Winnipeg 
Being the land of the Cree, Ojibway, Oji-Cree, Dene, Dakota Sioux, Métis, and Inuit, Manitoba has a strong Indigenous culture and heritage. This culture is an integral part of Manitoba’s past, present, and future. Here are a few ways in which you can experience and understand this vibrant heritage in Manitoba.
I. Visit Heritage Sites
Manitoba’s First Explorers Plaque
See the site where Manitoba’s first explorers, Aboriginal people, entered the region over 11,000 years ago.
Where: Broadway Street at South Railway, Boissevain
Thunderbird Nest
Here, you can learn the legend of the Thunderbird, a guardian spirit that protects mankind from the serpent of the underworld. The Ojibway people constructed the Thunderbird nest to attract the sacred bird.
Where: Located 4 miles West of the Lake Manitoba Narrows, off of Highway #68; (204) 767-2101
Pimachiowin Aki
Located on the east side of Lake Winnipeg is the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Pimachiowin Aki, the largest protected boreal forest on Earth. The untouched wilderness is home to four Anishinaabe First Nation communities and has over 30 locations with ancient pictographs. Hiking, fishing, boating, birding, wildlife viewing, and back-country camping are some of the things you can do here. You will need the guidance of an experienced guide or tour operator to ensure you can enjoy all that this remote location offers.
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Medicine Rock (Assin KaMicha Bikisit)
Medicine Rock is a traditional gathering place where First Nations people leave offerings. The actual site has interpretive signages.
Where: 10 km southeast of Ste. Amelie; Ph: 204-767-2101
St. Peter Dynevor Anglican Church (PHS)
Built in 1852-54, this is the only Aboriginal Anglican parish in the Red River Settlement. Chief Peguis, friend and benefactor to the Selkirk Settlers is buried in the churchyard.
Where: 1147 Breezy Point Road, Clandeboye
Rossville Mission, Norway House
This is the place where Methodist Minister James Evans created the syllabics of the written Cree language.
Molson Lake Rock paintings
There are over 100 drawings here that depict the lives of Indigenous people thousands of years ago. These pictographs are painted on rock faces along Paimusk Creek. To visit this historic site, book a visit to the nearby Molson Lake Lodge.
Where: Molson Lake
Bannock Point Petroforms
The Bannock Point Petroforms features rocks laid out in the shapes of turtles, snakes, humans, as well as abstract patterns. The interpretive centre provides guided tours to help have a better understanding of the site’s significance.
Where: Whiteshell Provincial Park
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Tramping Lake Pictographs
Estimated to be over 1500 years old, these pictographs are located along the shorelines of the Grass River near Wekukso Falls Provincial Park. You can see shapes, figures and animals painted using red ochre on the rock face above the water. Wekusko Falls Lodge organizes boat tours to visit these historic markers.
Where: Wekusko Falls
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The Stott Site
This is an archaeological bison kill area. Here, bones and artifacts dating back over 1,000 years ago have been found.
Where: Grand Valley Park, Highway 1 and 459 Forrest
Pilot Mound
This was a burial place for late prehistoric Indians as well as a gathering place for buffalo hunters and for Indians who held ceremonial dances. The mound was named ‘Little Dance Hill‘ and served as a landmark for explorers and settlers traveling across the province.
Star Mound
Here, you can find a sacred First Nation burial site and a one-room schoolhouse from the late 19th century.
Where: 3 km west and 1.6 km north of Snowflake
Oodena Celebration Circle
Oodena Celebration Circle at the Forks pays tribute to 6,000 years of Aboriginal people. See the sculptures, sundial, interpretive signage, and ceremonial fire pit. This is also a gathering place for traditional tribal drumming, dancing, singing, and storytelling.
Where: The Forks, Winnipeg
River Road Heritage Parkway
This is an 11 km historic route that follows the Red River. Along the way, you can see many interpretive displays, walkways, historic landmarks, and scenic lookouts.
Where: Turn right from PTH 9 outside the Perimeter Hwy, St Andrews
Fort Gibraltar
A replica of the fur-trade encampment built by the North West Company in 1809, Fort Gibraltar offers historic interpretation programs. Every year, they host the annual Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada’s largest winter festival.
