Legends & Folklore

Metis and First Nations people have a profound respect for the natural world and a distinct sense of pride in their spiritual and cultural traditions.

Day 1
Discover Winnipeg, where First Peoples gathered and traded more than 6,000 years ago. The Oodena Celebration of Life (an Ojibwa word meaning “heart of the city”) invokes the spirit that has drawn people to The Forks, named after its location where two rivers meet.

After seeing a Parks Canada entertaining theatrical play walking you through 6,000 years of history at The Forks, cross the river to Winnipeg’s French Quarter, St. Boniface, and capture the voyageur spirit of “joie de vivre” or “love of life”. The St. Boniface Museum, Riel House, Fort Gibraltar and Theatre in the Cemetery pay tribute to the fur trade era and legendary Louis Riel, a Metis leader considered by many to be the “Founder” of Manitoba.

Day 2
Hear the call of the loon as you admire artist Daphni Odjig’s “Creation of Man” mural when you enter the Boreal Forest Gallery at The Manitoba Museum.

Then travel upstream to trade furs for goods at the encampment at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, and while visiting Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre you will learn the history of the tipi and how it connects people to the land.

Or go west to FortWhyte ALIVE and throw an atlatl, precursor to the bowshot arrow and enjoy bannock served at the Buffalo Stone Café. Arrange a viewing of the IMAX Theatre film “Heartland” and listen to the elk walk through the forest as the First Nation people settle in for the night.

Day 3
Browse through a number of local art galleries featuring the works of Aboriginal artists including the Wah-Sa Gallery, and see one of the world’s largest collections of modern Inuit art at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

In early August plan to join in the festivities by dancing and playing the spoons at Folklorama’s Metis Pavilion or sample traditional native foods at Folklorama’s First Nations Pavilion.