Land Acknowledgment
A visit to Manitoba means travelling through Treaty 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Territories and through communities who are signatories to Treaties 6 and 10. Manitoba is located on the ancestral land of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline, and Nehethowuk Nations and is the Homeland of the Red River Métis. Northern Manitoba includes lands that were and are the ancestral lands of the Inuit.
To learn more, please visit the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba website.
Welcome to the Heart of Turtle Island!
Indigenous Tourism Manitoba (ITM) is the only Indigenous tourism organization in the province. We are dedicated to building partnerships and supporting Indigenous businesses and their communities. Together with our partners, Travel Manitoba and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), we are committed to advancing Indigenous tourism, improving the livelihoods of Indigenous peoples, and connecting visitors to authentic and engaging Indigenous experiences.
As a newly established not-for-profit organization, we are excited to explore opportunities for growth and make significant improvements in the Indigenous tourism sector. Our goal is to raise awareness and create positive outcomes for our members and their communities.
ITM has teamed up with ITAC’s The Original Original Accreditation Program to support Indigenous tourism businesses that meet the standards of this national initiative. This partnership ensures that visitors can enjoy quality experiences while providing Indigenous operators with the support they need to succeed. We are proud to feature exceptional Indigenous tourism businesses that offer unique and immersive experiences, showcasing the richness of our cultures and traditions. These businesses are committed to delivering high-quality services and memorable encounters that resonate with visitors. We look forward to collaborating closely with our members, stakeholders, and partners to raise awareness of these Indigenous experiences. By doing so, we aim to drive consumer engagement to these businesses, which will help grow the industry, create jobs and revenue, and contribute to reconciliation in Manitoba.
Holly Courchene, CEO, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba
Indigenous Tourism Manitoba is the only organization in Manitoba that unites communities, Indigenous groups, and industry leaders to create authentic Indigenous tourism experiences. Our main goal is to support Indigenous businesses and their communities. We are committed to promoting and growing Indigenous tourism.
I am honoured to extend my support to Indigenous Tourism Manitoba (ITM) and the launch of its Inspiration Guide. As the only Indigenous tourism organization in Manitoba, ITM is critical in advancing the province’s Indigenous tourism sector, strengthening communities, and amplifying Indigenous tourism as reconciliation in action through authentic and meaningful experiences.
At the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), we recognize the importance of collaboration in ensuring Indigenous tourism businesses have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. ITM’s commitment to fostering strong partnerships with Travel Manitoba, ITAC, and Indigenous entrepreneurs across the province is a testament to their dedication to sustainable growth and economic reconciliation.
Through initiatives like ITAC’s The Original Original Accreditation Program, ITM is helping Indigenous businesses showcase their commitment to excellence and authenticity. This program ensures that visitors can confidently engage with high-quality Indigenous tourism experiences while supporting operators who have the right standards in place to deliver a quality experience to visitors. These experiences are stories, traditions, and connections that build bridges of understanding and cultural appreciation.
As Indigenous tourism continues to build momentum in Manitoba and across Canada, I commend ITM’s efforts in creating opportunities that drive economic prosperity, celebrate First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, and contribute to reconciliation. The Indigenous tourism sector has a substantial economic impact on Canada’s GDP and positive social impact—not only on those who participate in it but also on the broader community by fostering awareness and respect for Indigenous cultures from coast to coast to coast.
On behalf of ITAC, I congratulate Indigenous Tourism Manitoba on this significant milestone and look forward to continued collaboration in growing and strengthening Indigenous tourism across the province. To date, we have seen 21 The Original Original Accredited Indigenous tourism experiences business in Manitoba and will continue supporting Indigenous businesses, enhancing visitor experiences, and creating a thriving and sustainable future for Indigenous tourism in Manitoba and beyond.
Keith Henry, President & CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) focuses on creating partnerships between associations, organizations, government departments, and industry leaders from across Canada to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Canada and address the demand for development and marketing of authentic Indigenous experiences. ITAC has an established membership process that enables Indigenous tourism industry partners to engage with and show support for Indigenous tourism.