Where: 768 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg; 204-237-7692
Upper Fort Garry Heritage Park
Built by the Hudson’s Bay Company as its administrative headquarters in the 1830s at the forks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, today the only visible remnant of the large fur trade fort is the gate. Upper Fort Garry is also an important site in the Red River Rebellion and the Métis resistance. Visitors here can enjoy an audio-visual interpretation of the buffalo hunt along with the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Heritage Wall.
Where: 130 Main St, Winnipeg
II. Visit National Historic Sites
Prince of Wales’ Fort National Historic Site
Built by the Hudson’s Bay Company in the 1700s, Prince of Wales’ Fort is a national historic site where you can experience the life of a fur trader in the subarctic. Go on guided hikes and programs to know more about the history of the region. Here, you can find plaques honouring prominent First Nations persons – Matonabbee, a Dene hunter who guided Samuel Hearne on his inland journey, and Thanadelther who initiated peace between the Cree and the Dene. The Parks Canada Visitor Centre houses collections of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s muskets and trade goods.
Where: Churchill
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York Factory National Historic Site
At the York Factory National Historic Site, see the remains of the Hudson’s Bay Company fur trade post. The depot, built in 1832, is the oldest wooden structure standing on permafrost. Enjoy self-guided time travel through fur-trading history here.
Where: Churchill
Riel House National Historic Site
The family home of the famous Métis leader and Founder of Manitoba, the Riel House National Historic Site is a great place to know more about him, his story, and his legacy. Learn about the Métis way of life that blends the Indigenous and European cultures, the birth of Manitoba, and explore the grounds.
Where: 330 River Road, Winnipeg
The Forks National Historic Site
The convergence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers was a historic meeting place for First Nations people who came here to hunt, fish, trade, swap stories and perform ceremonial rituals. Discover The Forks’ hidden history through the tour 6,000 Years in 60 Minutes!a
Where: Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg
Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site
This is a restored Hudson’s Bay Company fort. Visitors to this place can relive the 19th-century fur trade era through hands-on interpretive experiences and learn about the Aboriginal communities in the surrounding area. See the goods and furs traded at the Hudson’s Bay Company post. This is also the place where Treaty No. 1 was signed between the federal government and seven chiefs of the Ojibwe and Swampy Cree First Nations.
Where: 5925 Provincial Trunk Hwy 9, Saint Andrews
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Linear Mounds National Historic Site
Located near the Souris River in southern Manitoba, the Linear Mounds is the best-preserved example of the Devils Lake-Sourisford Burial Complex with linear burial mounds dating from approximately 900 to about 1400 AD.
III. See Exhibits at Museums
Itsanitaq Museum / Eskimo Museum
See one of the finest and oldest collections of carvings and artifacts, dating back to the Pre-Dorset and Dorset periods, through Thule and modern Inuit times.
Where: 242 La Verendrye Avenue, Churchill
Kenosewun Visitor Centre
Located in Lockport Heritage Park, the interpretive center is the place to learn about Manitoba’s “first farmers”.
Where: Located west of junction PTH 44 and Henderson Highway, in Lockport
Fort Dauphin Museum
Fort Dauphin Museum is built to resemble an 18th-century fur trade post with the surrounding wooden palisade. There are several pioneer buildings at the site including the authentic blacksmith shop, pioneer log house from 1892, a trapper’s cabin, and one-room school built in 1894. The museum has several displays detailing the fur trade, the history of Dauphin, and life in the region from 8000 years ago to early pioneer settlers. The museum is also home to The Parkland Archaeological Laboratory which houses over 80,000 artifacts. The museum hosts an annual Fur Traders Rendezvous in September.
Where: 140 Jackson Street, Dauphin; 204-638-6630
Emerson Tourist Information and Interpretive Centre
the Great Bear, and guardian of the North.
Where: Emerson
St. Boniface Museum
This is the oldest building in the province and was the former Grey Nuns’ convent. An impressive collection of artifacts that reveal the lives and culture of the Francophone and Métis communities, as well as several items relating to
Louis Riel can be found here.
Where: 494 Taché Avenue, Winnipeg; Ph: 204-237-4500
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Boreal Discovery Centre
This year-round centre is a great location to learn how people historically adapted to the boreal region, encounter animal species, and see community gardens, herb gardens, greenhouses, and landscaping featuring boreal plants. The centre, located in Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) traditional territory, sits at one end of the Millennium Trail. The centre offers workshops and other events.
