The Wild Harvest Raise a Glass to Indigenous Wineries Retreat to Renew
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I N D I G E N O U S L I F E ST Y L E M AGA Z I N E 2021 E X P LO R E The Wild Harvest TA S T E Raise a Glass to Indigenous Wineries UNWIND Retreat to Renew
the mountains,
the prairies,
the oceans,
and all that lies
in between.
EXPLORE DESTINATION INDIGENOUS
P H O T O : S H E A W YAT T ( K N I G H T I N L E T LO D G E )
Knight
Inlet
Lodge
NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WELCOME
5
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
10-43 44-55 56-67 68-81
W I L DL IF E, CULT URE AND CULI N A RY ACCO M M O D ATION
N ATU RE AND HERITAG E AN D R E LA X ATIO N
AD V E NTUR E
Feast Café Bistro: 58
Cooking Up Community
Artistic Inspiration 46 The Authenticity of L’Autochtone 60 Bed, Breakfast and… 70
Sharing Wisdom 52 Smoke and Spirituality: 64 Retreat to Renew 78
Focus On: Newfoundland and Labrador 12 Indigenous Elements of Cuisine
The Wild Harvest 16 Raise a Glass to Indigenous Wineries 66
Snow Day! 20
Hidden Gems 24
Whales, Bears and Lights, Oh My! 30
Park Life 34
Road Trip! Discover Québec 38
P H O T O : K U U R U R J U A Q N AT I O N A L PA R K
Parc national
Kuururjuaq, Nunavik
NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WELCOME
7
Ekosi, miigwech,
tiawenhk, merci
and thank you!
As President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada,
and on behalf of our Board of Directors, I am happy to share our
second edition of Nations Magazine, a digital-only edition for these
Covid-19 times.
I hope you take inspiration from the stories here about our members
across Canada: travel in your imagination to the wilderness of the North;
find consolation in Traditional foods and community; dream of seeing
whales, bears and the shimmering aurora borealis; find solace in
Traditional Knowledge passed down through generations, shared
here today.
It’s been a challenging year; we know our members are struggling over
whether the businesses that they have poured their heart and soul into
will survive. Here, I take comfort—and I hope you will too—from looking
to our past; as Indigenous People we have experienced extreme hardship,
but we are here today, and we will be here tomorrow. Together, we will do
what needs to be done to overcome this challenge and move forward
more resilient than ever.
During this extraordinary time, all of us are finding ways to deal with
our new normal. We respect and support those community leaders who
P H O T O : LO G A N S W AY Z E , T H E S Q U A M I S H L I L’ W AT C U LT U R A L C E N T R E
have taken the decision to keep their communities closed for the season
ahead, and we are there to support our members who are operating in
a limited capacity. I know all of us look forward to welcoming you to back
into our world.
Never forget that we are here for our ITAC members and all our visitors.
We feel fortunate to have built an industry family, which we hope our
visitors feel part of. Today we need each other more than ever and
together we will get through this.
Keith Henry
Lil’wat President & CEO
Cultural
Centre Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WELCOME
Welcome
9
BY ITA C’S MARKETING T E AM
333 Seymour Street, 8th Floor, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5A7
604-639-4408
indigenoustourism.ca
Welcome to the second issue of Nations Authentic Indigenous tourism is Please remember that many of our
magazine, from the Indigenous Tourism done by Indigenous People, not members have pressed pause on their
CEO GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Association of Canada. We are proud about them. Our members share businesses until it is safe for them to Keith Henry Laura Doherty
Audrey Geoffroy-Plante
to bring you stories from our members, their Culture, their Traditions, re-open and many are operating in a CHIEF MARKETING Gabrielle Gagnon
OFFICER
sparking inspiration with travel from cuisine and Indigenous Knowledge limited capacity. Please always contact Sébastien Desnoyers-Picard CUSTOMER SERVICE
the rainforest to the mountains, across with guests in a way that supports operators before travelling to ensure CONSULTING EDITOR
MANAGER
Jennifer Campbell
the prairies and the oceans and all the community that they represent. you have the best and safest Nikki Bayley
PRODUCTION MANAGER
MARKETING COORDINATOR
points between, exploring the world experience possible. Ryan Rogers
Kathleen Forcier
through an Indigenous lens. TRANSLATION
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
MANAGER
We can’t wait to welcome you back. Aarti Gutto Marie-Andrée Parent
CONTENT MANAGER
Anne-Laurence Jean
CONTRIBUTORS
Nikki Bayley
Eliana Bray
Bianca Bujan
PUBLISHER Jane Burgess
Maison 1608 by Solisco Waheeda Harris
To search and book 418 687-6048 Shafik Meghji
maison1608.com Debbie Olsen
Indigenous experiences with Ryan Rogers
VICE PRESIDENT, SALES Joanne Sasvari
our members, go online at AND MARKETING, SOLISCO Michele Sponangle
FOUNDER, MAISON 1608 Shel Zolkewich
destinationindigenous.ca BY SOLISCO
COVER CREDIT
Anne-Marie Boissonnault
Jad Davenport,
ART DIRECTOR Tundra North Tours
Julie Boulanger
© 2020 Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.
All rights reserved. Neither this publication nor any part of it may
be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any
form without the prior permission of the Indigenous
Tourism Association of Canada.
we thank our precious partners
P H O T O : J AY R . M C D O N A L D , J A S P E R T O U R C O M PA N Y
Jasper Tour
Company
NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
1 1
WILDLIFE, NATURE
& ADVENTURE
Listen… the sound of the wild is calling.
Spark your imagination and explore from coast
to coast to coast with your Indigenous hosts and
guides. Discover hidden gems far from the beaten
path; experience the joyous thrill of spotting
a snowy‑white spirit bear snacking on salmon.
From awe-inspiring glaciers to seemingly
endless prairie skies, join us and discover
your Destination Indigenous.
P H O T O : J AY R . M C D O N A L D , J A S P E R T O U R C O M PA N Y
Jasper Tour
Company
NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
1 3
Focus On:
Newfoundland
and Labrador
Crisp snow prints and wild orchids, Innu and Mi’kmaq stories and
legends, and Northern Lights. On Canada’s east coast, at the
edge of the Atlantic, Newfoundland and Labrador live in step
with nature. Explore this region with eight local operators
who welcome you as guests.
BY J A NE BU RGES S
+ EXPLORE
FURTHER ONLINE
P H OTO S : W I L D G R O S M O R N E ( R E D C A B I N ) , B LU E S P R U C E X ( F I R E ) , G R O S M O R N E A D V E N T U R E S ( H I K E R S )
Blue Spruce X
“Perfect weather, sunshine, fresh polar bear tracks, the
Gros Morne
quiet. For me, it’s my heaven, and my guests are blown Adventures
away.” Based in Goose Bay, Gordon Rendell, owner and
operator of Blue Spruce X, leads all-season guided
adventures through central Labrador and northern
communities. Here, the Nunatsiavut are a quiet people, With Gros Morne
proud of their heritage and happy that guests are getting Adventures, spend days
to learn and live their land and ways. [bluesprucex.com] hiking the Big Lookout,
Tablelands, and Gros
Fly in to Happy Valley-Goose Bay from St John’s, Morne Mountain...
