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12 ways to get closer to Indigenous cultures in Canada


If you’re seeking a genuine Canadian experience, begin by exploring the nation’s deep Indigenous heritage


CANADA is rich with Indigenous history, showcased through attractions, events, and adventures found in every province, spanning from coast to coast.


Manito Ahbee Festival


As soon as the drummers unleash a vibrant beat and the women adorned in intricate shawls unfurl their butterfly capes, you’ll realise that Winnipeg’s Manito Ahbee Festival is truly a remarkable occasion. Set in a traditional Indigenous gathering space, witness pow wow performers in feathered headdresses sharing the stage with Indigenous hip hop artists. Allow your body to sway as Cree, Ojibwa, and Dakota Sioux dancers twirl and sing. When the “intertribal dance” is announced, it’s your invitation to participate!


The Great Spirit Circle Trail The Great Spirit Circle Trail offers visitors


a glimpse into the lives of the Anishinaabe people residing on Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater lake


island


in the world. With stunning waterfalls and breathtaking vistas,


the


island’s natural beauty is only outshone by its vibrant culture and traditions. Manitoulin is home to seven First Nations reserves, and the area’s rich Indigenous heritage holds deep significance for all its inhabitants. As you embark on the Great Spirit Circle Trail, a local guide will lead you through the island’s history. You’ll have the opportunity to hear their stories, enjoy traditional cuisine, and even participate in a ceremonial experience.


Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site


Kejimkujik National Park in Nova Scotia


is an excellent destination for hiking and camping, while also offering a chance to explore the history of the Mi’kmaq People. Throughout the park, you’ll find stone carvings, known as petroglyphs, that depict scenes of hunting, fishing, and other aspects of traditional Mi’kmaq life. If guided tours aren’t your preference, you can rent a canoe and paddle along the same waterways that Indigenous people have navigated for generations. Just a heads-up: the park is named after Kejimkujik Lake, which translates to “tired muscles” in Mi’kmaq, highlighting the challenge of canoeing across it.


Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre


For nearly 6,000 years, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump has served as a vital hunting site for numerous nomadic tribes, making it one of the oldest and most well-preserved communal buffalo hunting locations in North America. A visit to the award-winning interpretive centre is a highlight of any journey through the windswept Alberta landscape. Explore the timeline of this iconic buffalo jump to understand how the First Nations adapted the environment to aid in their hunts. Listen to First Nations guides share stories of life on the plains and demonstrate how tribes utilised every part of the buffalo. During the summer months, experience vibrant performances by First Nations dancers and drummers, or take a hike to the drive lanes to witness how the bison were cleverly outsmarted.


The Huron Traditional Site Just 15 minutes away


from Québec City lies the Huron Traditional Site. Situated in Wendake, within the Huron- Wendat Reservation, this genuine replica of a Huron village offers a chance to engage with the area’s Indigenous heritage. You can take a guided tour, participate in distinctive games, join


a craft workshop, or embark on a shaman’s quest. Conclude your visit with a traditional meal at the NEK8ARRE restaurant.


‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum Nestled in the Hazelton community


of Northern British Columbia is the ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum, a reconstructed Gitxsan village. Featuring seven longhouses, the first of which was constructed in 1959, this site mirrors a district that has existed along the riverside for centuries, if not millennia. Be sure to admire the totem poles and explore the smokehouse and food cache during your visit.


Spirit Bear Lodge


Venture into the ancestral lands of the ancient Kitasoo/Xai’xais People to discover the enigmatic Kermode (Spirit) bear. This community’s culture and heritage are deeply intertwined with the land and its wildlife, making them the perfect guides for your journey through the Great Bear Rainforest in pursuit of this legendary, cream-white bear. Learn about the Spirit Bear’s mythology from local First Nations and explore important Indigenous sites, including a traditional Big House.


Great Northern Arts Festival For 56 days each summer, the Northwest


Territories bask in 24 hours of daylight. Instead of worrying about the impact on their sleep, locals embrace the chance to celebrate this extraordinary phenomenon. For over 25 years, the Great Northern Arts Festival has highlighted the talents of 120 Northern artists, including painters, sculptors, musicians, and First Nations creators from across the nation, all beneath the midnight sun. Experience a Gwich’in woman crafting traditional Indigenous dolls, witness a polar bear take shape from soapstone in the hands of a skilled carver, and enjoy the rhythms of Inuit hip- hop.


West Baffin Eskimo Co- Operative Limited


Carvings, etchings, a nd stonecut prints form the cornerstone of the West Baffin Eskimo Co-Operative Limited, which is made up of Inuit artists from Cape Dorset. Established over 50 years ago, the co-operative has become widely recognised as the Inuit art capital of the world. Located along the shores of the Hudson Strait, these talented artists showcase their work, enchanting the numerous art enthusiasts who visit the island each year.


Wanuskewin Heritage Park For over 6,000 years, Wanuskewin Heritage


Park served as a gathering place for the Northern Plains Indians. Long before the construction of the pyramids, the Pantheon, or the Great Wall of China, Saskatchewan’s First Peoples came together here to hunt


buffalo, worship, and celebrate their culture. Today, the park offers an opportunity to delve into this rich heritage and its history. Wander along educational trails that meander through the valley. Explore archaeological digs filled with tipi


rings, stone cairns, pottery shards, animal bones, and more. Spend the night in a tipi and enjoy traditional stories shared around a campfire, accompanied by tea and fresh bannock bread.


Tombstone Territorial Park Tombstone Territorial Park may have


a daunting name, but this Yukon gem is brimming with stunning natural beauty and First Nations heritage. Situated just 285 kilometres from the Arctic Circle, Tombstone is the ancestral land of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation, whose roots in the region extend back thousands of years. Within the park, you can discover over 70 protected ecological and archaeological sites, featuring everything from hunting


blinds and stone tools to cemeteries. National Indigenous Peoples Day


National Indigenous Peoples Day is a nationwide celebration in Canada, taking place every year on June 21, coinciding with the summer solstice. This day aims to “honour and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.” Across the country, the day is filled with various activities and festivities, ranging from community feasts to traditional games. Engage with your local Indigenous community to find out how you can get involved.


For more information on visiting Canada, check out travel.destinationcanada.com.


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