Whether it’s the cultural stories that draw you in or the desire to discover how we’re all connected, Indigenous experiences bring together the people and the land in Manitoba. In these pages you’ll find countless heart-stirring and authentic Indigenous experiences and destinations all right here in the heart of Canada, as well as all the tips you need to plan your ultimate Turtle Island adventure.
Manitoba is home to vibrant Indigenous cultures, traditions, communities, and businesses that offer immersive and meaningful experiences. Feel the power of storytelling through dance, music, and art at cultural celebrations and festivals. Learn from Knowledge Keepers as they share their deep connection to the land and water. Walk and explore paths cherished by the Indigenous peoples of these lands for generations, paddle historic waterways, and savour traditional and contemporary cuisine.
On Treaty 1 Territory, visit the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre to learn about diverse Indigenous cultures through its displays, pictures, artwork, artifacts, and stories. Attend the Manito Ahbee Festival to celebrate the spirit of the land and its people through a powwow, artisan marketplace, and culture performances. Venture beyond the city to places like Churchill, on Treaty 5 Territory, for a guided dogsled tour led by Wapusk Adventures or Riding Mountain National Park to experience Turtle Village offering minimalist accommodations built sustainably in the heart of Treaty 2 Territory.
Wherever you go, you’ll be welcomed with warmth and generosity and hear stories passed down through generations. Let your heart be moved by the strength, beauty, and wisdom of Manitoba’s First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures.
Whatever your heart needs, Canada’s Heart is Calling.
Colin Ferguson, President & CEO, Travel Manitoba
Travel Manitoba is a Crown Corporation under provincial legislation that leads and stimulates sustainable tourism growth in Manitoba’s $1.82 billion tourism industry.
In partnership with the tourism industry, the agency is responsible for tourism marketing, visitor information services, research, and public information.
Churchill
Regional Map of The Original Original Accredited Businesses
Churchill
Aurora Inn
Beyond Boreal Expeditions
Custom Churchill Tours
Dene Routes
Wapusk Adventures
Interlake
Loon Straits
Wilderness Retreat
West Manitoba
Turtle Village
Central Manitoba
Nature’s Edge Tourism
Prairie Berry
The House That Love
Built Bed and Breakfast
Winnipeg
Anne Mulaire Boutique
Bistro on Notre Dame
Feast Café Bistro
Manito Ahbee Festival
Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre (MICEC)
Sharecuterie
Spence Custom Carvings
Wyndham Garden
Winnipeg Airport Hotel
East Manitoba
Borealis Beading
Moon Gate Guest House
Wild Loon Adventure Company
Accreditation Program
Officially launched in 2022 in collaboration with The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and Tourism HR Canada (THRC), The Original Original Accreditation Program mark of excellence assures visitors of a quality Indigenous tourism experience. While many businesses offer an Indigenous experience, not all Indigenous tourism experiences directly support Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. The Original Original (TOO) mark is the first of its kind and gives consumers peace of mind in knowing that they are directly supporting Indigenous Peoples.
Visit the Indigenous Tourism Manitoba website to explore the latest TOO experiences and stay up to date with our members, like the ones listed here.
Anne Mulaire
Boutique 204-231-1433
annemulaire.ca
Anne Mulaire is a sustainable, size-inclusive fashion brand rooted in Métis heritage and proudly produced in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Their boutique, nestled in the heart of Winnipeg, welcomes you with timeless elegance and eco-conscious sophistication. You can also take a tour of their manufacturing facility, witnessing firsthand where the clothes are made.
Whether you shop in-store or online, expect a curated selection of luxurious pieces that transcend trends and leave a lasting impression. Discover the intersection of heritage and haute couture, where each purchase is not just a fashion statement but a conscious choice toward a more sustainable future.
The Aurora Inn is a family-friendly hotel located in the centre of Churchill, Manitoba. Their apartment style rooms are the perfect base for you to explore everything Churchill has to offer. Whether you’re there for polar bear safaris in the fall, bird watching and beluga whale viewing in summer or dog sledding tours and northern lights viewing in winter, they’re ready to welcome you year-round.
This locally-owned guiding company is eager to help make your Churchill experience a success. They offer a different array of tours for every type of traveller out there, including aurora borealis, polar bear, and summer tours. They’re photography driven and experienced to help you capture every magical aspect of the Polar Bear Capital of the World. If you’re looking for a relaxing place to stay for your Churchill adventure, check out their newly renovated Cozy Cub B&B.