Halifax, Montréal or Québec City and explore; then,
continue your North Atlantic adventure heading south along
the scenic Labrador Coastal Drive. In Port Hope Simpson, in ancient Mi’kmaq hunting and gathering techniques.
the Alexis Hotel, a family-run business, welcomes you with Glide through glacier-carved fjords and backpack arctic
local knowledge and hospitality. Backcountry hiking among alpine barrens—land or sea? Here you don’t have to choose.
moose, foxes and porcupines, trophy fishing, and a ferry [grosmorneadventures.com]
ride up Iceberg Alley spotting dolphins, whales, polar bears
and bergs are on the itinerary! [alexishotel.ca] Continue exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site
with Wild Gros Morne. Explore fjords by Zodiac, wander
Across the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, in Newfoundland, lies along interpretive trails, or try their fresh-baked goods—
Gros Morne National Park. With Gros Morne Adventures, toutons with bakeapple jam comes highly recommended by
spend days hiking the Big Lookout, Tablelands, and Gros operator Alex Chafe, who reveals “Newfoundland Culture and
Wild Morne Mountain, kayak the clear waters of Bonne Bay Indigenous Culture go hand in hand: here a lot of people live
Gros
Morne with Paddle Canada certified guides, and immerse yourself off the land, we all go hunting for moose, rabbit, partridge,
NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
1 5
fish, and pick berries. It’s a blend. Sometimes you’re
experiencing something Indigenous without knowing it.
We live on a cold and unforgiving island in the North
Atlantic. If you want to make it here, you need to
know how.” [wildgrosmorne.com]
Further down the coast in Cox’s Cove, Darren Park’s
Four Seasons Tours will create an experience just for
you: winter, spring, summer or fall. Choose from bald
eagle photography, spot water and shoreline wildlife
such as whales, foxes, ospreys, and moose, or ride
the waves cod-fishing with the only Transport Canada-
Darren Park’s Four approved traditional Dory. (Fit for high seas, a Dory is
Seasons Tours will a flat-bottomed boat twenty feet long, eight feet wide,
create an experience with flared sides.) When your guide’s business enjoys
just for you: winter, 90% repeat guests, you know you’ll be back to the Bay
spring, summer or fall. of Islands. [fourseasonstours.ca]
Four
Seasons
Tours
Appalachian
Chalets & RV
P H OTO S : FO U R S E A S O N S TO U R S ( L E F T ) , A P PA L A C H I A N C H A L E T S & R V ( R I G H T )
After a long day of fresh air and fishing, settle in for an epic, with moose burgers and molasses buns and soak
self-caught meal cooked in your own east coast cabin. in the scenery. [pirateshavenadventures.com]
Arrive by car, ATV, snowmobile or on foot, Appalachian
Chalets & RV welcomes guests year-round. From your In George’s Brook, where the roads take you up the
self-contained chalet, or your personal RV, you’re minutes Bonavista Peninsula or away to St John’s, retreat to
from gentle walks and extreme hikes along Lark Harbour, the ShaMaSha Centre. Learn from Mi’kmaq Culture,
the sea caves around Bottle Cove, snowshoeing at Blow Me meditate on nature and companionship, and relax.
Down and Copper Mine Falls trails, and skiing at Marble The word ShaMaSha, often heard as a child by owner
Mountain. [appalachianchaletsrv.ca] Daphne March, conveys comfort and the spirit of human
connection, just like the welcome Newfoundland and
Explore the Southwest Coast’s Three River Regions, Labrador offer guests and new friends. [shamasha.ca]
wander miles of white sandy beaches, stumble upon
unique lighthouses and experience Mi’kmaq Culture.
From your base at Pirates Haven RV Park and Chalets,
overlooking the Robinson River, surrounded ATV-friendly
trails, the Qalipu First Nations family invites you to join in Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses
may be closed or operating outside of
a Jigg’s Dinner, a traditional Sunday family meal of salted
normal business hours. Please call before
beef, cabbage, carrots, turnips and pudding. Or, fill yourself visiting. Thank you.
NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
Camp Louis
Jolliet outfitter,
Mistissini,
1 7
Québec
The Wild
Harvest
PH OTO: H OOK É
The joy of bringing game and fish to your table
B Y S HEL Z O LK EW I C H
+ EXPLORE
FURTHER ONLINE
NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
1 9
hunt for elusive white-tailed deer, black bear, moose Whether it’s a guided hunt in a blind over a pond,
River Wrangler Club
and small game. Then tuck into a cozy cabin for nightfall a lakeshore hunt in a boat or a cornfield hunt in
Sportfishing Odanak and listen to that tumbling river. [tourilli.com] ground blinds, JR Wetlands Outfitters promises
to deliver all the thrills and limits of your best day of
Ontario’s Manitoulin Island is an anglers’ paradise with waterfowling. Located on Lake St. Clair in southern
walleye, northern pike, rainbow trout, lake trout, small Ontario, the outfitter offers meals, accommodations
mouth bass, rock bass, perch, whitefish, sturgeon and for the hunts and guided fishing trips. [jrwetlands.com]
musky in abundance. Make Island Sunrise Cottages
your home base with a stay at their cottages or farmhouse. Make your home base Castaways Cabins &
And for hunters, the white-tailed deer season includes bow, Campgrounds on the southern shore of Great
muzzle-loader and rifle seasons to make the most of the Slave Lake near Hay River in the Northwest Territories.
fall harvest. [islandsunrisecottages.ca] From there, explore Canada’s second largest lake and
the 10th largest in the world. This vast lake is teeming
When it comes to angling, going where the fish go is with ancient lake trout, delicate arctic grayling,
a safe bet, and that’s exactly how Wasse-Giihik Tours delicious whitefish and feisty northern pike.
and Accommodations operate. The Manitoulin Island [castawayscottagesnwt.com]
outfitter specializes in tours for the spring rainbow trout run
and summer salmon fishing around the island in Ontario.
They offer down rigging for salmon, rainbow and lake trout
and flat line adventures for walleye, northern pike and
musky throughout the area. Throughout winter, ice fishing Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses may be
closed or operating outside of normal business hours.
Touch base with tradition on your next hunting and fishing packages are available. [wasstours.com] Please call before visiting. Thank you.
adventure. The harvest of wild game and plentiful fish is
exhilarating to be sure, but it also serves an important
P H OTO S : R I V E R W R A N G L E R S P O R T F I S H I N G ( W O M A N ) , A U D E T P H OTO (G I R L) , H O O K É ( R I G H T PA G E )
conservation role by maintaining a sustainable balance
in nature. Most of all, bringing your bounty from the wild
to the table completes the circle of being responsible
for your own food.
