2020 HOLIDAY GUIDE TREATY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Indigenous Tourism Alberta acknowledges that we are on traditional territories in Alberta, home to many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit who have called these territories home for time immemorial. We acknowledge with respect the traditional territories of Treaty 6, 7, 8, 4, and 10. We also acknowledge the homelands of the Métis, the 8 Métis Settlements, the 6 Métis Regions of the Métis Nation of Alberta, and the diverse histories and cultures of all the Indigenous Peoples of this province.
Experience Indigenous Tourism in Alberta Find rich Indigenous culture throughout Alberta’s diverse landscapes. Discover how Alberta’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people maintain a unique balance of authentic traditional culture in today’s contemporary world. Whether it’s in a modern city, on the prairies or in the wild Rockies, across the central heartland, or out in the North’s wilderness, come experience a powerful culture that thrives amid Alberta’s exhilarating landscapes.
Take part in authentic and inspiring Indigenous activities throughout Alberta. Spend the night in a tipi as Northern Lights swirl colour across the prairie sky. Hear legends and tales over tea and warm bannock around a campfire. Experience mystical heritage sites. Feel the vibrant energy of a traditional dance or the tranquility of canoeing amid ancient forests. Snowshoe or horseback ride into the mountains to learn survival skills and spot elk, moose, bears, and bighorn sheep.
Across Alberta, knowledgeable First Nations, Métis, and Inuit operators are keen to share their culture through varied experiences from the rugged Rockies’ peaks and foothills through the southern prairies that give way to the vast northern boreal forest.
www.indigenoustourismalberta.ca 1 NORTHERN ALBERTA
1 Go Hard Ranch
2 Hideaway Adventure Grounds 11 3 Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre 14 12 14 Fort McMurray 4 Métis Crossing
5 Michif Cultural Connections Company 24 13 10 7 8 3 6 ReSkilled Life 22 Grande Prairie 7 Shadow Creek Resort 6 20 19 16 8 Slave Lake Fishing Tours Ltd. 25 2 18 9 Talking Rock Tours 4 Cold Lake 5 9 10 Bannock n Bed Inn 1 21 17 23 26 27 Edmonton 11 Best Western Plus Sawridge
12 Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort McMurray
13 Peavine Inn & Suites
14 Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre, Peace River Calgary 15 TownePlace Suites, Fort McMurray
16 Waterfront Harbour B&B
17 Wingate by Wyndham, Edmonton West
18 Casino Dene
19 Eagle River Casino and Travel Plaza
20 Kikino Silver Birch Resort 24 Grant Berg Gallery
21 River Cree Resort and Casino 25 Janvier Gallery
22 Indigenous Spirit Creations 26 Homefire Grill
23 Câhcacêp Art & Tea House 27 Pei Pei Chei Ow
2 EXPERIENCES GO HARD RANCH Wildwood, AB
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Whether you are needing to step outside to experience the stunning views, trails, wildlife or your soul is craving to ride your horse on our trails, the Go Hard Ranch is your perfect go-to oasis. When you visit the Ranch and break over the hills whether on foot or on horseback and see the beauty of Chip Lake unfold before you, it will stop you in your tracks and beg you to be present in order take it all in. Go Hard Ranch is nestled alongside Chip Lake and is conveniently located only 15 minutes from the Yellowhead Highway near Wildwood. The new stylish yet adorable cabins and nearby shower house offer you a luxurious stay in the heart of the ranch. Powered RV Stalls are also an option for additional levels of experience. For those on an equestrian adventure there are large outdoor box stalls available for horses. Available for the individual getaway, families and other group camping or host your next retreat in a venue with just the right taste of the country.
HIDEAWAY ADVENTURE GROUNDS Kikino Métis Settlement, AB
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Discover your wildness at Hideaway Adventure Grounds, wellness with sustainability are pillars of their business. They offer back to the basics, self-contained camping; no power, no water, no wifi. Lots of stars and sounds of the forest. Explore the wildness of this mixed aspen forest property with your personal guide. This small campground is perfect for a family gathering or a quiet night in the country. Shelter building and other outdoor activities are available to partake in. Experience the hospitality of this Métis Community and share in the rich stories of the Métis People. Disconnect from your world and reconnect to yourself. An escape from the familiar to challenge yourself to rise to new heights. They now offer Luxury Wall Tent Camping – includes heater, beds, tents are on decks platforms for added comfort, sites are well treed for your enjoyment around your fire pit sitting at the picnic table. In the fur trade era these tents were home for many Métis and settlers as they traveled in search of resources.
3 LAC LA BICHE CANADIAN NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE St. Albert, AB
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Visitors to the Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre will experience the rich and proud cultural traditions of the Cree and Métis peoples of Northeast Alberta. Located where the Athabasca and Mackenzie Rivers meet in northern Alberta, Lac La Biche has long been a traditional meeting place for trading and cultural sharing. Visitors to the centre will experience the sharing of traditional knowledge of the Métis and First Nation culture through activities such as elder-guided medicine walks, bringing visitors through the thick northern forests to learn about the connection between food and culture over bannock and tea on an open fire. To finish the day, visitors will experience a truly unique way to connect to traditional ways of life spending a night in one of two tipis available at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park, near Lac La Biche. Through storytelling, visitors will experience medicine talks, singing, drumming and the sharing of stories from Cree and Métis cultures.