Bistro on Notre Dame
204-691-1515 bistroonnotredame.com
Bistro on Notre Dame is a cozy Red River Métis restaurant offering a casual upscale full-service dining experience. Reviving and modernizing traditional Métis foods using locally grown ingredients, they bring new interpretations to traditional and contemporary dishes. It’s a vibrant, relaxing retreat where people can enjoy good food and BoND over the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner in downtown Winnipeg.
Borealis Beading
204-447-7478
borealisbeading.ca
Borealis Beading is owned by Manitoba francophone Métis artisan Melanie Gamache, who began her beading journey in 2014. She offers mobile and onsite interactive handson creative learning experiences infused with Métis culture. Through these unique and authentic experiences, guests explore the deep connections between Métis people, beadwork, food, and nature, sharing stories and traditions in a modern take on the traditional beading circle. This is a special gathering where friends and family can come together to pass on the art and significance of beadwork, celebrating the heritage of The Flower Beadwork People. Workshops, Arts & Culture
customchurchilltours.com
Custom Churchill Tours is owned and operated by Brendan and Jannelle McEwan. They’re a local Indigenous-owned business offering boat tours in the Churchill River Estuary and Hudson Bay for small group sizes. They also offer beluga whale tours and Prince of Whales Fort tours and are happy to customize your trip for a memorable Churchill experience. If you’re looking for a place to stay for your Churchill adventure, check out their centrally located 4-bedroom rental home.
Florence Hamilton, the founder and owner of Dene Routes, is a proud Sayisi Dene woman who deeply values and loves her Dene heritage. Whether it be a walking tour of Churchill, sharing the stories of her life and her people’s history, or a cultural experience demonstrating how to tuft caribou hair, Florence brings the past to life.
Feast Café Bistro
204-691-5979
feastcafebistro.com
Feast is the first of its kind in Manitoba, a full-service café and bistro that highlights all the wonderful ingredients our land has to offer with fresh local products. From wild rice and berries to beans, squash, and of course, bison, their menu has no counterpart in the province or in the country.
Some of the menu highlights include Manitoba pickerel sliders, butternut squash bannock pizza, traditional bannock tipi tacos, braised bison ribs, fire-roasted buffalo lasagna and their famous dessert bannocks, made in-house daily!
Loon Straits Wilderness Retreat
204-781-3284
loonstraitswildernessretreat.com
This spacious light-filled 2-bedroom cottage is situated on the east shores of majestic Lake Winnipeg, within the borders of the only protected UNESCO World Heritage Site in Manitoba. The area is known for deep boreal forests, incredible wildlife, amazing dark skies for viewing the constellations and aurora borealis, and untouched wilderness. The Ojibwe name for this area is Pimachiowin Aki (pim MATCH
– o win – a KEH) which means “Land that gives life” and “Living the good life on the Land.”
It’s a very fitting name for this area; a place where nature and culture come together and are inseparable.
They also offer customized nature walks, cultural workshops, and kayak and canoe rentals to help guests fully experience the wonders of this unique area.
Workshops, Arts & Culture
Workshops, Arts & Culture
Manito Ahbee Festival
204-989-0114
manitoahbee.com
The Manito Ahbee Festival celebrates Indigenous arts, culture, and music in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The annual festival is held May long weekend each year and features: NextGEN, (education day), Manito Ahbee Pow Wow, Manito Ahbee Marketplace & Food, Spirit Visions 48-hour film challenge (hybrid), Jig N’Jam, cultural performances on the Ignite Our Spirit performance stage, Manito Ahbee Sports, Indian Horse Relay, and more.
Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre (MICEC)
204-942-0228
micec.com
The Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre (MICEC), established in 1975 by the Winnipeg Indian Council and Manitoba Indian Brotherhood, is centrally located in Winnipeg’s historic North Point Douglas neighbourhood. As Manitoba’s largest cultural education centre, it houses The People’s Library, offering over 14,000 Indigenous resources, and The Heritage Collection, featuring over 1,000 pieces of clothing, artwork, sculptures, carvings, and archaeological artifacts. In 2009, MICEC underwent a $2 million award-winning renovation to bring this collection to the forefront. It is a provincial non-profit charitable organization and a member of the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres.