North America’s largest freshwater fish is waiting for you
at River Wrangler Sportfishing in Chilliwack, B.C. White for brook and speckled trout along with moose, grouse
sturgeon can grow up to four metres long and weigh and bear hunting. Visitors can choose one of 48 cozy rooms
500 kilograms—it’ll be the toughest fight of your life so nestled in three pavilions. For hearty appetites, The Odanak
start lifting weights now. River Wrangler also gives you Club restaurant offers traditional Québécois and French
the chance to catch five species of salmon at various dishes in its picturesque dining room. [clubodanak.com]
times of the year. Take your pick from Chinook, sockeye,
chum, Coho and pink. [riverwranglersportfishing.com] Cree guides lead the way to the very best fishing spots
surrounding Pourvoirie Camp Louis Jolliet on the Rupert
For a taste of true north in the unspoiled region of Nunavik River in Mistissini, Québec. Here you’ll cast for brook trout,
in Arctic Québec, head to Arctic Adventures where for lake trout, walleye and northern pike all day long, then
over half a century, visitors have been treated to unparalleled join your fellow anglers in the dining room overlooking
angling experiences and authentic hospitality. Arctic char the majestic river for a meal expertly prepared by camp
is king from the home base at the Payne River Camp on chefs. Retire to one of eight cabins in camp for your
the 60th parallel, 1800 kilometres due north of Montréal. well‑deserved sleep. [mistassinilake.ca]
From the Tunulik II Fishing Camp, on an exposed granite
bluff overlooking the Lagrevé River, wild brook trout swim Just north of Québec City, the Laurentides Wildlife
the pools above and below camp. [arcticadventures.ca] Reserve promises an unmatched wilderness experience,
but it’s the legendary hospitality of the Huron-Wendat Camp Louis
Jolliet and
The full services of Club Odanak in La Tuque, Québec Nation that makes Secteur Tourilli so special. Fish for Osprey Lodge
include six lakes and ponds offering unmatched angling brook trout on the swirling waters of the Tourilli River andNATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
2 1
Snow Day!
During harsh winter months
Indigenous People in Canada
don’t just survive, they thrive!
BY BIANCA BU J AN
PH OTO: I N U IT A DV ENTU R E S
Inuit
Adventures
+ EXPLORE
FURTHER ONLINENATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
2 3
Make winter your favourite
season and discover the beauty
of the frozen North alongside
experienced operators who
share their Cultural Knowledge Josie’s Old Crow Adventures Arctic Bay Adventures
with guests on thrilling tours Snuggle up by a fire on sparkling snow Each November, the sun disappears for three
which appeal to all the senses. and gaze at the dancing lights above Old months in North Baffin, 700 kilometres north
Crow in the Yukon. Immerse in Gwitchin of the Arctic Circle, and the sky is blanketed
Culture on the Yahkaii (Northern Lights) tour, with swirling stars and the Northern Lights.
“Guests taste my wife’s homemade bannock, Experience the rarely explored floe edge of
listen to our Traditional stories, and stay warm Admiralty Inlet, a land of mountains and fjords.
in a wall tent, just like the one my dad was born As Winter Solstice approaches, the Inuit of
in,” shares Paul Josie, CEO of Josie Old Crow Arctic Bay come together for songs, dances,
P H OTO S : J A D D AV E N P O R T ( L E F T PA G E ) , J O S I E ’ S O L D C R O W A D V E N T U R E S ( P EO P L E I N G R E E N C O AT S ) , W A P U S K A D V E N T U R E S ( D O G S L E D)
Adventures. [josiesoldcrowadventures.com] and games as they celebrate the coming of
a new year. [arcticbayadventures.com]
Tundra North Tours
Snowmobile across vast tundra, wrangle
wild reindeer, and build and sleep in an igloo. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses may be closed or
operating outside of normal business hours. Please call before
The Arctic Immersion experience offered by visiting. Thank you.
Tundra North Tours will take you through the
wilds of Inuvik as you live and learn the Inuvialuit
way of life. Dip your toes in the Tundra lifestyle Josie’s Old Crow
with a day tour or get fully immersed in the Adventures
Culture and Traditions of the Inuvialuit People
with a epic week-long excursion.
[tundranorthtours.com]
Inuit Adventures
Glide over the sparkling snow of the arctic
tundra of Kuujjuaq; walk in ancient footsteps
and trek the trails of the remote Inuit
community of Puvirnituq; take in the
Destination mesmerizing performances of traditional
Experts
throat singers; marvel at the work of
Jillian Larkham, master sculptors, and help fishers retrieve
Director of Tourism,
Nunatsiavut their catch. [inuitadventures.ca]
Government
“I love working Wapusk Adventures
with communities
and partners, I see
Listen to edge-of-your-seat stories and gaze
tourism as a way at awe-inspiring aurora as you dash through
of preserving our
Culture and our the snow guided by a pack of racing huskies.
stories. Hebron This small operation in Churchill, Manitoba,
also holds a special
place for me; combines dog sledding, aurora viewing, and
Inuit were forced
to relocate but Indigenous storytelling to create authentic
through our adventures which leave a lasting impression.
programs, we get
to bring Inuit back “We’re more than a dog sled ride—we’re a
and now we share
our stories
dog sledding Indigenous experience!” shares
Wapusk
with everyone.” David Daley of Wapusk Adventures. Adventures
Tundra
North Tours [wapuskadventures.com]NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
2 5
Some of the most authentic travel experiences lie off
the beaten path. Discover the hidden gems prized by
some of Canada’s most experienced Indigenous guides.
GEMS
BY DEB BIE OLS EN
HIDDEN
P H OTO : M O C C A S I N T R A I L S
+ EXPLORE
FURTHER ONLINE Moccasin
TrailsNATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
K’awat’si West Coast 2 7
Tours Expeditions
P H OTO S : I N D I G E N O U S TO U R I S M A L B E R TA ( D E S T I N AT I O N E X P E R T S P O R T R A I T ) , S U Z A N N E R U S H TO N P H OTO G R A P H Y ( M A N I N R E D) , M I K E B Y R N E (O AT E R ) , TA K AYA TO U R S ( PA D D L E S ) ,
Knowledgeable guides at Mahikan Trails
specialize in helping guests connect with
the land on medicine walks and through
other adventures.