Where: 110 UCN Drive, Thompson
Manitoba Museum
Various dioramas and exhibits at the Museum describe the life of Manitoba’s First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people. View Manitoba’s treaty medals at the ‘We Are All Treaty People’ gallery or explore over 300 years of fur trade history at the Hudson’s Bay Company Gallery.
Where: 190 Rupert Avenue, Winnipeg; Ph: 204-956-2830
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
A visit to the Human Rights Museum is important to understand various Indigenous rights issues.
Where: 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg
The Moncur Gallery of Prehistory
The Moncur Gallery of Prehistory showcases some of the most priceless collections of pre-contact artifacts, depicting the lives of the people who occupied the Turtle Mountain area. The weapons used by First Nations people to hunt the woolly mammoths that roamed this area 11,000 years ago are on display here.
Where: 298 Mountain Street, Boissevain; Ph: 204.534.6662
IV. Admire Artwork at the Galleries
Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery
This Aboriginal artist-run centre is a prominent place for Aboriginal art in Canada and features contemporary regional, national, and international First Nations art in a variety of media. The Gallery also conducts Artist talks and workshops.
Where: 203-290 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg; Ph: 204-942-2674
Winnipeg Art Gallery
The Winnipeg Art Gallery showcases a collection of contemporary and traditional Inuit artwork. The newly opened Qaumajuq is the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art.
Where: 300 Memorial Blvd, Winnipeg
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Canadian Plains Gallery
See the work of Manitoba’s Aboriginal artists at this gallery that features paintings, carvings, sculptures, original jewelry, stone painting, caribou hair tufting, porcupine quill work, talking sticks, beadwork, pottery, wood burning, birch bark biting, and more. They also conduct workshops, dance demonstrations, and other programs.
Where: 106 – 181 Higgins Avenue, Winnipeg; (204) 943-4972
Nunavut Gallery
Inuit artists from across northern Canada showcases their artwork such as sculpture, drawings, prints, and wall hangings here.
Where: 603 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg; Ph: 204- 478-7233
V. Get to know them at Centres of Learning
Circle of Life Thunderbird House
This, Indigenous community centre, is a Centre of Excellence for teaching and sharing traditional Indigenous spirituality under the guidance of the Council of Elders. Designed by renowned architect Douglas Cardinal, the building design features the sacred principles of Indigenous teachings as exemplified by a great copper eagle sheltering the building with its outspread wings.
Where: 715 Main Street, Winnipeg
Agowiidiwinan Centre
This is an interactive treaty education facility where one can learn about treaties through visual and interactive tools, as well as through treaty education sessions and special events.
Where: 15 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg
Leigh Cochrane Memorial Visitor Centre
Where: Fisher River Cree Nation, Koostatak
Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre
Located in Winnipeg’s historic North Point Douglas neighborhood, MICEC promotes awareness and understanding of Indigenous cultures. The Centre is home to The People’s Library, the largest publicly accessible collection of Indigenous resources in Manitoba with over 10,000 books and videos, and the Heritage Collection with over 1,000 pieces of artwork and archaeological artifacts.
Where: 119 Sutherland Avenue, Winnipeg
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Louis Riel Institute
Offers various tours, workshops to discover and celebrate Manitoba’s rich Metis heritage.
Where: 103-150 Henry Avenue, Winnipeg
Turtle Lodge International Centre for Indigenous Education and Wellness
The Turtle Lodge is a sacred lodge of the Anishinabe Peoples, situated in Sagkeeng First Nation on the Southern tip of Lake Winnipeg. The Lodge is a place for sharing universal and ancient knowledge, for reconnecting to the earth and nature, and for sharing among people of all races and nations.
Where: Pine Falls; (204) 367-1403
Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre
Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre provides various programming that deepens your understanding of Indigenous culture and spirituality.
Where: 29 Dugard Rd, Beausejour
VI. Attend Festivals and Celebrations
Indigenous Peoples Day
Celebrated annually on the summer solstice is National Indigenous Peoples Day. The day recognizes and celebrates the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
When: June 21
Manito Abhee Festival
Celebrate Indigenous arts, culture, and music at the Manito Ahbee Festival. The annual festival features the International Pow Wow, Indigenous Music Awards, Indigenous Music Conference, Casinos of Winnipeg Indigenous Marketplace, and more!