MÉTIS CROSSING Smoky Lake, AB
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Built on the original river lots of Métis settlers to this region in the late 1800s, Métis Crossing is home to Alberta’s first Métis cultural interpretive centre. Drop in for a cultural tour or camp in a replica fur trapper tent. For an immersive Indigenous journey, book the Victoria Trail Voyageur Experience. You’ll take an interactive tour of Métis Crossing, including learning to set a beaver trap, sampling dried bison and dancing a Red River jig (it’s not a real Métis party until the jigging starts). Your costumed interpreters will walk you through the historical village, and teach you to weave a Métis sash at a loom. Then, settle into a voyageur canoe for a paddle, just like fur traders did for hundreds of years. To finish, you’ll tour Victoria Settlement, a former fur trade fort. Métis Crossing is open seasonally from May long weekend through Labour Day. Due to COVID-19, all tours are restricted to individual groups. Packages are available by pre-booking only. Bookings will be available to groups of 10 or less, and all bookings will be allocated a reserved date and time for a private tour experience.
4 MICHIF CULTURAL CONNECTIONS COMPANY St. Albert, AB
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Through leadership and education, Michif Cultural Connections provides programs, facilitates workshops, and exhibits Métis museum artifacts at the historic Juneau House in St. Albert, in the province of Alberta, Canada. They also have also established a library and keep archival documents in order to preserve, promote, and protect Alberta Métis history.
RESKILLED LIFE Rochester, AB
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Join ReSkilled Life to learn about building the foundation of a life that is connected with nature, each other, and our inner voices. Primarily operating out of Edmonton’s Indigenous Art Park and the Grow Centre, ReSkilled Life offers a variety of hands on experiences from traditional hide tanning, Métis beading, moccasin and mukluk making and even cheese making. As an Indigenous woman, Natalie of ReSkilled Life seeks to bring her traditions, stories, and culture to life in the centre. In her Métis culture, being a bridge between two worlds is a longstanding value. With this as a firm guiding light, ReSkilled Life offers both domestic homesteading and wild crafting focused workshops.
5 SHADOW CREEK RESORT Joussard, AB
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Shadow Creek Resort has 120 of the proposed 500 R.V. lots available for use, along with access to 120 of the proposed 400 docks in the marina and offers a range of full serviced campsites within the park.
SLAVE LAKE FISHING TOURS LTD Slave Lake, AB
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Slave Lake Fishing Tours offers the opportunity to build a memory. They have something for everyone. A chance for the angler in everyone to get that one “big catch”. Come spend a few calming hours on the beautiful waters soaking up the sun. Their tours include everything you need no matter if it’s your first time or if you have been fishing for years. They can accommodate everyone.
6 TALKING ROCK TOURS Edmonton, AB
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Talking Rock Tours is Alberta’s first geo- educational hiking and sightseeing adventure company! They conduct educational small group tours while exploring some of central Alberta’s geological wonders. They share its natural history and Indigenous storytelling to create a truly unique holistic experience. The three main takeaways from every tour is science for the mind, stories from the heart, and history of the land. The Geo-Explorers will find themselves inspired on many levels once they fully appreciate what they are about to see because every rock and stone has a story to tell. Rediscover your backyard today with the Edmonton River Valley and Elk Island National Park Discovery Tours. In addition, there is the Badlands, Edmonton Oil & Gas, and Nordegg Discovery Tours that are offered as a “Guide for Hire” experience at this time.
ACCOMMODATIONS BANNOCK N BED INN Enilda, AB
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Bed Inn is a quiet and comfortable place to stay on Treaty 8 Sucker Creek First Nation Reservation land. Learn traditional knowledge and experience Indigenous bannock especially prepared for you.
7 BEST WESTERN PLUS SAWRIDGE Fort McMurray, AB
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The eco-friendly Best Western Plus Sawridge Suites is designed for short or long-term stay guests. Kitchenettes, Standard Parking and Underground Parking, Meeting Space and Fitness Center (with Steam Rooms) and 24/7 Grab & Go Market are just a few hotel highlights. Its close proximity to the oil sands and short drive to downtown make this the best choice for Fort McMurray business travelers. You’ll also find an open concept dining and lounge that’ll leave you and your taste buds happy. Travelling with your four legged family members? That’s no problem either as Best Western PLUS Sawridge Suites welcomes all very important pets! They are proudly the only full service Hotel located just off Highway 63 in the TaigaNova Eco-Industrial Park. Save over an hour of drive time each day if you are heading to the Oil Sands Sites while still only 7 minutes away from downtown Fort McMurray. Additionally, as a Best Western property, members are rewarded for their stay!
