Unique Indigenous Communities in Canada are close to home . . . and far from ordinary

Written by Travel, Trek & Tour Staff, September 10, 2020

Above: Wikwemikong Heritage Organization Annual Cultural Festival

An invitation to Ontarians to escape from home and visit Indigenous experiences across the province

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Canadians love to travel and the pre-COVID favourite destinations included the USA, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, and Cuba. Travel restrictions have changed all that and Canadians have joyfully turned their attention to exploring the unique and magical travel, touring, and trekking opportunities at home. In doing so, millions are discovering the spectacular parts of this great land for the very first time.

One of the most rewarding travel experiences is learning the rich history, culture, and tourism offerings and visit Indigenous experiences and communities across the country. There are over 700 unique Indigenous communities in Canada (134 in Ontario alone) and each has their own story to tell.

— Ottawa Experiences —

Begin your tour with Indigenous Experiences right here in Ottawa. Canada’s capital is on unceded Algonquin territory — this is becoming increasingly important as Canadians show a new understanding and appreciation for Indigenous peoples, their history, and their rights. The history of the national Capital region is steeped in Algonquin culture and tradition. The origin of the name “Ottawa” is derived from the Algonquin word adawe, meaning to trade and refers to the Indigenous peoples who used the river to trade, hunt, fish, camp, harvest plants, ceremonies, and for other traditional uses.

The magnificent Chaudière Falls, whose powerful currents feed the Ottawa River directly behind Parliament Hill and are the meeting point for three rivers that have been the site of First Nations ceremonies for thousands of years, are home to Archaeological evidence of First Nations settlements in this region for over 5000 years.

One of the best ways to get a sense of Ottawa and the layered history of the capital is to take the two-hour Indigenous Walks tour with Indigenous Experiences which covers 3 kms through downtown Ottawa where you will learn about the city and the greater region from the Indigenous perspective. Guides share the social, political, and cultural issues through architecture, landscape, monuments, and art as you walk through the city. Owned and operated by Jaime Koebel, a Metis Nehiyaw/Michif from Lac La Biche, Alberta who has made Ottawa home for two decades, this tour is unique in that it brings in the local Algonquin history through Algonquin story tellers who work with Koebel. Most tours begin at the Human Rights Monument in front of City Hall just off Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue.

After the Indigenous Walks tour make sure you take the opportunity take the popular Aboriginal Voyageur Canoe ride with Indigenous Experiences which makes its way down to the Ottawa River shoreline to meet with a “traditional” voyageur who explains the story of  the fur trade and the vital relationship between voyageurs and their First Nations partners. It was only with the aid of their Indigenous contacts that these legendary explorers were able to navigate the treacherous riverways between Ottawa and Montreal to make the regular transport of fur and supplies between the cities. This experience is part of the noteworthy Canadian Signature Experiences collection.

Visit Indigenous Experiences and sign up for one of the other four workshops and you’ll get a taste of many First Nations cultures from across Canada. Choose between Tea & Bannok with an Eder, the Traditional Dance and Tour, Feel the Heartbeat or the Creation Workshop. Indigenous Experiences is open from May to mid-October for guided tours with a minimum of 25 people per group.

There are a plenty of  road trips you can take within a few hours to a day’s drive of Ottawa to enjoy the many wonderful Indigenous tourist destinations throughout Ontario. These aren’t just trips; they are experiences and you will meet some incredible people in some of the most beautiful places on the planet.

— Manitoulin Island Experiences —

One of our favourite places in Canada is Manitoulin Island in Northeastern Ontario, on Lake Huron. Manitoulin is the world’s largest freshwater island and is unique in that it contains more than 100 inland lakes, some of which have their own islands. The  scenic six-hour drive from Ottawa via the Algonquin Park route will have you passing though charming Arnprior, small town Pembroke, Deep River, North Bay, Sudbury, Espanola and onto Manitoulan. The comforting and beautiful landscape as you pass Espanola heading into Manitoulan are especially enjoyable. The  raw scenic beauty of Algonquin Park where rolling roads and lakes are framed by large rock outcrops and big pines were captured in the past century on canvas by the renowned Group of Seven artists, but the Ojibway and Algonquins have celebrated this ‘home’ through their culture, traditions and needlework for centuries.

Photo: Ethan Mele for Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre is a new and unique property on Manitoulin Island. The first time I stayed was last February for a conference. The on-site Wampum Restaurant looks out to the LaCloche mountain range and the breathtaking North Channel of Lake Huron. The glistening sun warms the cold winter weather as you take in  the views from the Inn of the  iced in Bay.  Friendly staff, great food, warmly lit contemporary rooms with modern amenities and decor reflecting the First Nations traditions make for a comfortable stay. In the summer, the bright sun and warm lake water are a joy for water and recreational enthusiasts. The outdoor patio is a nice way to end a day taking in the  stunning views of the surrounding lake and mountains. Modern and private meeting rooms capable of hosting families or group tours, motorcoach and bus tours, business meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, weddings and just about any type of activity.