Takaya
Tours
The best way to experience the wild beauty Moccasin Trails offers interpretive walks
Girth Hitch
of British Columbia’s coastal rainforest is and canoe excursions along the ancestral Guiding
through the eyes of those who have lived paths of Indigenous Peoples in the traditional
there since time immemorial. Tamara Keiver territory of the Secwepemcuu’l’ecw, Syilx and
works with K’awat’si Tours, owned and Nlaka’pamux People. Each adventure includes
operated by the Gwa’sala Nakwaxda’xw First storytelling, drumming, dancing or Indigenous
Nation near Port Hardy. “My favourite place is ceremonies. “The hike to Coyote Rock near
the Nakwakto Rapids,” says Keiver. “There are Kamloops is a hidden gem,” co-founder
whales and wildlife and the fastest navigable Frank Antoine says. “The rock formation
tidal rapids on earth. It’s an incredible way is sacred to the Shuswap Nation and I love
to get a glimpse of untouched wilderness.” sharing our legends.” [moccasintrails.com]
[kawatsitours.ca]
Knowledgeable guides at Mahikan Trails
West Coast Expeditions on northwest specialize in helping guests connect with
Vancouver Island offer multi-day kayaking the land on medicine walks and through
adventures in the territory of the Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ other adventures. It’s something they call
and Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations. “One heart-centred walking. “There are two places
of the highlights of our five-day Sea Otter that are favourites of mine,” says owner-
Destination
Experts Kayak Tour is a traditional Indigenous salmon operator Brenda Holder. “I love showing
M O C C A S I N T R A I L S ( M A N W I T H G L A S S E S ) , M AT T H E W B A I L E Y ( H I K E R S )
dinner prepared by the Jules family, one of guests the ancient Indigenous pictographs
Shae Bird,
Executive Director, our Cultural host groups,” says owner David in Grotto Canyon near Canmore. People
Indigenous Tourism
Alberta
Pinel. “The meal is always incredible, but often walk right past them. The other spot
the best part is the conversation around the is Cascade Ponds in Banff National Park.
”I am extremely
fortunate to campfire. It’s about people meeting people.” The views are incredible.” [mahikan.ca]
represent the [westcoastexpeditions.com] Moccasin
various Indigenous
communities and With Takaya Tours, it’s all about experiencing Trails
entrepreneurs on
Treaty 6, 7 and 8
Girth Hitch Guiding’s Tim Taylor discovered the special power that comes from paddling
Mahikan
territory, and his passion for mountaineering at a summer the protected waters of Burrard Inlet and
Trails
the homeland of
the Métis. There is camp when he was a boy. It was a pivotal Indian Arm. Guides from the Coast Salish
a diverse inventory moment in his life. Today he works to empower Nation point out ancient village sites, tell
of Cultural
experiences, others through rock climbing and ice climbing legends and sing songs along the way.
Traditions, and
history throughout in Alberta’s Canadian Rockies. “The Fox Via “There are some 500-year-old pictographs
Alberta, and to be Ferrata near Abraham Lake is a real hidden that are really hard to find,” says Takaya’s
able to represent
and support this gem,” he says. “It’s outside the National Parks Dennis Thomas. “They are physical proof
diversity where
I call home is
and few people know about it. A Via Ferrata that my ancestors roamed and paddled here,
really special.” is a great option for someone who has never and I like sharing them with my guests.”
climbed before.” [girthhitchguiding.ca] [takayatours.com]NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
Mahikan 2 9
Trails
“ We give guests a real understanding for how
many Indigenous Nations have lived on this land
and our different Cultural Traditions.”
—Stephanie Sarazin, Indigenous Experiences
Blaine Mirasty, of Cree North Adventures, The organization has ambassadors from across
offers teepee camping, canoe rentals and Canada who share traditional songs, dances
land-based Cultural experiences on Flying and stories. “Every guest comes away with
Dust First Nation land near the City of a connection to Indigenous People,” says
Meadow Lake. “We go snowshoeing on Stephanie Sarazin. “We give guests a real
the frozen river and into the bush where understanding for how many Indigenous
there are no trails,” he says. “Along the way, Nations have lived on this land and our
I show guests how to look for rabbit tracks different Cultural Traditions.”
and how to set snares. It’s hands-on learning [indigenous-experiences.ca]
and it’s what my ancestors did.”
[creenorthadventures.ca] Tommy Taylor knows the Yukon River like
few others. Speakers of the Hän language are
“The Saskatchewan River Delta is the called Hän Hwëch’in which means “people
largest inland delta in North America and who live along the river.” Taylor grew up on
P H OTO S : J AY R . M C D O N A L D ( L E F T PA G E ) , L E N N O X I S L A N D F I R S T N AT I O N ( D E S T I N AT I O N E X P E R T S P H OTO)
one of the most biologically diverse places the Yukon River and gives guided boat tours
in Canada, but very few Canadians know there. “My favourite hidden gem is Dog Island,”
about it,” says Michela Carrière, who offers he says. Guests who visit Dog Island on a tour
herbal medicine walks, guided canoe trips with Fishwheel Charters learn about the
and other experiences with Aski Holistic traditional lifestyle of the Hän people and
Adventures. “I love sharing the wilderness get to explore a family fish camp.
and my home with my guests. They are [fishwheeltoursyukon.com]
welcomed as part of our family. It is a special
experience and a true connection to nature.” The Yukon is home to some of the largest
Destination [askiholisticadventures.com] protected wilderness areas on the planet
Experts with diverse landscapes and many plants and
Jamie Thomas, Mukwa Adventures offers ATV tours animals. “Our guests visit the Yukon hoping
Director, Culture
and Tourism,
and Cultural land‑based activities in the to glimpse Northern wildlife in their natural
Lennox Island forests of Northern Ontario. This stunning habitat—grizzly or black bears, moose, caribou,
First Nation
wilderness lies between the Algoma District Dall Sheep, mountain goats and even our small
”Our people are and the Sudbury District. “I like taking people game critters,” says Teena Dickson of Who,
very proud of their
Mi’kmaq Culture; into wilderness areas that can’t be accessed What, Where Tours. “We are so connected to
I love that we are
working together
by motor vehicles,” says owner Arthur Trudeau. the land, the wildlife and the wide-open spaces
to revitalize our “Many of our guests have never seen or and we love sharing that with them.”
language, practice
our Culture experienced real wilderness and it can [whitehorsetours.com]
and engage be life‑changing. Sometimes we take them
in Traditional
ceremonies. fishing. It’s rewarding to see someone Debbie Olsen is an award-winning Métis writer
Creating unique
experiences which catch their first fish.” [mukwa.ca] and a national bestselling author. Follow her at
allow us to educate [wanderwoman.ca].
visitors on our true
history is one of Situated on the grounds of the Canadian
the most rewarding
components
Museum of History in Ottawa, Indigenous
of what we do.” Experiences is one of the only Indigenous Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses may be closed or
operating outside of normal business hours. Please call before
tours offered inside Canada’s capital city. visiting. Thank you.NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE
WILDLIFE, NATURE& &ADVENTURE
ADVENTURE
3 1
Whales,
Bears and
Lights,
Oh My!
Spirit bears, the aurora borealis, grizzly bears and
killer whales. From the pristine wilderness of coastal
British Columbia to the seemingly endless Arctic
tundra of the North, discover some of Canada’s most
stunning displays of wildlife and nature.