When: Usually in May
Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival
See films, shorts, and documentaries by leading Canadian and international Indigenous filmmakers at the Festival.
When: Usually in June
Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival
The festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the northern pioneers. There are a number of competitions including the World Championship Dog Race, Trappers events, arts and crafts show, beard-growing contest, children’s games, and entertainment.
When: Usually in February
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Treaty Days Celebration and Powwow
This celebration commemorates the treaty signed by the famous Ojibway chief with Lord Selkirk in 1817.
When: Usually in July
Festival du Voyageur
Western Canada’s largest Winter Festival, the Festival du Voyageur brings Voyageur, Métis, and First Nations histories back to life, through historical interpretation events, music, cuisine, competitions, and a vast array of historical, recreational and educational activities.
When: Usually in February
sākihiwē festival
Celebrate Aboriginal music and culture during the annual sākihiwē festival.
When: Usually in August
VII. Eat Indigenous Food
Promenade Brasserie
Promenade Brasserie brings the flavours of Metis heritage to the plate.
Where: 130 Provencher Boulevard, Unit C, Winnipeg
Sharecuterie
Sharecuterie serves unique, locally sourced, artisanal charcuterie boards.
Where: 160 Stafford Street, Winnipeg
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Feast Bistro Cafe
Rooted in First Nations culture, Feast Bistro Cafe serves food with a contemporary twist. The menu features a variety of Prairie ingredients such as wild rice, berries, and fish. Try their Manitoba-raised bison ribs and bannock pizza.
Where: 587 Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg
Manoomin Restaurant
Enjoy delicious dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients for breakfast, lunch, and dinner here.
Where: Located within Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport Hotel at 460 Madison Street , Winnipeg
Bistro on Notre Dame
This Metis owned restaurant is a place one can enjoy an elevated fusion of comfort food from local, ethically or sustainably sourced dishes.
Where: 784 Notre Dame Avenue, Winnipeg
The Indigenous Kitchen
This food truck is well-known for its unique take on indigenous food.
Where: Check facebook page for locations
VIII. Go Exploring
Travel like in the Old Days
Dog Sledding – Experience a traditional Indigenous way of life through dog sledding:
- Wapusk Adventures, Churchill
- Churchill River Mushing, Churchill
- Bluesky Bed & Sled & Bluesky Expeditions, Churchill
- Harness Adventure Mushing Co, Richer
- UNIQUE ADVENTURES excursions by dog sled, St. Malo
Snowshoeing – Indigenous settlers used snowshoes to walk and hunt in the winter. Strap on your snowshoes and trek the snow-laden ground.
Explore Historic Trails & Routes
- Crow Wing Trail – This historic trail, also one of the longest sections of the Trans Canada Trail, holds an important place in Manitoba’s history. Segments of the oxcart trail were opened by Peter Garrioch in 1844 as an official supply route between St-Paul and the Red River Settlement to transport goods and people. Enjoy Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, bird watching, photography, or take in nature. Guide
- Historic Dawson Trail – This is a 530-mile land and river route from Fort William to Red River, named after Simon J. Dawson who surveyed the land and engineered the construction of the trail. This was Canada’s first attempt to provide an all-Canadian highway linking the east with the prairies. The Dawson Trail encompasses two provincial forests, Sandilands Forest and Northwest Angle Forest.
- Brokenhead Wetlands Interpretive Trail – This wetland is a sacred area used by the local Ojibway for over 300 years for sacred ceremonies. The trail was designed to highlight the significance of the historic cultural connection between the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation (BON) and the Brokenhead Wetland. The interpretive displays along the trail explain the natural and indigenous importance of the wetland. This wetland contains many native orchid species, including the rare Ram’s Head Lady-Slipper, the Dragon’s Mouth orchid in addition to the common yellow and pink lady slippers.
Canoe Historic Routes
Heritage Rivers are an enduring part of the heritage and identity of the land.
