NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY | 13
SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2022
knowledge and history and culture, they are creating friendships and allies.” What follows is a look at some of the most popular Indigenous-led tourism businesses and offerings available in Manitoba. Whiteshell Petroforms Authentic Indigenous Tours: These guided tours through the boreal forest of Whiteshell Provincial Park (whiteshellpetroforms.com) offer visitors an opportunity to learn first-hand about the sacred Bannock Point petroforms site with guide and Indigenous knowledge keeper Diane Maytwayashing. Petroforms are rocks and boulders arranged by Indigenous peoples over millennia to share their stories, histories and teachings. Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre: Located in Winnipeg’s North Point Douglas neighbourhood, the centre (micec.com) was founded in 1975 and is the largest cultural education centre in the province. It’s home to several community educational programs, including Cree and Ojibway language classes, and a people’s library that boasts one of the most extensive collections of Indigenous knowledge in the province. It also houses an extensive, one-of-a-kind collection of archeological artifacts and arts and crafts work. Admission to the centre is free of charge and organizers are hoping to resume in-person activities sometime this summer. “MICEC is a place for anyone interested in Indigenous peoples, languages and cultures,” says Dene Sinclair, the centre’s strategy and business development specialist. “Because of the neighbourhood we’re in we’re a bit of an undiscovered gem. A lot of people don’t know about us.” Cedar Lake Ranch: This Indigenous-owned and operated cultural workshop facilitation and meeting space (www.cedarlakeranch.ca) is located 40 minutes east of Winnipeg near
the town of Anola. In addition to hosting staff meetings, it offers traditional teachings in one of its many teepees and traditional lodges. It’s also a great place for families to escape the hustle and bustle or urban life and connect with Mother Earth. National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada: Located in the former Portage Indian Residential School in Portage la Prairie, the museum (nirsmuseum.ca) was designated a provincial heritage site in 2005. The museum is a memorial to those who went through the residential school experience, honours survivors and their families, and aims to educate both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people on how the residential school system impacted both past and present-day Indigenous life. SAYZOONS: SAYZOONS (sayzoons.ca) is a Métis-operated camp located near St.-Pierre- Jolys that offers year-round outdoor tourism activities and equipment rentals. The aim of the camp is to promote an outdoor lifestyle in a safe and inclusive environment. Activities include everything from snowshoeing and shelter building to tubing and archery. Moon Gate Bed and Breakfast: Moon Gate (moongateguesthouse.ca) is a one-of-a-kind guest house nestled on the banks of the Whitemouth River on Treaty 3 land. In addition to offering picturesque vistas and some of the best homemade pizza you’ll ever taste, Moon Gate hosts Jenny and Michel share Métis culture through authentic experiences and storytelling. Feast Café Bistro: The Feast (feastcafebistro. com) has become a fixture of Winnipeg’s West End thanks to owner and chef Christa Bruneau- Guenther’s unique and Indigenous-inspired menu. It’s also gained plenty of attention for its efforts to give back to the community such as when it closed its doors to serve up meals to First Nations communities displaced by a winter storm.
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THE INDUSTRY IS ALSO HELPING TO BUILD BRIDGES BETWEEN INDIGENOUS AND NON- INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. “ – Holly Courchene, Manitoba regional coordinator
PHOTO BY TRAVEL MANITOBA
Prairie Berry: Located in the community of Glenlea about 10 minutes outside of Winnipeg, Prairie Berry (prairie-berry. com) is a family-owned, farm-to-table dining experience. Meals use fresh, local ingredients and are prepared by local chefs who incorporate an element of strawberry into each dish.
for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)
See you at the celebrations for National Indigenous Day!
KISIK COMMERCIAL FURNITURE
204-949-0646 info@kisik.biz www.kisik.biz
Bannock Point Tour with Diane PHOTO BY TRAVEL MANITOBA
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