MICROTEL INN & SUITES BY WYNDHAM FORT MCMURRAY Fort McMurray, AB
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This non-smoking property features free continental breakfast and 24-hour coffee service. Take advantage of the large wellness area, with a relaxing hot tub and sauna. The 24-hour business centre and free WiFi allows you to work on the go, keep up with your email or simply plan your day in the area. Enjoy nearby activities like indoor or outdoor ice skating, the skateboard & BMX parks, Tayles Water Spray Park or the outdoor aquatic area at the Abbey Centre. Visit the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame & Museum or historic Fort Normandeau or take in an 18- hole game of golf at the River Bend Golf & Recreation Area along the Red Deer River.
8 PEAVINE INN & SUITES High Prairie, AB
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Relax at the Peavine Inn & Suites High Prairie! Situated just 20 minutes from the shores of the Lesser Slave Lake the Peavine Inn and Suites has something for everyone. Our hotel is designed for ultimate guest comfort with our 88 deluxe rooms and suites. Each room comes standard with deluxe linens, luxurious pillow top mattress, spacious work desk with high speed internet, cable television, iron & ironing boards, hair dryer, in room coffee and a mini fridge.
SAWRIDGE INN & CONFERENCE CENTRE, PEACE RIVER Peace River, AB
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The Sawridge Inn Peace River offers both the travellers and corporate clients all of the amenities you would expect from a full-service hotel. On-site facilities include a renovated fitness centre, sauna, business centre, free parking, high-speed wireless internet, and much more.
9 TOWNEPLACE SUITES, FORT MCMURRAY Fort McMurray, AB
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TownePlace Suites by Marriott is an extended-stay hotel where you can balance work and life as you like, with the comfort, flexibility, and affordability that you require. Relax and feel at home with complimentary hot breakfast, fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette and high- speed Internet access. Whether you’re staying with them for the night, weekend, month or longer, TownePlace Suites by Marriott is designed to provide everything you need to live life uninterrupted.
WATERFRONT HARBOUR B&B Cold Lake, AB
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This spotlessly clean, boutique bed & breakfast sits right on the lakeshore giving guests unobstructed views of the majestic scenery. With your choice of four unique bedrooms with private baths, or a three-bedroom suite perfect for families, Waterfront Harbour proudly offers home-cooked breakfasts, fresh baking, a different entrée each day, and a selection of tea and coffee for guests at any time of day.
10 WINGATE BY WYNDHAM, EDMONTON WEST Edmonton, AB
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Close to West Edmonton Mall, this pet-friendly hotel has in-room fridges and microwaves, an indoor pool with a waterslide, free Wi-Fi, complimentary breakfast and fitness facilities.
RESORTS & CASINOS CASINO DENE Cold Lake, AB
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Eat, play and be entertained at the hottest spot in the Lakeland. With two restaurants, free live entertainment every weekend and over 250 different games to choose from there is always something to do at Casino Dene.
11 EAGLE RIVER CASINO AND TRAVEL PLAZA Whitecourt, AB
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Eagle River brings casino action to the heart of Alberta. Try your luck at your favorite slots, table games, live poker, and off-track betting. They offer a smoking section on the casino floor, 38 flat-screen TVs throughout the casino, cocktail service, and friendly staff to make your visit memorable.
KIKINO SILVER Photo credit: Travel Alberta BIRCH RESORT Kikino, AB
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Kikino Silver Birch Resort and Campground features cozy cabins and RV and tent sites surrounded by birch forest right on the shores of Whitefish Lake. It’s also a popular getaway for area locals with 212 coveted year-round RV sites that make the place a close-knit community, especially in summertime. “Kikino” is Cree for “our home” and you’ll feel it when you arrive. Bring your own boat and go fishing or spend your days on the sandy beach, complete with a shared barbecue hut just steps from the water. Groups can rent the conference centre and kitchen for family reunions, special events, and more. The property also features 24/7 security, a general store, coin-operated showers and a playground. Kikino Silver Birch Resort is just a 30-minute drive from Lac La Biche, 45 kilometres south on Highway 36, on the Kikino Métis Settlement.
12 RIVER CREE RESORT & CASINO Enoch, AB
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Located in west Edmonton, on Enoch Cree Nation, the River Cree Resort & Casino is a 4-star full service destination resort offering 2 Casinos, 6 restaurants, 3 lounges, lobby coffee café, 24,000 sq.ft. meeting space and Concert venue. Additional value added is the significant free self-parking, free WiFi and free shuttle back and forth to the world famous West Edmonton Mall. Their 249 nonsmoking guest rooms and suites provide premium bedding, flat screen TV’s with the ability to cast movies from your Netflix account, microwaves, and coffee makers. Additional Resort amenities include a fully equipped fitness center, swimming pool/hot tub, and the NHL sized Twin skating rinks.The non- smoking main Casino floor provides 950 slot machines, table games and poker room. In addition, their second casino is the smoke friendly expansion called Embers with 405 slot machines, and table games.
SHOPS INDIGENOUS SPIRIT CREATIONS Lac La Biche, AB
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Indigenous Spirit Creations is the for profit business venture by the Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre Association. Shop for an authentic Indigenous souviner made by a local artisan. Originally founded to support and empower the regions Indigenous people, Indigenous Spirit Creations also works to promote and share Indigenous culture with others. Ask about joining programs, attending events or connecting with cultural ambassadors.