- Seal Canadian Heritage River – The Seal River area played an important role in aboriginal hunting, fishing and travelling. Today, you can enjoy wilderness white-water canoeing and kayaking, stunning views, and hiking experiences.
- Bloodvein Canadian Heritage River was used by Anishinaabe people for thousands of years and is an integral part of the Pimachiowin Aki UNESCO World Heritage Site. Well known for white-water canoeing, wilderness camping, and hiking opportunities, the river also offers chances to view Anishinaabe pictographs and visit archaeological sites.
- Hayes Canadian Heritage River – Located in Treaty 5 territory, the Hayes River was integral for the transportation and livelihood of Ininiwak / Cree people for thousands of years. There are a number of archaeological sites, pictographs, burials, along the riverbank that attest to the river’s importance. Today, the Hayes river provides unparalleled wilderness canoeing and kayaking, and cultural site viewing experiences.
- Red River – Red River has served as the transportation corridor for thousands of years. Today, the red river corridor provides opportunities for boating and canoeing, walking, hiking, and cycling, cross-country skiing, skating, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and sport fishing. The Forks and Lower Fort Garry are popular destinations.
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Grass River Canoe Route – The historic Grass River was frequented by First Nations people and European explorers as a hunting and fur trade route for many years. You can find the paintings made by Cree and Ojibwa First Nations along the route. The Grass River canoe route passes through Grass River Provincial Park, Sasagiu Rapids Provincial Park, Pisew Falls Provincial Park as well as Paint Lake Provincial Park.
IX. Other Experiences
Borealis Beading
Borealis Beading shares Métis culture and historical significance of beadwork through workshops and classes. It is owned and operated by Melanie Gamache, a Manitoba Métis beadwork artisan. The Flower Beadwork People”. Workshops are delivered in a style reflective of the traditional beading circle format where friends and family would meet to share stories and talk about their day while passing on the traditional art of beadwork.
Momenta – Clear Paths
Momenta offer inclusive, accessible cycling programs, tours, and workshops with the goal of inspiring a connection to the land.
Where: 984 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg; (204) 808-9722
All My Relations tour
Offered by the Assiniboine Park Zoo, the tour explores the intimate relationship of Indigenous culture with animals and the land.
Where: 2595 Roblin Boulevard, Winnipeg
One Heart, Two Rivers, Four Directions walking tour
This is a nine-stop tour exploring Indigenous connections to The Forks. To access the tour, download the Parks Canada National App for Apple or Android devices.
Where: The Forks National Historic Site, Winnipeg
The Forks: A self-guided audio tour
This is a 1-hour walking tour that starts from the Canopy and arrated by the engaging and knowledgeable Niigaan Sinclair, Curator of Indigenous History at The Forks and Professor of Native Studies at the University of Manitoba.
Where: 1 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg
O’Roseau Rapids Park
Explore the historic Crow Wing Trail and experience the voyageur life of the 1800s. Hike historic trails and sites, canoe or kayak the Roseau River, experience cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter camp, and more. Take part in interpretive programs that recreate the life of Métis, Aboriginal, and French voyageurs.
Where: 13079 Road 14 East, Emerson/Franklin Municipality; (204) 427-2922
Sayzoons
Get reconnected with nature with the outdoor programs offered at Sayzoons. Services offered include outdoor equipment rentals, outdoor experiential day camps, shelter building, fire skills, stories, and food, archery games.
Where: 434 Rue Sabourin, St-Pierre-Jolys
Buffalo Point
Explore the spirit of the Buffalo Point First Nation Ojibway people through the architecture, art, archival and interpretive displays. Enjoy a number of activities including camping, fishing, snowshoeing, view wildlife, and more.
Where: 20 Buffalo Point Road, R0A 2W0, Buffalo Point
Icefishing
Indigenous people used to chip holes in the ice-covered water and use wooden fish as bait. For a similar experience, you can enjoy fishing using modern fishing rods.
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X. Shop Indigenous Products
Shop a variety of indigenous products at these places:
- Manitobah Mukluks
- Teekca’s Aboriginal Boutique
- Cree-Ations & Artists Showcase
- Arctic Trading Company
- White Feather Creations
Will the Riel House be open to the public on Friday, Sept. 30?
When I visited the place yesterday, it was all closed up. No vehicles could access the parking area.
It is closed for the season.