B Y RY A N ROG E RS
P H OTO : C J K A L E
Sea Wolf
+
Adventures,
EXPLORE
FURTHER ONLINE
Port McNeill, B.C.,
on the traditional
territory of the
Kwakwaka’wakwNATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA
3 3
British Columbia Take a journey to the Great Bear Northwest Territories
On the traditional territory of the Rainforest to Spirit Bear Lodge, This experience deserves a top spot
Homalco First Nation, catch sight owned and operated by the on your must-do list. You’ll travel
of some of Canada’s most beloved Kitasoo/Xai’xais First Nation, 400 kilometres south of the Arctic
wildlife with Homalco Wildlife on the shores of the Great Bear Circle to Yellowknife. There, you’ll
and Cultural Tours. Surrounded Sea. Listen for the exhale of discover the region’s many wonders
by rugged coastal mountains, whales passing by this world-class, alongside Joe Bailey, owner of North
explore the narrow tidal passages eco-tourism property in the heart Star Adventures, who specializes
of Bute Inlet where you’ll encounter of the world’s largest intact in showcasing the beauty of the
humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, temperate rainforest. In the aurora borealis. Bailey takes pride
and bald eagles. Witness grizzly bears company of your Indigenous guides, in introducing guests to fishing,
fresh out of hibernation feast on catch a glimpse of the rare Spirit snowmobiling, teepee-camping,
spawning salmon and learn more Bear, a subspecies of black bear and buffalo viewing. Take home
about this spring ritual from your with naturally white fur, found only treasured memories of Joe’s stories
knowledgeable Indigenous guide. here. [spiritislandadventures.com] about the Dene People and their
[homalcotours.com] Traditions. [northstaradventures.ca]
With its well-deserved international
Take a front-row seat with Sidney reputation for thrilling grizzly bear Share and connect with Dene
Whale Watching and see whales viewing, Knight Inlet Lodge on Culture, art and food with B. Dene
on their annual migration through the traditional territory of the Adventures, owned and operated Knight Inlet
Lodge
the coastal waters of British Columbia. Da’Naxda’xw Awaetlala First Nation, by Bobby Drygeese of the Dene First
Just a thirty-minute drive from Victoria some 80 air kilometres from Nation. Spend an evening gazing at
brings guests to SWW’s launch spot Campbell River, is in the midst of the Northern Lights near your cozy North Star
Adventures
in the middle of prime orca feeding one of the largest concentrations lakeshore cabin on the shores of Great
grounds—why the family-owned of grizzly bears in British Columbia. Slave Lake, at Akaitcho Bay. Listen to
company is able to boast a 95-percent Surrounded by snow-capped the beat of drums and understand
whale sighting rate year-round. mountains, the remote, floating more about Traditional Knowledge
Journey from the Saanich Peninsula resort features immersive holidays, of the Dene People, who have been
P H OTO S : S H E A W YAT T ( B E A R ) , N O R T H S TA R A D V E N T U R E S (A U R O R A B O R E A L I S )
through the Salish Sea on a custom combining bear viewing with marine living in the North for centuries.
30-foot vessel surrounded by the wildlife excursions to the Johnson [bdene.com]
gently sloping hills of the Gulf Islands, Straight—one of the world’s top
home to abundant marine wildlife destinations for seeing killer whales If you feel chilly after witnessing
and unforgettable scenery. in the wild. [grizzlytours.com] the aurora borealis dancing across
[sidneywhalewatching.com] the sky, warm up in your heated
Stay at a summer wilderness camp teepee in Aurora Village, which
On the traditional territory of located on an ancient seasonal opened in November 2000 and soon
the Kwakwaka’wakw, take a Cultural village site and immerse yourself in became a coveted spot for Northern
journey through the unspoiled wilder First Nations Culture while exploring Lights viewing and winter fun. From
ness of the Broughton Archipelago the serenity of Great Bear Rainforest November to April, Aurora Village
andthe Great Bear Rainforest with with Coastal Rainforest Safaris. also provides opportunities for guests
Sea Wolf Adventures. This trip ticks You could find yourself sleeping to go ice fishing, snowshoeing and dog
all the boxes for true adventure with in a luxurious tent on Branham sledding—activities that have earned
vivid storytelling about the history and Island—an ideal base for venturing accolades from visitors worldwide.
living Culture of the Kwakwaka’wakw, out in search of whales, bears, sea [auroravillage.com]
and topnotch wildlife viewing, including otters and other wildlife. Indigenous
pods of migrating orcas navigating guides share their first-hand
their way through the cedar tree-lined knowledge of this magical place. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses may be
closed or operating outside of normal business
channels. [seawolfadventures.ca] [whalesandbears.ca] hours. Please call before visiting. Thank you.NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
Jasper National Park, Alberta 3 5
CHALLENGE RATING: STEP INTO NATURE
PARK LIFE
Hike the Athabasca and Maligne Valleys,
rediscover ancient trails in the “Shining
Mountains”, climb the “Backbone of
the World”. With your Métis guide, be
Jasper
From unceded territories to a remote National
transformed for a few hours, retracing
base camp to a downtown haven. Inuit lore, Park the footsteps of the Rocky Mountains’
Haida storytellers and sacred places. Luxury First Nations and revering the sheer beauty
tour buses, open-seas zodiacs, or your own and sacred places of the Stoney Nakoda
two feet. Choose a park, commit to the People. [jaspertourcompany.com]
journey, and change your perspective.
BY J A NE BU RGES S
Nahanni National Park
& Wood Buffalo National Park,
Northwest Territories and Alberta
+ EXPLORE
FURTHER ONLINE
CHALLENGE RATING: SHEER SIZE
From Yellowknife, through North Slave,
Dehcho and South Slave regions, to Nahanni
and Wood Buffalo Parks, take days to soak
in the northern boreal plains the Dene have
walked for millennia, spotting bison, eagles,
whooping cranes, bear and moose. At night,
look up and see a true Dark Sky, you can almost
touch the stars, or at least dance with the
Northern Lights. Now that’s something to
cross off your bucket list. [bucketlisttour.com]
The Torngats, Torngat
P H O T O : J AY R . M C D O N A L D , J A S P E R T O U R C O M PA N Y
Mountains National Park, Nain,
Newfoundland and Labrador
CHALLENGE RATING: REMOTE, SPIRITUAL
Follow centuries of Inuit footsteps
and Inukshuks through the subarctic
Torngat Mountains, feel the spirits
of Sallikuluk, then hike and swim at Silluak.
Craggy peaks, glacial fjords and icy bergs
along the Labrador Sea reveal polar bears
and caribou. A traditional Inuit homeland,
Torngat Mountains National Park is remote:
you need to fly to northern Labrador, boat
to the base camp, and coordinate with
Parks Canada staff. The payoff? Wild
nature, spiritual awakening and appreciation
of the Inuit’s inextricable link to the land.