13 GALLERIES & MUSEUMS CÂHCACÊP ART & TEA HOUSE Edmonton, AB
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Câhcacêp Art & Tea House is located in the heart of Edmonton, and specializes in promoting/selling the works of local Indigenous designers, artists, filmmakers, writers, musicians, master craftsmen and artisans. They feature workshops, seminars, and tea with Câhcacêp, “a little bit of everything” tasty samplings are also available!
GRANT BERG GALLERY Grande Prairie, AB
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Grant Berg Gallery is the region’s premier commercial art gallery, representing roughly 35 artists at any given time. The gallery features painting, sculpture, pottery, jewelry and photography, all of it is original artwork. A selection of landscape, contemporary, abstract, figure and still life works always available. The artists are 50 percent from the local area and 50 percent from across Canada – including seven Indigenous artists, one of which is owner Grant Berg. Custom framing services are also offered using only quality wood frames.
14 JANVIER GALLERY Cold Lake, AB
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Born of Dene Suline and Saulteaux descent in 1935, Alex Janvier was raised in the nurturing care of his family until the age of eight. Although Janvier speaks of having a creative instinct from as far back as he can remember, it was at the residential school that he was given the tools to create his first paintings. In 2012 the new Janvier Gallery opened on Cold Lake, which is located north of the City of Cold Lake. At this gallery, you will find a great assortment of original works of art, art products, and some Alex Janvier prints.
CULINARY HOMEFIRE GRILL Edmonton, AB
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Gather around the communal fire and savor Indigenous-inspired foods made with local ingredients at Homefire Grill. Their Indigenous driven menu features foods from land and sea, cooked over an open flame. Their fire-roasted regional cuisine and open kitchen concept take you on a culinary journey testing all of your senses. Watch the chefs prepare local ingredients, enjoy the aroma from the flames and taste the bold, smoky flavors from the perfectly cooked dishes. Cozy up next to the fire with a glass of red or enjoy a scintillating dessert to top off your meal. For intimate social gatherings or business events, our private dining room offer the perfect ambiance for gathering. Experience our West Edmonton restaurant and fire to table cuisine that celebrate the native cooking spirit of Canada.
15 PEI PEI CHEI OW Edmonton, AB
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Pei Pei Chei Ow (pronounced “pe-pe- s-chew”) is a catering company based in Edmonton, AB. Inspired by the land, life and seasons that surround us, Indigenous ways of cooking outdoors, Pei Pei Chei Ow explores the concept of Indigenous food in today’s society, as well as the impact of colonialism on the Indigenous food system and contemporary culture.Using a variety of both traditional and Western ingredients, Pei Pei Chei Ow caters to public and private events, as well as hosts specialty dinners, educational events and food experiences that tell a story. Apart from elaborate and customized menus, a general catering menu is available for order year round. Home delivery events and online cooking classes are available.
16 CENTRAL ALBERTA
Edmonton
3 4 2 1
Calgary
1 Painted Warriors
2 Rainy Creek Ranch
3 Western Wilderness Adventure
4 Wildhorse Ranch & Outfitters
17 EXPERIENCES PAINTED WARRIORS Sundre, AB
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Painted Warriors Indigenous Outdoor Experience is now open! Experience the traditional and modern day lifestyle of the Cree and Saulteaux people, skills such as animal tracking and snowshoeing, horse riding, archery and many others. Painted Warriors is an Indigenous outdoor adventure company located one hour northwest of Calgary. The facility is on an 82 acre ranch on pristine forest land in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. There are 1 day to multiple day tours with accommodation available. Spend the night in authentic Métis style trappers tents, and wake up to the extraordinary view of the Rocky Mountains.
RAINY CREEK RANCH Sylvan Lake, AB
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Rainy Creek Ranch is a Guest Ranch and Rodeo Training Facility for youth. Located on the North side of beautiful Sylvan Lake, Alberta
18 WESTERN WILDERNESS ADVENTURE Clearwater County, AB
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Western Wilderness Adventures is a rustic resort, located at the base of majestic Black Mountain in Nordegg, Alberta, Canada. We are a rustic facility with no power, telephones or running water, only fresh air, beautiful wilderness, relaxation and adventure. When you arrive on site at Western Wilderness Adventures it’s like taking a step back in time. If you want to experience the Alberta wilderness the way it was meant to be then this is the place for you. Sit and relax while watching the many different types of wildlife that live in and around our grounds. Even a herd of wild horses is often seen passing through.
WILDHORSE RANCH & OUTFITTERS Rocky Mountain House, AB
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Wildhorse Ranch & Outfitters is built on the goal of making lives better for both people and horses. Owners Diane and Bear Baker work to create a place of peace where people can come together and understand life on a higher level. Focused around the Equine Evolution of Excellence, Wildhorse Mountain Ranch is a blend of consciousness and horse sense designed to help people live. The Warriors of old are said to have come back as great horses. Let them guide you on your journey to remember who you are, what your are and why you are here. Join Diane and Bear at Wildhorse Mountain Ranch, 45 minutes west of Red Deer for girls camps, business retreats, personal retreats, land-based learning, camps, events and more.