Moon Gate Guest House
204-348-2473 moongateguesthouse.ca
Moon Gate Guest House offers a soul-nurturing space located on the banks of the meandering Whitemouth River in southeastern Manitoba. Proudly Indigenous (Métis) owned, they offer an eco-friendly, year-round guest house, and cultural experience facilitator. Enjoy restorative services like Reiki, reflexology, and massage therapy to nurture your authentic self. In the summer months, be sure to join them for woodfired pizza prepared by hand with only the best locally sourced ingredients.
204-471-1210 naturesedgetourism.ca
Nature’s Edge Tourism (NET) is Southern Manitoba’s only SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) Tour company that provides personalized instruction with premium equipment as you glide across the water.
NET is a mobile company with Paddle Canada-certified instructors. They have a variety of boards to accommodate a wide range of paddling abilities and riders. With safety in mind, visitors can just show up and SUP!
Beginners and novice paddlers are welcome and encouraged! They offer clinics and private, group, and custom-curated adventures on many of Manitoba’s waterways.
Prairie Berry
204-226-7425 thepatchmb.ca
Bilingual French & English
Prairie Berry is a strawberry farm located 10 minutes south of Winnipeg in Glenlea, Manitoba. They host 4–7 course Farm to Table Dining Experiences served directly in the strawberry patch. The dinners are held during the strawberry season (end of June to beginning of July) and focus on local ingredients (like strawberries) in feature dishes made by local chefs.
Sharecuterie
431-489-0244 sharecuteriewpg.com
Sharecuterie is proudly Indigenous, celiacfriendly, and woman-owned, championing visibility and inclusion at every turn. Each board is a unique masterpiece, showcasing the finest locally sourced ingredients from Winnipeg and rural Manitoba.
Committed to supporting local, every item on their boards is carefully selected based on what’s in season, delicious, and available locally. Plus, they’re dedicated to being allergy and dietary restriction-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy their culinary delights.
Dine-in and enjoy your board with their beverage menu or pre-order a board for your next party or event.
Ojibwe (Peguis First Nation) artist Fredrick Spence guides participants step-by-step through 3 to 4-hour soapstone carving workshops that focus on the healing properties of art. Throughout the workshops, Fredrick speaks about the importance of the Anishinaabe Seven Sacred Teachings in his art practice, including the use of sacred medicines, such as tobacco and sage. Participants leave with a fully finished project after being guided through the sketching, carving, and sanding process. Workshops, Arts & Culture
The House That Love Built Bed and Breakfast
The House That Love Built is a full-service bed and breakfast in the heart of the Francophone village of St-Pierre-Jolys. They’re a 2-minute walk from the Crow Wing Trail and 10-minute drive to St. Malo Beach and Provincial Park. There are three available guest rooms in a charming, renovated 107-year-old farmhouse and delicious breakfasts made with homegrown and local ingredients.
They also offer soap making lessons, furniture refinishing/painting workshops, guided museum tours, cultural events, or add on fireside movies, charcuterie boards, homemade pizzas and wine, or even murder mystery nights.
Turtle Village
204-821-4642 turtlevillage.ca
A unique blend of traditional and modern, Turtle Village offers the first-of-its-kind Indigenous tourism experience in Riding Mountain National Park.
Experience the minimalist movement focused on sustainability while staying in the heart of Wasagaming Campground in Treaty 2 Territory.
These accommodations are solar powered with LED lighting and propane heating, ensuring comfort without compromising the environment. They are committed to sustainability, energy efficiency, and conservation.
Wapusk Adventures
204-675-2887 wapuskadventures.com
Wapusk Adventures is an Indigenousowned and operated tour company located in Churchill, Manitoba. This is one of the best places in the world to view and photograph the aurora borealis and they provide the perfect location. They also offer year-round dog sledding tours that include educational talks about dog sledding, Métis culture, and life in Churchill followed by an exhilarating dog sled ride through the boreal forest!