[thetorngats.com]NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
3 7
Gwaii Haanas National Stanley Park, Vancouver,
Ocean House Park Reserve and Haida British Columbia
SGang Gwaay Poles
Heritage Site, Haida Gwaii, CHALLENGE RATING:
British Columbia RECOGNIZE WHAT’S SACRED
CHALLENGE RATING: SEE IT Traditional totem poles, hidden lakes,
TO BELIEVE IT, FOUR SEASONS IN A DAY! and sacred red cedars. In Vancouver’s
Spot rare Sitka deer, the biggest black Stanley Park, surrounded by sea,
bears in North America and unique walk through northwest coast trees
flora, marvel at the ancient poles and and plants, with your Indigenous
longhouses of SGang Gwaay Ilnagaay Cultural ambassador. Hear the
village and hear the stories of the Haida stories and learn that everything
when you visit the Islands of the People. here has been a resource for food,
Haida Style will fill your visit to this medicine, art and technology for
United Nations World Heritage generations of the Skwxu7mesh
Site with sea air, wilderness and Uxwumixw Coast Salish People.
P H OTO S : O C E A N H O U S E ( P O L E S ) , N U N AV I K PA R K S ( S N O W M O B I L E ) , D A N R E I L A N D ( S TA N L E Y PA R K ) , P O I N T G R O N D I N E PA R K ( S TA R S )
Indigenous Culture. [haidastyle.com] [talaysay.com]
Trek the edge of Siwash Rock,
Stanley Park
the bluest meteoritic
crater lake and gaze
across a treeless,
moon-like tundra
in Pingualuit, follow
the Koroc River,
In Vancouver’s Stanley
by kayak in summer
Park, surrounded by sea,
and by back-country
walk through northwest
ski, dogsled or
coast trees and plants,
snowmobile in winter.
with your Indigenous Destination
Cultural ambassador. Experts
Dustin Peltier,
Wikwemikong
Tourism
Nunavik Parks: Pingualuit, Kuururjuaq, Point
Information Centre
Grondine
Tursujuq, Ulittaniujalik National Parks, Park
”Having been
Nunavik, Québec recognized as
CHALLENGE RATING: FREE YOUR INNER NOMAD the ‘Cultural Capital
of Canada’ in 2006,
Trek the edge of the bluest meteoritic crater lake and Wiikwemkoong
Unceded Territory
gaze across a treeless, moon-like tundra in Pingualuit, Point Grondine Park, Killarney, Ontario is a proud and
follow the Koroc River, by kayak in summer and by CHALLENGE RATING: EXPAND YOUR CULTURE progressive
community.
back-country ski, dogsled or snowmobile in winter, to Join a traditional pow wow, compete in an ice fishing derby, canoe the ancient routes Wikwemikong
Ungava Bay in Kuururjuaq, trace 4,500 years of human along Georgian Bay, and immerse yourself in the Cultural lifestyles and Traditions of the Tourism is proud
to expresses our
spirit, ingenuity and subsistence among Cree and Anishinabek People of the Three Fires Confederacy—the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi vibrant community’s
Anishnaabek culture
Inuit archaeological sites in Tursujuq, track the now- of Wiikwemkoong. Just five hours north of Toronto, Canada’s only officially recognized through our
endangered George River Caribou along the same Unceded Indigenous Territory welcomes you. [grondinepark.com] guided Indigenous
experiences and
paths weathered by the Inuit and Naskapi Peoples, by hosting events
that draw visitors
explorers and traders in Ulittaniujalik. Stretched above from all over
Nunavik
the 55th parallel in Québec, Nunavik Parks may offer too Parks
the world.”
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses may be closed or operating outside
much for just one adventure. [www.nunavikparks.ca] of normal business hours. Please call before visiting. Thank you.NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
3 9
Road DAY DAY
Trip!
Arrive in Montréal and head to the cobblestone streets of Vieux- After breakfast, cross the
Montréal to discover the Ashukan Cultural Space, produced by St. Lawrence and in 45 minutes
Sacred Fire Productions. Open year-round, this multi-purpose hub arrive in Mont-Saint-Hilaire.
helps Indigenous artists to promote their work within Canada and Visit the Maison Amérindienne,
to an international audience. Ashukan also offers exhibition space where you can immerse in the
for contemporary Indigenous art with exhibitions such as Femmes sweet history of the sugar maple
Discover Québec from the shores of mes soeurs / Women are sisters showcasing embroidery as a tool tree. Learn how Indigenous People
the St Lawrence to the boreal forest for social and collective mobilization. [sacredfireproductions.ca] added maple sap to water and
and explore a rich landscape that many used it in their cuisine and how
Indigenous communities call home. Overnight in Montréal. its collection was an annual
reunion. Painter/sculptor André
See the region’s wildlife and discover
P H OTO S : M AT H I E U D U P U I S ( L E F T PA G E ) , S T U D I O D U R U I S S E A U , R O B E R T B A R O N E T ( E X H I B I T ) , M A I S O N A M É R I N D I E N N E ( K I D S )
Michel opened this cultural house
its storied Indigenous Culture. in 2000, and each year, the
BY WA H EEDA HARRIS museum features six exhibitions
of Indigenous and Métis artists.
Feast at Café Le Mishtan
+ EXPLORE
FURTHER ONLINE
on crustless sugar pie made from
a traditional Atikamekw recipe
and herbal teas such as willow,
ash, birch, lavender and crowberry.
[maisonamerindienne.com]
From Mont-Saint-Hilaire it’s
an hour to Odanak, situated
in the heart of the Abenaki First
Nation with a fascinating museum.
Founded in 1965 by community
members, the Abenaki Museum
was the first Indigenous-focused
museum in Québec. The
Abenaki Museum
Wôbanaki: People of the Rising
Sun, is a multimedia telling of
the Abenaki creation story; you
can also learn outside along the
Tolba, a 1.2-kilometre trail along
Founded in 1965 the St. François River, which
by community teaches visitors about medicinal
members, the plants and animal species.
Abenaki Museum [museeabenakis.ca]
was the first
Indigenous- After a memorable day of
Condos-Hôtels
focused museum Maison
Amérindienne
Indigenous Culture, overnight
Natakam in Québec. in Trois-Rivières.NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
4 1
Huron
Traditional
Site Onhoua
Chetek8e a
recreated
village of
the Huron-
Wendat.
Activities
include
storytelling,
P H OTO S : H U R O N T R A D I T I O N A L S I T E (A R T W O R K ) , A U D E T P H OTO , H U R O N T R A D I T I O N A L S I T E ( W O M A N ) , S T É P H A N E G R O L E A U ( B U I L D I N G)
sacred dance,
medicine
wheel or
animal skin
DAY DAY workshops or
learning the
Head to Québec City, an hour and a half drive from Trois- Go for a workout in Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations’ Satechaquey
Rivières for retail therapy at Atikuss Boutique. Opened by indoor pool or gym before heading down the road to Huron rally, a series
Innu businesswoman Josée Leblanc in 2016, this cosy shop Traditional Site Onhoua Chetek8e a recreated village of physical
promotes Indigenous women artists and is a showcase for of the Huron-Wendat. Activities include storytelling, sacred competitions.
custom-designed Hopeboots and temptations such as dance, medicine wheel or animal skin workshops or learning
moccasins, hats, jackets and handicrafts. [atikuss.com] the Satechaquey rally, a series of physical competitions.
