Metal Detecting on the Dawson Trail: Behind the Scenes of Red River Gold

Goldie reflects on her emotional and eye-opening journey filming Red River Gold Season 1, from learning Métis history and connecting with local communities to facing the daunting challenges of searching a dangerous bog. Despite the hardships, it was the teamwork, friendship, and shared determination that turned every obstacle into a lasting memory.

“Season 1 was all about learning for me. Before getting involved with Red River Gold, I knew so little about Métis history and the Red River Settlement. I really had to start from the beginning. I’ve never been one to enjoy hearing about hardships, and there were many along the Dawson Trail. Learning about the famine and the families being taken advantage of was hard for me to process. I’d often feel tears running down my face, impossible to hold back. It was eye-opening and an immensely emotional experience for me.

Working with the local Métis community was so memorable. Hearing their family stories and theories about the lost gold only heightened my hopes that we would find it. Memphis and Moose, my two Métis co-hosts, were a huge support. Memphis is one of those rare people who make you feel safe and seen, knowing he worked in fire rescue added to that steady, reassuring presence he carries. What I cherish the most is his ability to turn ordinary moments into something ever so grand. One night, there was a residential street party; I was hesitant to go alone, but Memphis didn’t just tag along but he brought the whole place to life. With his guitar and that easy, infectious charm, he had strangers laughing, singing, and feeling like old friends by the end of the night. That’s who he is: someone who turns small moments into memories you’ll hold onto forever.

There were times I'd ask myself, What have I gotten myself into? This was one of those moments when I learned we needed to search the bog! A cannon had been lost there, and we were following a theory that the gold might have been tossed in too. I didn't want to believe it, yet somehow I knew I'd be the one searching for it.  

Staring at that bog was intimidating. How were we going to do this? It looked like solid land, but it wasn't it floated! One wrong step and I could disappear. Some spots plunged 2.5 meters deep. The challenges kept coming. It was too deep to search on foot. Then, sure enough, I watched as an all-terrain amphibious vehicle was unloaded. Oh, this was going to be an adventure!

Of course it wasn’t without hesitation, I found myself silently thinking about the worst case scenario’s. What if we stall in the middle then what? How would we get out? What if we are too heavy? If I do hear a target how will we ever get it out? 

I took a deep breath and bravely gave it a go and it was a blast! I did try scanning the bog but the amphibious vehicle we were using was one big chunk of metal, it was interfering with my metal detector making it impossible. We needed another way! 

The best part was seeing the entire cast and crew getting involved, coming up with ideas and solutions. This is just one example of those times when we worked as an incredible team! We had Mireille and Pierrette’s incredible research and stories to follow. The producers were coming up with ideas and solutions as new challenges arose. Roger cleared the trail to the bog, often giving us "matter-of-fact solutions to many of our challenges." I saw that nothing could stop Roger and this team from making progress on the Dawson Trail. It’s a proud feeling, working with such a devoted group.

The determination to find the gold only grew, and so did the friendships, trust, teamwork, and persistence as we all pushed through together. Memories I will cherish for a lifetime!”