INDIGENOUS tourism is a growing sector in Manitoba, contributing to reconciliation, cultural celebration and preservation and economic growth.
Led by Indigenous Tourism Manitoba, this vibrant industry provides authentic experiences that allow visitors to connect deeply with the rich history and traditions of Indigenous Peoples. Through storytelling, hands-on activities, and immersive cultural exchanges, Indigenous tourism operators are sharing their unique perspectives and fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of their heritage.
Holly Courchene, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba, explained the organization exists primarily as a resource to uplift Indigenous operators by bridging relationships with mainstream tourism organizations or acting as a liaison, as well as to promote existing Indigenous experiences and develop new ones throughout the province.
“Indigenous tourism has the potential to shift perspectives, preserve cultures, languages and traditions, and empower Indigenous communities to lead economic development,” she said. “It allows communities to share their own stories and history and employ their own people, making it a powerful tool for reconciliation.”
The general public is just beginning to comprehend the harm caused by the systematic disempowerment of Indigenous Peoples, Courchene noted. “As more people become aware of these issues and the impact on Indigenous communities and individuals, there is a greater desire to find ways to support the Indigenous economy.”
“For visitors, there is genuine interest in understanding Indigenous people,” she said. “At Indigenous Tourism Manitoba, we believe this understanding is best achieved through individuals sharing their personal stories. When this happens, it can foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives and ways of being.”
Storytelling is at the forefront of Indigenous tourism experiences in Manitoba, like Prairie Berry Farm and Borealis Beading. Both are accredited Indigenous tourism experiences through The Original Original program run by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.
Located on Treaty 1 Territory in Ste. Genevieve, Borealis Beading provides interactive hands-on learning experiences where participants hear stories about the cultural and historical connections between food, nature and beadwork by the Métis people, also known as The Flower Beadwork People.
For owner Melanie Gamache, storytelling has been a way to connect with visitors by sharing everything from historical accounts gained through her own experiences and given to her by other knowledge keepers to lessons about native vegetation and beadwork.
“Storytelling is a way for people to share their life experiences, to talk about history in a way that can be easily interpreted by listeners and it’s a way for people to take away meaning and use it in today’s world,” said Gamache. “With all my Métis cultural learning experiences I promote them as safe places for visitors to be comfortable enough to ask questions or share their own stories.”
“I’ve had many people tell me they came to learn beading but left with a history lesson.”
Also located on Treaty 1 Territory in Glenlea, The Patch by Prairie Berry Farm is a unique farm-to-table dinner service that celebrates Indigenous and French- Canadian food and chefs. The entire Turenne family is involved in dinner service and at the end Jennifer and Matthieu share their story and talk about the farm.
“It’s really rewarding when people come, and as they leave, say this place is beautiful, we love it,” said Matthieu. “And they mention how they love that our children and family are involved.”
Prairie Berry Farm started as a u-pick and pre-pick experience in 2016, but evolved into The Patch with the support of The Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) to create a culinary experience.
Since then, they have reached out to the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Aboriginal School of Dance, other Indigenous businesses and local Elders to learn and collaborate. As a result, they’ve been able to share more Indigenous knowledge, culture and traditions with guests.
“Incorporating Elders has been really important. My aunt is an Elder…we get a lot of information from her and she’s done the blessing of the food for some of our dinners,” said Matthieu. “Chef Christa, owner of Feast Café Bistro, has been a guest chef for a few years in a row and prepared dishes that included bannock, bison and sweet grass. We’ve also had dancers perform, helping us create an immersive Indigenous experience.”
Prairie Berry Farm and Borealis Beading are part of the fast-growing Indigenous tourism industry. In 2019 (pre-COVID), Indigenous tourism in Canada contributed nearly $1.9 billion in direct GDP contributions. Indigenous tourism is also one of the biggest employers of Indigenous people in Canada.
Thanks to the work of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba in partnership with Travel Manitoba, Manitoba now has 170 Indigenous tourism experiences. Find out more at IndigenousTourismManitoba.com or TravelManitoba.com.