[huron-wendat.qc.ca]
From Vieux-Québec, 20 minutes and you’re in Wendake at
contemporary-styled Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations. A guided tour includes interpretation of the giant teepee,
Huron
Inspired by Iroquoian longhouse design, this light-filled, longhouse, sweat lodge, smoke house and visiting the canoe Traditional Site
pet-friendly hotel features First Nations art and a palette of and snowshoe workshop. As most activities are outside,
fur, leather, stone and wood. Stroll next door to the Huron- dress according to the weather. NEK8ARRE Restaurant
Wendat Museum, with its dioramas depicting Huron-Wendat offers visitors a game or fish-based three-course lunch.
history and Culture, and visit Tsawhenhohi House, former [huron-wendat.qc.ca/restaurant]
home of 19th century Grand Chief Nicolas Vincent
Tsawhenhohi. [hotelpremieresnations.ca] After lunch take the scenic four-hour drive to Tadoussac
where the Saguenay and St. Lawrence rivers meet to enjoy
Pick a table near indoor or outdoor fireplaces for dinner at the Innu community-created Enterprises Essipit. Select
the hotel’s La Traite Restaurant. The First Nations-inspired from these memorable overnight options: Tadoussac
menu includes palate-pleasing options of wild game and Campground with hillside sites overlooking the rivers,
smoked fish, accented with locally foraged herbs and berries. accommodating tents, trailers and recreational vehicles,
With all rooms facing the Akiawenrahk’ River, you’ll be easily and ready-to-camp options, including camping accessories,
lulled into dreamland by the sounds of the water. electricity and heat. The Tipi Campground, a half hour
[tourismewendake.ca/en/restaurants/la-traite] from Tadoussac in the forest, has sites for tents and RVs,
hiking trails and ready-to-camp options. Closer to
Tadoussac, Lacs à Jimmy offers fully furnished cottages
with propane-powered amenities and direct access to
Huron Hôtel-Musée
the lake for swimming and boating for two to 20 guests. Premières Nations
Traditional Site
[vacancesessipit.com]NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA WILDLIFE, NATURE & ADVENTURE
4 3
DAY
Kick off your last day with an Essipit whale watching
cruise at Grandes-Bergeronnes marina, 20 minutes from Essipit
whale
Tadoussac. Board a zodiac and sail into the St. Lawrence watching
estuary to the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park.
A year-round home for beluga whales and harbour seals,
from May to October its seasonal residents include fin and
minke whales, and the world’s largest animal: the blue whale.
Warm clothing is recommended for all tours from June to
October; Essipit will lend tour participants clothing and
P H OTO S : M A G A L I E M A S S E Y P H OTO G R A P H E ( PA D D L E B O A R D) , E S S I P I T W H A L E W ATC H I N G ( W H A L E ) , M A R C LO I S E L L E ( B O AT )
accessories to keep warm too. [vacancesessipit.com]
Ten minutes’ drive from the marina, Mer et Monde
Mer et Monde
Écotours
Écotours, who celebrate their 30th anniversary in
2021, offer guided sea kayaking tours with ocean view
accommodation. Found on a peninsula with paddle in-
Essipit
and‑out-kayak access, the L’Anse à la Cave campground
Its seasonal residents
whale
watching has platform camping, ready-to-camp sites with all
include fin and minke whales,
accessories and comfy rustic wood cabin shelters with
and the world’s largest animal:
gas fireplace and solar electricity. All accommodation
the blue whale.
includes a picnic table and fire pit for meals and relaxing
after a day of activities. [meretmonde.ca]
For another option, drive 20-minutes down the coast
to the Essipit cottages, which are easily accessible
by car, close to hiking trails and include all the necessities
of a home away from home. The charming red-roofed
Anse-à-Jos A-frames and the classic wood Shipek cabins
are close to the St. Lawrence for regular beachcombing
and walks along the riverbanks, while the more secluded
Anse-à-Yves vacation homes are on a cliff with the kind
of panoramic views that will easily become your most-liked
Instagram post. [vacancesessipit.com]
If you’re looking for a few more creature comforts, then
check-in to Natakam Condo-Hotels, in Les Escoumins;
these stylish one- and two-bedroom suites have fireplaces
and either a private balcony or terrace to enjoy the
270 degree views across the St Lawrence. Amenities
include a playground for the younger set and bike paths
for all ages. Bonus: all guests can whale-watch from their
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses may be closed or operating outside
room’s deck. [vacancesessipit.com] of normal business hours. Please call before visiting. Thank you.NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA CULTURE & HERITAGE
4 5
CULTURE
& HERITAGE
Come, gather around the fire
and hear stories of Indigenous
Knowledge passed down through
countless generations. Walk in
the footsteps of those who came
before us and share in their
wisdom. Discover extraordinary
art created as a reflection of living
Culture and expressed through
songs, dance, theatre, crafts,
P H O T O : K I M B E R L E Y K U FA A S , I N D I G E N O U S T O U R I S M B C
sculptures and more. Immerse in
the brilliant bounty of Indigenous
creativity. Feed your soul!NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA CULTURE & HERITAGE
4 7
Artistic
Inspiration
From powerful pow wow performances
to hand‑made moose hide moccasins, Indigenous
art is as diverse and dynamic as the many
Indigenous communities across Canada.
Inspiration for the beautiful songs, stories,
and sculptures are as unique as the artists
who create them.
B Y B IA N CA B U JA N
P H OTO : S É B A S T I E N D E S N OY E R S
Pow Wow
Wendake,
Québec
+ EXPLORE
FURTHER ONLINENATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA CULTURE & HERITAGE
P H OTO S : W A R R I O R W O M E N ( W O M A N W I T H H AT ) , M O O S E C R E E F I R S T N AT I O N ( D E S T I N AT I O N E X P E R T S P O R T R A I T O F W O M A N ) , A U R O R A H E AT ( F U R ) , I - H O S G A L L E R Y ( S C U L P T U R E ) , M I ’ K M A Q H E R I TA G E
4 9
Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors
Watch Traditional legends
“My work is a reflection of my life
unfold before your eyes
story, and my inspiration is to share
through a multimedia
Indigenous legends, stories, and
experience like no other,
songs with the world—one drum
A C TO R S ( S U N S E T ) , T R A N S FO R M AT I O N F I N E A R T ( PA I N T I N G S ) , S A M A J I M C A N Z I A N ( TOT E M ) , I N D I G E N O U S TO U R I S M Q U É B EC ( D E S T I N AT I O N E X P E R T S P O R T R A I T O F M A N )
performed by Atlantic
beat at a time,” shares co-founder,
Canada’s premier Indigenous
Matricia Brown. Destination
Experts
theatre group, Mi’kmaq
Legends. The six-strong Andrew Germain,
Mi’kmaq troupe transforms Indigenous
Tourism Québec
the stage to leave
”Being new to the
a lasting impression on tourism industry, it’s
their audience. “We all find an honour to have
I-Hos the opportunity to
Gallery joy in learning, developing learn and represent
Warrior the diversity of our
Women
and sharing our stories,
amazing Indigenous
and watching everyone who Culture. The current
pandemic situation
comes to see us appreciate it,” revealed the
Warrior Women Mi’kmaq shares performer, resilience of our
Heritage businesses and I am
Hear the heartbeat of Mother Earth through the haunting stories and songs shared by Actors
Julie Pellissier-Lush. really proud to help
them face this
the dynamic mother-daughter duo that makes up Warrior Women. “My work is a reflection I-Hos Gallery [mikmaqlegends.com] unprecedented
of my life story, and my inspiration is to share Indigenous legends, stories, and songs with Owned and operated crisis.”
