Red River Cart Train [Public domain image]. Retrieved from https://digitalarchive.tpl.ca
  • Amérique Française. (19th century). Charrette Roper [Public domain image]. Retrieved from http://www.ameriquefrancaise.org/media-761/33_Charrette_Roper.jpg
  • Brehaut, H. B. (1968). The Red River Carts. Manitoba Historical Society. Retrieved from http://www.mhs.mb.ca/pageant/redrivercarts.shtml
  • Brehaut, H. B. (1971-2). The Red River Cart and Trails: The Fur Trade. Manitoba Historical Society. Retrieved from http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/transactions/3/redrivercart.shtml