Winnipeg is located on Treaty One Territory, the original lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininiwak, Dakota and Dene peoples and on the homeland of the Red River Métis.
We encourage visitors and residents alike to take time to learn more about Indigenous histories, arts and cultures in our city. On June 21, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day during summer solstice – the longest day of the year – which has traditionally been throughout history a time for Indigenous cultural celebration.
Indigenous culture isn’t just the foundation of Winnipeg’s past. It’s part of nearly every experience found within the city. Here are a variety of ways you can celebrate these dynamic and diverse cultures as we work toward Reconciliation.
Indigenous History Month events
Indigenous artist market at the Manitoba Museum
On Sunday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Manitoba Museum will be hosting its 1st Annual Indigenous Artist Market. Shop from a number of Indigenous artists, makers and companies, with a full list of vendors being announced soon.
While you are there, and anytime this year, we also encourage you to check out the new exhibit, Manidoo Miiniigooizowin, A Gift from the Creator. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO), the exhibit features objects from 34 Nations, highlighting the region's Dakota and Anishinaabe history through both new objects created by artists from SCO-member Nations, along with artifacts from the Manitoba Museum's collection.
Find the full details here.
A guided paddle that celebrates Métis heritage
Join La Société historique métisse on an inspirational trip down the Seine River on Saturday, June 8. Organized by Fête Jockey Events, Rendez-Vous Rivyayr Seine is a registration only event features a leisurely guided paddle up the historic Seine River Greenway followed by a Métis Kitchen Party at Lagimodière-Gaboury Park. There are several different launch points for your canoe or kayak (rental companies are listed on the event page), given you the option of paddling anywhere from 17 km to 5 km before all groups meet at 1:30 p.m. for the Métis Kitchen Party. On top of enjoying all the nature along the way, you'll learn about why the Seine is, "an integral waterway to the history and traditions of the Métis people," while also being treated with Métis and Francophone cultural performances.
Find all the info, including registration, cost and more here.
Rooftop dance party at WAG-Quamajuq
On June 21, National Indigenous Peoples Day, the WAG-Qaumajuq rooftop sculpture garden will play host to its third Grippin Sage. This family friendly event will be featuring performances by Indigenous artists like Inuk/Anishinaabe DJ The Kaptain, DJ Corvo, and Boogey The Beat, along with Zuki (who many locals will also know as the DJ for the Winnipeg Sea Bears). The party starts at 7 p.m., specialty cocktails and mocktails will be available for purchase, while admission is free with a Gallery admission. Indigenous Music is sponsoring the event and WAG-Quamjuq events are always free for Indigenous Peoples.
Here's all the details.
A celebration of Elders and Knowledge Keepers at RBC Convention Centre
The 23rd Annual Keeping the Fires Burning event will take place on the evening of Thursday, June 20th. The event provides a showcase for arts, music and dance from diverse Indigenous performers and artisans, all in the name of unity, reclamation, and Truth and Reconciliation. The gala will include a Grand Entry pow wow, live music, and presentations honouring Manitoba Elders and Knowledge Keepers.
For more info and tickets, click here.
Month-long Indigenous stories at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Join Knowledge Keeper Marilyn Dykstra on June 8, 9, 15, 16, 29 and 30th on the Sifton Terrace within the Canadian Museum for Human Rights as she leads a number of seminars and experiences highlighting Cree culture. Through storytelling, art and oral histories, Dykstra will demonstrate how to make fur earrings (June 8-9), create a smudge fan (15-16), and create a dream catcher (29-30). There will be two sessions daily, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Full details here.
Historic Sites
The Forks National Historic Site
The grounds of The Forks have been a meeting place for Indigenous people for over 6,000 years. When you’re there, be sure to walk around and stop by places such as Niizhoziibean ('two rivers' in Ojibway), which honours Winnipeg’s Indigenous history and its place along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, as well as the Oodena celebration circle.
Learn about treaties one to 11 and experiences between the First Nation people and the Crown at Agowiidiwinan Centre through visual and interactive tools, as well as treaty education sessions. The Agowiidiwinan Centre was created by the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba prompted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report.
The Forks is also a great place to explore Indigenous history by taking part in a walking tour of the area. The newest guided tour, "Where Our Stories Meet" covers the history of First Nations, settlers and Métis Nation in Manitoba. “One Heart, Two Rivers, Four Directions” explores Indigenous connections to The Forks and can be accessed by downloading the Parks Canada National App on Apple or Android devices.
For more treaty history, visit the Lower Fort Garry National Historic site north of Winnipeg, where Treaty No. 1 was signed in 1871.
Located in the middle of the city, Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park pays homage to this region’s history through a massive Heritage Wall full of art, inscriptions and a sound and light show that plays regularly throughout the day and evening.
Local restaurants & makers
Support local Indigenous-led makers by visiting Cree-Ations Artist Showcase on Main Street where you'll find handmade moccasins, art, beadwork and so much more. Teekca’s Aboriginal Boutique, which offers handmade, Manitoba-made gifts, now has three locations across the city, including a large shop at The Forks Market. Also at The Forks, the new Manitoba Mukluks shop is a real stunner and a great spot to find some of the best footwear made on Turtle Island. In the hip South Osborne neighbourhood you'll find Anne Mulaire, a Winnipeg fashion designer of French-Métis descent committed to fair trade, environmental stewardship and inclusive sizing.
To experience Ojibway, Cree and Métis cuisine, check out our Indigenous Culinary Guide. Learn about pizza joints like Shelly’s Indigenous Bistro (served on bannock) and T-Town Style Pizza; Métis spots showcasing many local suppliers serving breakfast through dinner like Bistro on Notre Dame and Promenade Brasserie; food truck The Indigenous Kitchen; and Feast Café Bistro whose owner Christa Bruneau-Guenther is a Food Network regular.
Plus, there’s Manoomin, located within the new Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport hotel owned by Long Plain First Nation (more on that below). Manoomin means wild rice in Ojibway, and the menu (breakfast through dinner) is run by Red Seal chef Jennifer Ballantyne, a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
Where to stay
You’ll love the soothing Earth-tone colour palette and Indigenous culture embedded from top to bottom at the Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport hotel. Owned by Long Plain First Nation, the hotel is located Treaty One Territory on Long Plain Madison Reserve, the city’s first urban reserve.
Run by Sparrow Hotels, the 132-room hotel features a unique curvature not seen in your typical hotel blocks as a reflection of the circle of life. Space for natural light is also prominent throughout the hotel which was designed to greet the sun with an east-facing main entrance, a common theme among Indigenous traditions and cultures. Smudging and pipe ceremonies are welcome in the hotel, with spaces built to fire code keeping these important traditions top-of-mind.
The hotel offers bilingual service in English and Ojibway, with way-finding signs throughout. Located in the lobby, Kookum’s Korner is open 24/7, offering beautiful pieces of jewellery and dream catchers for purchase, supporting Long Plains First Nation artists. The well-appointed rooms feature bathrooms with touch mirrors, allowing you to customize the light settings to your needs, while the property also has a waterslide and pool area.
Watch, listen, read
There are so many TV shows, podcasts, films, documentaries and online resources available to help celebrate Indigenous history and experiences. Check out APTN and CBC for a full list.