the world—one drum beat at a time,” shares co-founder, Matricia Brown. Based in Jasper, by the K’ómoks First
Warrior Women offer performances, workshops, and experiences that connect visitors Nation, the I-Hos
with Cree Culture. [warrriorwomen.ca] Gallery offers a window
into their Culture Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
through a collection Created in honour of celebrated Haida master artist
of Traditional and Bill Reid, this downtown Vancouver must-see aims to
contemporary artwork spark connections through creative journeys, exhibits,
under the watchful eye and collections. Inspired by the goal of promoting a greater
of Queneesh, the great awareness of Indigenous Cultures and values, the gallery
whale and i-Hos, is both an homage to a great artist, and a reflection of the
a double-headed sea Traditional and contemporary aspects of the Haida Gwaii
serpent. “We are all Cultures and Traditions. [billreidgallery.ca]
Destination
Experts different and have
Transformation
unique legends to Fine Art
Kim Cheechoo,
Tourism Officer, share with those
Moose Cree
First Nation
who stop to listen,”
says gallery manager,
”We are the
Tourism team Ramona Johnson. Transformation Fine Art
for Moose Cree [ihosgallery.com] “Inuit art is an extractive process, where
First Nation located
on the island of the artist captures a freeze-frame of reality in
Moose Factory. We
are proud and very
a beautiful form. It’s not just rock; it’s thoughts
honoured to come Aurora Heat in rock. Culture is connection—the greatest
from a community
that holds so much For warmth in the Arctic, Dene people don furs made of sheared beaver harvested in the teacher, and what better way to understand
beauty in all its wilds of Northern Canada. “I dream of a world where humans are thoughtful about meeting a Culture than through art,” says gallery owner
surrounding areas.
We share hands-on basic needs using natural reusable products, living in harmony with nature,” says Aurora Heat Sophia Lebessis. At Transformation’s downtown
learning to those
who come to president, Brenda Dragon who takes inspiration through the Cultural value of the beaver Calgary space, immerse yourself in stories of
visit us.” Bill Reid Gallery of
to produce silky-soft fur products such as hand warmers and blankets, handmade by Culture, Tradition, and artistic motivation from Northwest Coast Art
Indigenous artisans. [auroraheat.ca] an Inuit perspective. [transformationfineart.com]NATIONS / 2021 DESTINATIONINDIGENOUS.CA CULTURE & HERITAGE
5 1
Moonstone Innucadie Stories
Creation and Legends Festival
P H OTO S : M O O N S TO N E C R E AT I O N (A R T D I S P L AY ) , F R I T Z M U E L L E R ( M O C A S S I N S , K I D S ) , A U D E T P H OTO ( W O M A N I N R E D D A N C I N G) , M AT T H E W S . D U B O F F ( K I D S I N O R A N G E D A N C I N G) ,
This family-run gallery Against a backdrop
in Calgary showcases of boreal forest, rivers,
three generations of and beaches in Natashquan,
talented Cree artists. Québec, the Innucadie
After growing up under Stories and Legends
the tutelage of her spoken word festival Destination
Experts
mother, Yvonne Jovin, celebrates Innu oral
Kimberly Cross,
artist and Moonstone Traditions, and Acadian Kahnawake Tourism
Moonstone
Creation
Creation co-owner, Culture. Inspired by
”Kahnawake is my
Amy Willier finds the works of Gilles home town. I love
inspiration sharing her Vigneault, festival that when I greet
visitors and I take
Cree Culture with visitors performers showcase them around our
community, they
to the gallery. Jovin’s the creativity of the Innu feel like part of the
considerable knowledge and participate in the family. We show
them who we are,
of Traditional Cree age-old practice of have conversations,
Pow Wow tell stories of our
Culture and spirituality sharing and passing down Wendake past and present.
is reflected in the pieces Traditional Knowledge. I am proud to share
our community,
displayed throughout [innucadie.com] that is thriving with
the gallery from bead
See and feel the history Culture, language
work, leather work,
and living Culture of the and history.”
and painting to Traditional
Huron‑Wendat Nation through
fish scale art.
powerful performances.
[moonstonecreation.ca]
Adäka Adäka Cultural
Cultural
Festival
Festival
Immerse in the Yukon’s Pow Wow Wendake Montréal First Peoples’
Adäka diverse and distinctive First Inspired by creating Festival
Cultural Nations arts and Culture at community, sharing From gastronomy to film
Festival
the Adäka Cultural Festival. Culture and Traditions and poetry recitals to
Adäka means “coming into and the chance to meet electro concerts, the
the light” in the Southern old friends and make new Montréal First Peoples’
Tutchone language, and ones, travel to Wendake, Festival aims to create
K A H N A W A K E TO U R I S M ( D E S T I N AT I O N E X P E R T S P O R T R A I T )
organizers of the festival perched at the edge of visibility for Indigenous
are committed to shining the canyon of the People and Culture in Manito Ahbee
Festival
a light on the creative spirit Akiawenrahk’ River the city and connect youth
of Yukon First Nations (Saint-Charles River) with Indigenous Cultures.
People. Showcasing a rich to experience their annual “Artists are our best Manito Ahbee Festival
mixture of traditional and pow wow. See and feel ambassadors because they Inspired by the desire to bring Traditional Métis and Inuit
contemporary visual and the history and living speak directly to the soul,” arts, Culture and music to a wider community, Lisa Meeches,
performing artists from Culture of the Huron- shares Director of executive director of the Manito Ahbee Festival says that
across Canada and the Wendat Nation through Cultural Activities, the annual event in downtown Winnipeg goes beyond just
North, music, dance, powerful performances, André Dudemaine. being a festival. “It’s a prophesy that unveils itself; when you
storytelling, traditional arts as their Cultural heritage “There’s no filter when honour all the gifts of all our Indigenous Nations that come
and crafts, and workshops comes to life through you’re taken by a song, together, you’re fulfilling a prophesy.” Named after one of
are interwoven with the Traditional dancing a dance, a film—it’s another the most sacred Indigenous sites in Manitoba, feel the spirit
warmth of the Yukon spirit! and drums. way of feeling and seeing.” of Manito Ahbee come alive through songs, films, art,
[adakafestival.ca] [powwowwendake.ca] [presenceautochtone.ca] performance and dance. [manitoahbee.com]You can also read