Some of the best fishing in Canada is in this area and you can head out with friendly local professional guides from Wasse Giizhik Tours whose families have fished these waters for countless generations. Go downrigging for salmon, rainbow and lake trout on Lake Huron surrounding Manitoulin Island or head out on a flat line adventures for rainbow trout, walleye, northern pike and musky throughout Lake Huron and Manitoulin’s Island Lakes. It doesn’t matter if you are a fist time fisher wanting to take the family on a memorable fishing trip  or an  avid fisherman looking to land the big one- you’ll have a great time.

Journey through the canoe routes of the Anishnaabek People and learn the local history on a scenic boat tour. During the Spring Rainbow Run, there are special reduced cottage rental rates for anglers. In winter, experience the thrills of ice fishing on a fully guided trip via snowmobile and ATV on Lake Huron or in-land lakes on Manitoulin Island.

Take in over 18,000 acres of scenic natural wilderness landscape, old-growth pine forest, stunning river vistas and six interior lakes at Point Grondine National Park. The picturesque water trails flowing along the coast of Georgian Bay invite you to many canoe routes, hiking trails, and backcountry campsites located throughout the interior of the Park. Hike, canoe, or sea kayak along the traditional routes of the Anishnaabek people and be ready to be captivated by this historic and majestic place.

Canoe routes are open throughout the interior; Tri-Lakes which connect to Georgian Bay and Phillip Edward Island area. The backcountry has a total of 26 campsites with 27.9 kilometers of hiking trails that go to Wemtagoosh Falls and Cedar Lake. Park staff include the Wikwemikong Tourism Manager and Tourism team, Point Grondine Park Product Development Officer, Interior Operations Leader, Trail Guardian, and the Wikwemikong Tourism Guides.

Throughout the spring, summer, and fall months explore the park through the an Authentic Indigenous Experiences which will connect visitors to the territory of the original descendants, or just go for a day and self-guide along the trail of Merv’s Landing and the Mahzenazing Lake Access Trails.

Head to the Manitoulin Brewing Company for some local cheer. Co-owners Blair, Nishin and Joet love what they do and look forward to meeting the people that allow them to do it for a living. At their brewing location, you will find the brew house and a retail shop where you can stock up on beer to take home. Or, stay for a while and sample a pint on their outdoor patio. They even have an on-site food truck.

Located on the eastern peninsula, Wiikwemkoong is home to the people of Three Fires Confederacy: an alliance of the Ojibwa, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations. Tourism Wiikwemkoong celebrates its community spirit through several cultural events that draw visitors from all walks of life. Wiikwemkoong is host to the annual cultural festival, fall fair, ice fishing derby, traditional pow-wow, and authentic Indigenous theatre as presented by De-ba-jeh-mu-jig theatre group. Indulge in the vast picturesque wilderness that surrounds Manitoulin’s largest community through one of their many private and community-operated tourism services. There are plenty of opportunities for wilderness exploration while enjoying the culture and traditions of the Anishinabek people.

The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation was created to preserve and revitalize the language, culture, arts, spirituality, and traditions of the Anishinaabe People of the Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) and surrounding areas. They promote the expression of Anishinaabe culture in all forms — art, language, stories, songs, and teachings to ensure they remain strong for future generations.

Located in M’Chigeeng First Nation the 11,000 sq.ft. facility is home to a Museum, Public Art Gallery, Gift Shop, Mnidoo Mnising Anishinabek Kinoomaage Gamig (a full Ojibwe immersion early learning kindergarten program), Gimaa Radio 88.9FM (the first all Anishinaabe language radio station), language resources, healing lodge, and a performance amphitheater.

They welcome all who wish to experience the authentic expression of the Anishinaabe language, culture, and spirituality. Visitors can also see the timeless and beautiful heritage art forms of skilled Anishinaabek artisans including, porcupine quill boxes, ash and sweetgrass baskets, and antler carvings.

The Debahjemuhjig Theatre Group creates original theatre productions that represent Indigenous world views, culture, and history. They build connections between generations using the art of storytelling and are the only professional theatre group located on a reserve. The group also operates a multi-arts centre in downtown Manitowaning the supports the development of Indigenous artists throughout the area. ‘De-ba-jeh-mu-jig’ translates as ‘storytellers’ from the Cree and Ojibway language.