19 SOUTHERN ALBERTA
1 Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park
2 Buffalo Rock Tipi Camp
3 Drift Out West Fly Fishing
4 Kodiak Herbal (Health & Education)
5 Mystical Métis
6 Redwood Meadows Golf & Country Club
7 River Ranche Lodge
8 Wild West Badlands Tours
9 Zuc’min Guiding Edmonton 10 Westin Calgary Airport
11 Willow Ridge Ranch Ltd 11 3 12 Grey Eagle Resort & Casino 16 5 2218 10 20 8 13 49Dzine 12 13 4 6 9 17 19 1 14 14 Boy Chief Trading Company 7 Calgary 15 Eagle Spirit Gifts 2 16 Moonstone Creations Native Art Gallery 15 Lethbridge 21 17 That’s Empressive
18 Transformation Fine Art
19 Tsuut’ina Culture Museum
20 Aahksoyo’p Indigenous Comfort Food
21 Blackfoot Grill
22 Little Chief Restaurant
20 EXPERIENCES BLACKFOOT Photo credit: Travel Alberta CROSSING HISTORICAL PARK Siksika, AB
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The site of the signing of Treaty No.7, Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park is a designated National Historic Site. Situated less than an hour’s drive south of Calgary, the park is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Siksika Nation’s language, culture and traditions. Inside the facility is a stunning eco-friendly museum, where visitors can learn how Siksika First Nation culture developed through interactive exhibits. Traditional Indigenous foods can be tasted at the on-site restaurant, and the gift shop features locally made products. Dance and craft demonstrations take place frequently, and indoor guided tours with a local Siksika interpreter can be booked in advance. Outdoors, visitors can take a self-guided tour of the numerous historic sites denoted with trail markers that explain the importance of each site. For an in-depth Blackfoot cultural experience, camp overnight in a tipi, located outside the museum. At this time, the attraction is temporarily closed to the public. Please visit the website for the most up-to-date information.
BUFFALO ROCK TIPI CAMP Brocket, AB
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Tipi camp experience like no other! Located in Southern Alberta alongside the beautiful Oldman River. Offering Tipi camping, special programming, dining, and entertainment. Outdoor learning facilities are open to private groups; offering education & interpretation.
21 DRIFT OUT WEST FLY FISHING Airdrie, AB
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Drift Out West Fly Fishing offers guided fly fishing trips on the Bow River near Calgary, Alberta, or on one of Alberta’s pristine mountain streams. Choose one of three trip packages, or customize an experience of a lifetime. Indigenous owned and operated, this experienced guide will share his experience and passion for fly fishing with beginners and seasoned experts alike. There’s nothing like the thrill of a perfect cast and the excitement of boating your first fish or that monster you’ve dreamed about. Book a day with Drift Out West to get your fly fishing fix!
KODIAK HERBAL HEALTH & EDUCATION Calgary, AB
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Kodiak Tourism Experiences provide immersion in Michif Lifeways through art, crafts, traditional medicine and nature. Join a Métis Herbalist, Knowledge Keeper & Craftsperson to learn a local skills, history and a unique perspective on the Canadian Prairies.
22 MYSTICAL MÉTIS Calgary, AB
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Mystical Métis is 100% Indigenous owned and operated. They specialize in clothing and accessories designed by Indigenous artists. A percentage of their sales goes to the artist whose design was used in the products. They also offer services such as public speaking on Métis history and peoples, dance fitness (Zumba), meditation, ecstatic dance. Their athletic wear is eco-friendly and made in Canada. They also offer their products at events and pop-ups.
REDWOOD MEADOWS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Redwood Meadows, AB
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With extraordinary mountain vistas, this 18-hole championship golf course west of Calgary has full golf services including a clubhouse, restaurant, club rentals and practice facilities. The area is surrounded with birds and wildlife.
23 RIVER RANCHE LODGE Siksika Nation Reserve
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The River Ranche Lodge is located within the famed Canadian Badlands on the Siksika Nation Reserve, just a one hour’s drive from Calgary. Overlooking the scenic Bow River, the Lodge is nestled within one of the largest intact Cottonwood riverine ecosystems in Western Canada, and features four double occupancy rooms adjoining the main lodge area, where there is ample room for dining and socializing. Guests can end their days of outdoor adventure on the large deck, enjoying a campfire, or relaxing in the hot tub watching spectacular sunsets. River Ranche Lodge specializes in both cultural and fly fishing adventures as well as kayaking and cross-country skiing packages, all which can be customized.
WILD WEST BADLANDS TOURS Drumheller, AB
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Discover the beautiful geography, hidden history and unique culture of the Canadian Badlands with this Drumheller-based tour company. They provide an Award Winning Tour of Drumheller and also provide pick up at the Calgary Airport to travel to Drumheller. Their tour lasts about 3.5 hours and they go right through the Drumheller Valley. They realize that their customers are on vacation and are looking to relax and have a great tour of the valley. They try to provide a service next to done so they will enjoy themselves and come back to Drumheller with their friends and relatives. They also offer an evening tour, the Wild West Adventure Tour, on which they take a hayride into a heard of Buffalo. You can see the Buffalo right up close as they feed them right beside the wagon.
