Every year number of Canadian travelers cross thousands of miles to witness the ancient traditions in Australia. These include Maasai warriors in Kenya, tribal people in the Amazon and much more. If you plan to fly to Canada, you can learn about traditional cultures much closer by experiencing some of the rich offerings that Canadian Indigenous people have to offer to the world.
Here are five amazing experiences to unearth in Canada:
1. Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park, Alberta
Located in the Alberta Badlands near the banks of the Bow River, Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park has the historical significance of the signing of Treaty No. 7. Before this, it was a place of significance for the Siksika Nation and Blackfoot Confederacy. Currently, it is a great interpretation centre narrating the history of the site and its importance for the Indigenous people who live there. You must visit this place and can stay in a nearby tipi village to get a feel for what life might have been on the plains when the land’s first inhabitants roamed the plains.
2. The Great Spirit Circle Trail, Manitoulin Island, Ontario
It is the largest freshwater island across the world where the Anishnawbek people have been living for years and it today welcomes visitors to experience the beauty of the land. In this island, you can have experience walking along the Mother Earth Hiking Trail, canoe heritage tours, the Voice of the Drum Experience, Medicine Walks, the Bannock & Berries Experience, and much more. Do not miss out watching the signature events on the island i.e. the Wikwemikong Cultural Festival. It is held every Civic Holiday weekend and is the longest running pow-wow of Eastern Canada.
3. Manito Ahbee Festival, Manitoba
The aboriginal peoples of Turtle Island, which is also termed as North America, regard a site close to the western Whiteshell area of Manitoba which is called Manito Ahbee. This has originated from the Ojibway phrase that means “where the Creator sits.” This is where Manitoba gets its name and it also hosts an annual festival that shares First Nations traditions with the world in the form of a pow-wow and also many episodes of indigenous music concerts which are set to be organized on May 13-17, 2020.
4. Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler, B.C.
With over 200 communities, British Columbia has the highest diversity of different First Nations in the country. This has led to a variety of aboriginal tours, cultural experiences, and museum which are found all over the province. The most impressive is the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. It is rich in great architecture, brims with beautiful art and cultural artifacts that display the legacy of the Squamish and Lil’Wat residents. You can participate in hands-on craft workshops and hear music and stories directly from First Nations people.
5. Wendake, Quebec
At the center of Quebec City, you can discover the Huron-Wendat Nation in the self-governing territory of Wendake. It is native to the great Huron-Wendat Museum and a recreation of a traditional village that displays Huron traditions to the visitors. The most astonishing thing here is the amazing four-star Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations and the high-end cuisine of the local restaurants like La Traite and Sagamité that elevate traditional Indigenous cuisine to high art. You will also find Wendake, which is a hidden gem, just 15 minutes from downtown.
Synopsis
This is how you can experience the ancient culture and tradition of Canada which is scattered across various traditional provinces and cities.
