2019 EXPERIENCE GUIDE Indigenous Tourism Experiences of Alberta
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Indigenous Tourism Alberta 2019 EXPERIENCE GUIDE Indigenous Tourism Experiences of Alberta Find rich Indigenous culture throughout Alberta’s diverse landscapes. Discover how Alberta’s First Nations and Métis 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 color 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 Edmonton 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 and Métis operators are keen to share their culture through varied experiences from the rugged Rockies’ peaks and foothills Calgary through the southern prairies that give way to the vast northern boreal forest. Mahikan Trails Jasper Tour Company Moonstone Creation Native Métis Crossing Gallery & Gift Shop Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park River Ranche Lodge Painted Warriors Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Carter-Ryan Gallery Little Chief Restaurant Lac La Biche Canadian Native River Cree Resort & Casino Friendship Centre Stoney Nakoda Resort & Casino The Westin Calgary Airport To learn more about Indigenous tourism in Alberta, please visit our website at indigenoustourismalberta.ca Photo courtesy of Travel Alberta Mahikan Trails Gain a new perspective, learn traditional knowledge and discover ancient survival skills in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Brenda Holder, Indigenous owner and operator of Mahikan Trails, connects visitors to the land through guided hiking tours and medicine walks that explore the traditional lands Brenda calls home. Following in the footsteps of her family lineage as a traditional guide of the Kwarakwante people of Jasper, 82 Grotto Way Alberta, Holder offers many opportunities to share cultural knowledge with visitors about the area and how her Canmore, Alberta ancestors survived off the land for millennia. 403.679.8379 Visitors will learn unique teachings carried through generations and knowledge about the plants in the area [email protected] through distinctive identification methods taught through hands-on experiences and connecting with the land. www.mahikan.ca On medicine walks, visitors will be provided the opportunity to harvest and store traditional plants, while learning how to make medicines from the land. In the winter, visitors will experience snowshoeing on the trails of Brenda’s Métis ancestors and see the Canadian Rockies covered in a blanket of fresh white snow. 1 Photo courtesy of Jasper Tour Company Jasper Tour Company Experience the terrain, wildlife and majestic views of Alberta’s Jasper National Park. Joe Urie, the owner and operator of the Jasper Tour Company, comes from a long line of proud Métis who’ve been living and guiding along the Athabasca River since 1860, where many Europeans ventured during the Fur Trade in the 1800s. Jasper, Alberta Treat yourself to a memorable adventure offered by the Jasper Tour Company in this breathtaking region 780.852.7070 of Canada. Through the eyes of an experienced Indigenous guide, hike through the Canadian Rockies [email protected] on wildlife adventures. www.jaspertourcompany.com As part of a small group, you will view the grandeur of the Rockies, walk along the shoreline of the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, hear stories of the region’s First Peoples and learn about the wildlife that roams in the area. The Jasper Tour Company specializes in half-day tours year-round and offers an excellent introduction to Jasper and its surrounding areas. 2 Photo courtesy of Moonstone Creations Moonstone Creation Native Gallery & Gift Shop In the heart of Inglewood – a quaint Calgary neighbourhood – lives Moonstone Creation Native Gallery & Gift Shop. This shop connects visitors with authentic Indigenous art and workshops focused on sharing traditional knowledge. The appreciation of authentic Indigenous art is the guiding principle 1219 10 Ave SE for owners and operators, Yvonne Jobin and Amy Willier. Visitors will be immersed in the authentic Calgary, Alberta Indigenous wares created by local artists and artisans from Alberta and across Canada. Moonstone T2G 0W6 Creation Native Gallery & Gift Shop offers in-house workshops on traditional indigenous art forms, 403.261.2650 including beading classes, fish-scale art, and traditional drum making. Yvonne and Amy are artists from [email protected] the Sucker