24 ZUC’MIN GUIDING Calgary, AB
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Zuc’min Guiding is an independent freelance professional Indigenous tourism company based in Calgary, Alberta. They specialize in individual and small group hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing and camping with a uniquely Indigenous focus. Zuc’min Gudes are all certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and have knowledge and experience of the Canadian Mountain Parks and Foothills in Alberta as well as the mountains of British Columbia’s interior. They offer short half day and full day hikes from Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise. If you want to learn about Indigenous plants and ecology join them on one of their Cultural Knowledge of Plants hikes. If you are looking for a truly unique Indigenous experience, join them for a trip on one of the Old Indian Trading trails in Banff and Yoho National Parks.
25 ACCOMMODATIONS WESTIN CALGARY AIRPORT Calgary, AB
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Engage with Canada at The Westin Calgary Airport. Departing and arriving is easy with free parking and shuttle service from Calgary International Airport, less than two kilometers from our hotel. Cross Iron Mills outlet shops and the Calgary Zoo are also in easy reach. This is where business events thrive and weddings and social gatherings enliven all guests in Calgary’s largest hotel ballroom – modern and more than 16,000 square feet of versatile
WILLOW RIDGE RANCH LTD Cochrane, AB
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This private, rustic cottage, nestled on a ridge overlooking the Jumping Pound Creek is your perfect retreat getaway. With 300sq ft of interior living and 250sq ft of exterior living you can watch the river valley below from the comfort of your bed or while cuddled up on the porch swing, around the fire. This cottage is fully furnished and has been intentionally designed for a couple who is looking to reconnect with one another and explore the land around.
26 RESORTS & CASINOS GREY EAGLE RESORT & CASINO Calgary, AB
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Welcome to Calgary’s New Resort Hotel, located on the beautiful Tsuut’ina Nation. Located minutes from downtown, yet miles from your hectic day, sitting on the doorstep of the Rockies. All of guests are treated to a hot deluxe breakfast buffet daily included with their stay. Our beautiful, modern 4 Star Resort Hotel offers first class services and amenities, such as state of the art meeting and convention space that can accommodate events of all sizes from 2-2500 attendees.
SHOPS 49DZINE Calgary, AB
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Native tribal apparel, shoes, home decor, and accessories. Native-owned.
27 BOY CHIEF TRADING COMPANY Siksika, AB
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Named after the owners grandfather and great blackfoot warrior ‘Boy Chief’. A true leader and a revered medicine man it is with his memory in mind that they established Boy Chief Trading Post to help preserve not just the Blackfoot culture but to promote the arts, crafts and culture of other Indigenous nations both here in Canada and the United States.
EAGLE SPIRIT GIFTS Cardston, AB
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100% Indigenous owned store filled with amazing Indigenous made jewelry, clothing, homeware and more.
28 MOONSTONE CREATIONS NATIVE ART GALLERY Calgary, AB
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Moonstone Creation is an Indigenous-owned, family-run business in Calgary, Alberta. Yvonne Jobin & her daughter, Amy Willier, are Cree First Nations artists that co-own Moonstone Creation. Although they make the majority of the products they sell right in-store, they represent over 50 Aboriginal artists from across Canada. with a wide variety of art, from beaded jewelry to bronze sculptures, they ensure everything is Native made, not Native-Inspired. For a true, Made in Canada experience, come to Moonstone Creation.
THAT’S EMPRESSIVE Empress, AB
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That’s Empressive is a gallery and gift shop on the eastern edge of the Canadian Badlands where you can also buy gas, groceries and home-baked goodies. The store features pottery by ceramic artists from across Canada, woodcrafts from British Columbia, spectacular women’s costume jewelry. unusual home decor, truly unique and creative gifts as well as toys to keep the kids amused in the car! But the gallery is also home to the Ojibwa artist, Nokomis.Besides her original paintings, her entire collection of limited and open edition prints and dozens of notecards are available. Artcards and limited edition serigraphs of dozens of other First Nations artists are also on hand.
29 GALLERIES & MUSEUMS TRANSFORMATION FINE ART Calgary, AB
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Inuit on her mother’s side and Greek on her father’s, owner Sophia was raised in Arviat, Nunavut, a hamlet on the coast of the Hudson’s Bay. Her childhood was spent in Canada’s Arctic and Greece where from a young age her keen eye for art was developed. Her Inuit lineage is tied to many Master Works artist and she was raised in her father’s Artic art co-operative as a child and into her young adult years in her family galleries in Lake Louise, Banff and Victoria. Sophia is Canada’s first Inuk Inuit art gallery owner. Her gallery, Transformation Fine Art, is located in downtown Calgary’s historic Grain Exchange Building. In 2019, Sophia became a member of the Board of Directors with Calgary Arts Development. Transformation Fine Art specializes in Master Works of Inuit and First Nations art, is an individually tailored experience for a variety of collectors with any budget. Sophia also appraises, consults on private collections, and welcomes speaking engagements on her life in Canada’s art scene.