During the summer months, join a guided bike tour around the town of Churchill and learn about local historical sights and murals. If you’re feeling more adventurous, take a longer tour down the Hudson Bay coast road.
Wild Loon Adventure Company
204-298-5750 wildloonadventureco.ca
From education to adventure, Wild Loon Adventure Company facilitates your perfect backcountry experience. Looking to re-live your camping youth? Preparing for your own adventures and want some new skills? Want to be pushed outside your comfort zone in a controlled environment with a professional? They’re ready to make your goals come true.
With a focus on environmental stewardship, searching for ways to reduce their carbon impact, and creating a more welcoming and diverse outdoor space, Wild Loon commits to being the company you would be proud to say you worked with, and maybe even put their sticker on your water bottle.
Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport Hotel
Directory of ITM Members
In addition to businesses that have received The Original Original Accreditation, there are many other incredible Indigenous tourism experiences to discover in Manitoba—including this list of ITM members!
Agowiidiwinan Centre Treaty Relations Commission of MB Workshops, Arts & Culture 204-268-1000 trcm.ca
Airliner Drive In Ltd. Food & Beverage 204-229-2693 airlinerdrivein.com
Anishinaabe Girl Designs Other Retail 204-226-1291 anishinaabegirl.com
Aseneskak Casino Attractions 204-627-2250 bestlittlecasino.ca
Bay River Inn & Suites Accommodation 204-645-3420 bayriverinnandsuites.com
Black Bear Lodge Accommodation 204-724-2748 blackbearlodge.net
Canadian Wilderness Inn Accommodation 204-534-7155 canadianwildernessinn.com
Churchill River Lodge Accommodation 204-473-2362 churchillriverlodge.com
Clear Lake Ice Fishing Village Outdoors & Adventure 204-821-4642 turtlevillage.ca
Cree-Ations Other Retail 204-219-7428 facebook.com/ creeationsandartistshowcase
Enn Taant Inc Accommodation 204-899-2319 enntaant.ca
Fisher River Outfitters Outdoors & Adventure 204-645-4505 fisherriveroutfitters.ca
Hawthorne Outfitting Inc Outdoors & Adventure 905-328-8108 hawthornoutfitting.com
Kenanow Lodge Incorporated Accommodation 204-923-0332 kenanowlodge.com
Kikiwak Inn Accommodation 204-623-1800 kikiwakinn.ca
Killarney Wilderness Inn Accommodation 204-523-4111 canadianwildernessinn.com
National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada Inc. Workshops, Arts & Culture 204-239-6464 nirsm.ca
Nelson River Adventures Outdoors & Adventure 204-573-7942 nelsonriveradventures.com
Nonsuch Brewing Co. Food & Beverage 204-666-7824 nonsuch.beer
North Mountain Adventures Accommodation Outdoors & Adventure 204-447-7727 northmtnadventures.com
On the Land Adventures Outdoors & Adventure 204-621-7342 onthelandchurchill.ca
Promenade Brasserie Food & Beverage 204-237-6414 promenadebrasserie.ca
Sandra Cook Art Workshops, Arts & Culture 204-675-0063 facebook.com/sandracookart
Shelly’s Bistro Food & Beverage 204-774-3559 shellysbistro.com South Beach Casino and Resort Accommodation & Attractions 204-766-2100 southbeachcasino.ca
Sub-Arctic Explorers Outdoors & Adventure 204-675-0005 subarctictours.ca
SunLodge Village Workshops, Arts & Culture 204-308-0447 sunlodgevillage.com
Teekca’s Aboriginal Boutique Other Retail 204-946-0539 teekcasboutique.com
Tipi Joe Creations Workshops, Arts & Culture 204-588-8373 tipijoe.com
Wat’chee Expeditions Outdoors & Adventure 431-232-3307 watchee.com
Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Workshops, Arts & Culture 204-942-2674 urbanshaman.org
Whiteshell Petroforms Authentic Indigenous Tours Workshops, Arts & Culture 204-348-2031 whiteshellpetroforms.com
Visit the Indigenous Tourism Manitoba website for more information.
Thank You to Our Partners
ITM would like to thank its partners for their support in growing the Indigenous tourism industry in Manitoba.
