Tourism Winnipeg

14 For more information or to arrange a media visit, contact Gillian Chester at 204.954.1977 or gillian@tourismwinnipeg.com I nd i g e n o u s P e r spec t i v e s G a ll e r y: A a r o n Coh e n Winnipeg Ideas Story Indigenous Roots Paying homage to the 6,000 years of indigenous history at The Forks, Oodena Celebration Circle features ethereal sculptures, a sundial, a naked eye observatory and ceremonial fire pit. Continue on to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to visit the Indigenous Perspectives Gallery, featuring stunning original works of art and a 360-degree theatre featuring a film on indigenous rights and responsibilities. The Mikinak-Keya Spirit Tour is a specialty tour resulting from a collaboration between the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and a group of seven First Nations elders. The tour connects the architecture and human rights mandate with First Nation's sacred knowledge and worldviews through storytelling, singing, and works of art. At FortWhyte Alive nature reserve, get a taste of A Prairie Legacy: The Bison and its People Canadian Signature Experience, to discover how the bison shaped the history of Manitoba and lives of the First Peoples. The first of its kind in Manitoba, Feast Café Bistro serves modern dishes rooted in traditional First Nation`s foods. Dishes range from grass-fed bison ribs, to pickerel sliders, to bannock pizzas. Wander Parks Canada's Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, where Treaty No. 1 was signed in 1871 – the first of its kind in Canada. View one of the world's largest collection of contemporary Inuit art at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, contemporary indigenous works at Urban Shaman artist-run centre, and traditional art from caribou hair tufting to birch bark biting at Canadian Plains Gallery. Métis leader, and father of the province, Louis Riel plays an integral part in Métis history, and part of his story is presented at Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum, and Riel House National Historic Site. Feel the beat of the drums during an international powwow competition at Manito Ahbee in May, which attracts visitors from around the globe. Watch Canada's indigenous artists perform at concerts, or see the beautiful beadwork on display at marketplaces and art expos. Sample indigenous cuisine from wild rice to pickerel to bison and berries at Neechi Commons, an indigenous worker-owned enterprise in Winnipeg's north end. This supermarket is quickly evolving into a vibrant cultural community centre, home to an art store, gallery, café, and public artist workspace. Traditional sweats can be booked for groups at Thunderbird House. Relax and unwind at Riverstone Spa with the Signature Indigenous Hot Stone Massage, which incorporates indigenous traditions. Join the celebration of indigenous culture and history during Aboriginal Day Live in June at The Forks, which is broadcast on the Winnipeg-based Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN). Bring home a pair of mukluks or moccasins by Manitobah Mukluks, Canada's fastest- growing footwear brand sold at Holt Renfrew and Nordstroms. Shop for other indigenous-made crafts and art pieces at Wah- Sa Gallery, The Trading Post, Cree-ations, Nunavut Gallery and Teecka's Aboriginal Boutique. Winnipeg indigenous and First People's roots run deep, dating back thousands of years to when bison hunters flourished on the wide open prairie. Today, the city is home to Canada's largest per capita urban indigenous population. From arts to historic attractions and cuisine, there are plenty of ways to explore the city's indigenous roots. Aboriginal Day Live: Dan Harper Thunderbird House: Ruehle Design FortWhyte Alive Manito Ahbee Festival

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