TSUUT’INA CULTURE MUSEUM Tsuut’ina Nation, AB
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In 1977, the Canadian government mandated Indigenous culture be revived. Tsuut’ina Elders dream came to life in1983 when the first original Tsuut’ina Culture/ Museum doors opened to the public. Come enjoy the new museum building located on the beautiful Tsuut’ina Nation, where you will be able to learn about the rich cultural history of Tsuut’ina. You can admire the exquisite mountain view and scenery while observing Chief Bullhead’s homestead, located beside the museum. The museum aims to help connect Indigenous youth to their heritage while also introducing the public to Tsuut’ina’s storied past. Book an intimate tour or observe on your own, the friendly staff will be glad to help you with any questions. Don’t forget to checkout the Museum Gift Shop where you can find authentically hand made Indigenous goods such as clothing, jewelry, and moccasins made by over 40 artisans. The store also supports the local artisans by providing beading and regalia making supplies to the Treaty 7 area. The Museum Gift Shop is Nation owned and operated store, proud to highlight the Tsuut’ina people as well as people from nations all over Turtle Island.
30 CULINARY AAHKSOYO’P INDIGENOUS COMFORT FOOD Calgary, AB
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Aahksoyo’p (Aah-k-soy-op) means “we are going to eat” in Blackfoot. Located in Mohkinstsis (Calgary). Owner and operator Shantal Tallows’ grandparents were great food influencers. This is where she found her love for food and gained the knowledge to learn to cook at a young age. Aahksoyo’p offers many comfort foods with an Indigenous twist, including bannock, frybread, Indian tacos, baked spaghetti, Saskatoon berry soup & bannock cheese burgers.
BLACKFOOT GRILL Stand Off, AB
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Blackfoot Grill was started by father and son duo of Brent and Clayton Chief Body from the Blood Reserve in Southern Alberta Canada in March of 2016. With a small grant and loan, the Food Trailer was purchased and was set up in Stand Off, Alberta to serve local residents. During the Summer and Fall, Blackfoot Grill began to service Pow Wow’s, Farmer’s Markets, and special events in the Crowsnest Pass, Cardston, Lethbridge, Fort Macleod, Blood Reserve, Raymond, Sikisika Nation, Peigan Nation, and Calgary.
31 LITTLE CHIEF RESTAURANT Calgary, AB
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The Little Chief Restaurant resides in the Grey Eagle Resort Hotel on the Tsuut’ina Nation. Offering family-friendly dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and with so many wonderful options to choose from we know, you will find everything you are looking for and more at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino Little Chief Restaurant.
32 THE ROCKIES
2 Edmonton 3 5 Jasper 1 9 8 7 Banff 4 6 Calgary 1 Girth Hitch Guiding
2 Horseback Adventures Ltd.
3 Jasper Tour Company
4 Mahikan Trails
5 Warrior Women
6 Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino
7 Buffalo Nations Museum
8 Carter-Ryan Gallery & Live Art Venue
9 Samson Native Gallery
33 EXPERIENCES GIRTH HITCH GUIDING Nordegg, AB
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Girth Hitch Guiding thrives on introducing outdoor enthusiasts – from beginners to experts – to the beautiful mountains through Via Ferrata climbing and everything rock- related. Their approach to guiding strives to bring the best out of everyone they work with. They believe that mountains are not something to be conquered but rather ancient friends to discover and experience. As the principal owner of Girth Hitch Guiding and a proud Métis man, Tim Taylor’s heritage is aligned with the stories and legends of the David Thompson Corridor and his passion for the mountains he calls home is rooted in his Cultural background. Join Tim and his team to find the sweet spot where challenge and growth come together to offer profound opportunities for personal development. At Girth Hitch Guiding, they embrace failure and success while fostering safe and meaningful experiences in the mountains.
HORSEBACK ADVENTURES LTD. Brule, AB
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Horseback Adventures Ltd. is a family-owned and operated business since 1979. Join Tom & Shawn on the adventures of a lifetime into the Mountains Beyond. Horseback Adventures Ltd. provides all the necessities on your horseback holiday, just bring your personal belongings, a healthy appetite for the great outdoors and your appreciation for Mother Nature. Take an unforgettable trip that will give you memories to last a lifetime, with multiple generations’ worth of experience on the land, Horseback Adventures offers a truly authentic experience of the Canadian Rockies virtually unchanged since the days of the early explorers. Horseback Adventures Ltd is open for hourly rides. Horseback Adventures is complying with the restrictions set forth by AHS and the Government. Horseback Adventures will be by appointment only at this time. Guests are asked to follow social distancing guidelines and the staff will be wearing masks and gloves when helping guests mounting and dismounting the horses. West Range Cabin Vacations will open July 3, with restricted numbers to comply with social distancing.
34 JASPER TOUR COMPANY Jasper, AB
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For thousands of years, Indigenous people have traversed through these mountains, creating routes used to trade between the different communities living on either side of the divide. The advent of the Fur Trade, saw them continue to do so, with many of them acting as guides to the European traders. Now, more than 200 years after the first Europeans were shown the way through the Rockies, the Jasper Tour Company continues to do the same. Following in the footsteps of those who came before, the Jasper Tour Company will take you out in search of experiences generally only found on the periphery of our daily lives. The Jasper Tour Company will treat you to a memorable pioneering experience that will help you build more of your own excellent history. The mountains provide the setting. They provide the guide. Without you, there can be no adventure.