Creek First Nation, and have been operating for over 15 years, bringing their traditional www.moonstonecreation.ca knowledge and teachings to visitors from around the world. Moonstone Creation Native Gallery & Gift Shop prides themselves on not only producing and selling their own authentic Native art, but also representing 50 other Aboriginal artists from across Canada. Photo courtesy of Moonstone Creations 3 River Ranche Lodge Photo courtesy of River Ranche Lodge River Ranche Lodge is in Alberta’s famed Canadian Badlands on the Siksika Nation Reserve, a one- hour 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. Box 1403 Visitors can end their days of outdoor adventure on the large deck enjoying a campfire, or relaxing in the hot Siksika, Alberta tub watching spectacular sunsets. River Ranche Lodge specializes in both cultural and fly-fishing adventures T0J 3W0 as well as kayaking and cross-country skiing packages. All packages are fully customizable. 403.921.3972 [email protected] Cultural activities can include a Blackfoot tipi camp stay, Blackfoot Elder storytelling, and a tour of the Siksika Nation, where Blackfoot historical sites are abundant. Packages can include homemade meals which feature authentic Indigenous cuisine. River Ranche Lodge is the perfect setting for fly fishing enthusiasts, birding groups, corporate events, family reunions, scrap-booking activities – or as a getaway for an individual or small group. 4 Grey Eagle 3779 Grey Eagle Drive Calgary, Alberta T3E 3X8 Resort & Casino 1.844.719.8777 [email protected] www.greyeagleresortandcasino.ca Nestled in the beautiful, rolling foothills of Alberta’s Rocky Mountains on the Tsuut’ina First Nation is Grey Eagle Resort & Casino. This entertainment destination offers a state-of-the- art events centre, hotel and conference facilities, along with a casino featuring 40 live table games, 900 slot machines, a 24/7 poker room and an active, not-for-profit bingo schedule. While at the resort, guests can experience truly unique Indigenous cuisine in the Little Chief Restaurant that adds touches and flavours inspired by Executive Chef Bill Alexander, who is from the Iroquois and Mohawk Nations of Ontario. Photo courtesy of Grey Eagle Resort & Casino Residing in the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino, Little Chief Restaurant is home to the world- renowned culinary talents of Executive Chef, Bill Alexander, from the Iroquois and Mohawk Nations of Ontario. A decorated chef, winning numerous competitions and awards, Chef Bill showcases his indigenous culture by creating elegant dishes with a modern twist. Using only fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, visitors will savour authentic indigenous staples such as venison, Bannock, roasted elk and pemmican. Having apprenticed across the globe, Chef Bill has found that food is a magical ingredient that brings people together to create long-lasting memories. Create these moments by sharing an exceptional meal with friends and family – you will find everything you are looking for and more when you walk through the doors of Little Chief Restaurant. Little Chief 3779 Grey Eagle Drive Calgary, AB T7X 3Y3 587.390.1400 Restaurant [email protected] Photo courtesy of Grey Eagle Resort & Casino 5 River Cree 300 East Lapotac Blvd Enoch, AB T7X 3Y3 780.484.2121 Resort & Casino [email protected] www.rivercreeresort.com Whatever you are craving, River Cree Resort and Casino will satisfy you with a fantastic selection of hospitality, dining and nightlife options. Experience the rush of River Cree Resort and Casino’s vibrant and exciting casino floor which features over 1,150 slot machines, 10 VLT machines and 40 table games for your enjoyment. No detail has been overlooked to ensure your stay is truly satisfying. The River Cree Resort is a full-service hotel offering the finest amenities. The River Cree Resort and Casino boasts two NHL-sized hockey rinks, multiple bars and an Entertainment Centre; River Cree offers you the best entertainment found in the Edmonton region. Finally, don’t forget to stop by and enjoy some delicious cuisine from the several different restaurants located in the resort. At SC Restaurant, you’ll have the chance to taste some amazing creations by Executive Chef Shane Chartrant with a blend of Indigenous flavour from his contemporary menu. Photo courtesy of River Cree Resort & Casino Discover the Stoney Nakoda