MAHIKAN TRAILS Canmore, AB
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It’s an eye-opening experience when you take a walk in a mountain meadow or through the forest with Brenda Holder. She can point to and identify any plant, tree or bush and tell you how it can be used to make something crucial to survival – a fire cider for a flu or cold, a food source or a fire starter. Holder, operator and owner of Mahikan Trails, is following in the footsteps of her family lineage as a Cree guide of the Kwarakwante people of Jasper, Alberta where she grew up. Passing along her knowledge is part of her passion for supporting Indigenous tourism for which she has won many distinctions. Holder offers several workshops, including her medicine walks, designed to educate people about how her ancestors survived off the land for millennia. Over two days in the hands-on workshop guests learn how to identify a variety of plants and learn how to make simple medicines.
35 WARRIOR WOMEN Jasper, AB
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Warrior Women offer drumming shows to those traveling all across the Globe. Having performed over 300 shows, Warrior Women will not leave you disappointed. Join Jasper’s local Knowledge keeper for performance shows, workshops, tours, guided experiences, training and much more. If you are looking to be moved by the heartbeat of mother earth, hear the stories of the land and listen to legends of the Cree people that will stay with you forever, the Warrior Women is the group for you.
RESORTS & CASINOS STONEY NAKODA RESORT & CASINO Kananaskis, AB
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Discover the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino, a vibrant combination of affordable comfort, premier casino gaming, family-friendly adventure and entertainment with first-class service and warm hospitality in Kananaskis. Escape to the “Basecamp of the Rockies,” only 30 minutes west of Calgary in beautiful Kananaskis Country! Surrounded by stunning views, the mountain resort playground offers countless amenities, including 110 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art casino, an exhilarating pool and waterslide, two restaurants and exciting adventures throughout the year. All hotel rooms come with a complimentary daily hot breakfast buffet. Rooms are equipped with their own dedicated WiFi, as well as HD TVs. Come find everything you need for the perfect vacation at the only casino resort in the Alberta Rockies – the Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino!
36 BUFFALO NATIONS MUSEUM Banff, AB
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In a distinct log fortress on the banks of the Bow River, wonder at the animation and pageantry of the traditional and contemporary lives of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. Enhance your experience through innovative technology and share your own cultural identity with our interpreter. Browse the gift shop, or pause for a complimentary hot beverage in the reading area. Buffalo Nations Museum serves as a hub for Indigenous Canadians using traditional knowledge to conserve and restore language, culture, and ecology.
GALLERIES & MUSEUMS CARTER-RYAN GALLERY & LIVE ART VENUE Canmore and Banff, AB
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Welcome to the Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue, where they celebrate the works of Jason Carter, acclaimed Aboriginal soapstone sculptor and painter. ‘Bold’ and ‘brilliant’ are two words that have often been used to describe this prolific visual artist. By day, Jason can be found doing carving demonstrations and as well, offers intimate carvings workshops for groups up to 20. By night, Bridget Ryan’s passion for musical theatre infuses the gallery with song, humour and outstanding live entertainment all year long. Perfect for families and groups of all sizes, the gallery becomes a 75 seat theatre where shows like Canada The Musical, A Christmas Carol and Mavericks of the Mountains and most definitely have guests from all over the world singing along and laughing in the aisles!
37 SAMSON NATIVE GALLERY Lake Louise, AB
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Opened in 2012, Samson Native Gallery showcases a variety of works from renowned Canadian First Nations artisans including paintings, sculptures, prints, handcrafted jewelry and more. They also carry an assortment of clothing and fashion accessories including mukluks, scarves, and blankets as well as giftware, kitchenware, and traditional items.
38 EXPLORE OUR ONLINE SHOPS
ASKIY TEA Edmonton, AB
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‘Askiy’ is the Cree word for Earth, and all our premium teas are wildcrafted and hand- picked in Alberta, with respect and honour for the environment. Askiy Tea is Carrie Armstrong’s latest adventure- after sharing her love and knowledge of traditional Indigenous plants through bath and body products with Mother Earth Essentials, she has shifted her focus to tea.
FALLEN MOUNTAIN SOAP Grande Cache, AB
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Fallen Mountain Soap is located in Grande Cache, Alberta, and our goal is to create personal self care products that incorporate traditional cree teachings in a modern way for today’s lifestyle. Makes soaps, pop sockets, jewelry and more.
FINE INDIAN PRODUCTS Sucker Creek, AB
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Fine Indian Products by April Willier are any and all native apparel, footwear, jewelry, regalia, accessories, dream catchers, etc., customized by you.
HAWK LACE Calgary, AB
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Created by Cree First Nations Jewelry Designer Sade Makerra Auger- jewelry is designed for healing & helping purposes utilizing crystals and gem stones.
39 IndigenousTourismAlberta.ca