Igloo Building to Drum Rhythms, Canadian Aboriginal Experiences

As Canada gets ready to celebrate the 150th anniversary of confederation, organizations across the nation are rolling out over-the-top experiences for the entire year.

Read more: Sorry America, Montreal is going to make some noise.

But the city of Montreal—which is celebrating its 375th anniversary next year—as well as Canada’s Aboriginal cultures and communities—collectively the First Nations, the Inuit and the Metis–would also have you remember that much of the nation’s history pre-dates its 1867 dominion.

And now that Canada’s Aboriginal cultures are collectively marketing their tourism products under one umbrella, the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada, its is becoming easier than ever to identify and participate in authentic native experiences.

Read more: Canada invests 3.15 million for Aboriginal tourism.

If you’re looking for a distinctive way to celebrate Canadiana in 2017, check out the following Aboriginal experiences.

Voice of the Drum

First Nations People of the Manitoulin Region, Ontario
Tap into the heartbeat of mother earth with the "Voice of the Drum" program at The Great Sprit Circle Trail in Northern Ontario. Enjoy a hands-on introduction to native songs and drum rhythms as well as a hand drum performance by a local performer. This full-immersion program includes the opportunity to make your own personal hand drum, using all natural and raw materials, to take home with you. Top off the experience by learning drumming techniques, responsibility for and maintenance of your drums and a few rhythms. The three-hour experience starts from $250, but you can also combine it with Teepee Glamping with Spirit Island Adventures.
http://circletrail.com/tour-packages/voice-of-the-drum/

Catch Fish for a Community Dinner

Dene First Nation, Great Bear Lake, Northwest Territory
In the Northwest Territory, Great Bear Lake is one of the largest bodies of fresh water on the planet. With a total surface area of 31,400 square km., it’s the eighth-largest lake in the world and the largest that’s entirely contained within Canada. It’s also home to some the biggest lake trout ever caught. Join up with local guides who share their favourite fishing spots and bring your catch back to help feed a community dinner in the remote community of Deline. In summer, there are nearly 24 hours of sunlight, so you can fish as long as you like, but for a truly distinctive experience, sign up for a four-day ice fishing adventure in April or May (weather permitting). The program starts from $2,019 per person, including round-trip flights from Yellowknife. (For most of the year, there is no road access to this remote part of the nation.)
http://destinationdeline.com/corporate-retreats/fishing

Throat Singing & Igloo Building

The Inuit Community of Puvirnituq, Nunavik, Northern Quebec
Dive deep into the local traditions of the Puvirnituq People in their native land. Listen to the sounds of arctic wildlife and later hear those sounds interpreted as traditional throat singers replicate them in rhythmic melodies. A guided tour of the village will take you to the home of master carvers creating mythical beings from blocks of stone; they’ll even encourage you to create your own personal totem. Depending on when you visit, Inuit Adventures can send you berry picking, or you can help fisherman haul in the daily catch or travel by dogsled team. If you’re seeking a winter getaway, you’ll even have the chance to build and sleep in your very own igloo.
http://inuitadventures.ca/webconcepteur/web/AventuresInuit/en/experience

Wild Medicine Healing Camp

Champagne and Aishihik First Nations; Kluane Region of the Yukon Territory
The Wild Medicine Healing Camp, once only available to Aboriginal people, is now available on a very limited basis for visiting guests through Shakat Tun Adventures. The program includes a sweat lodge experience, a knife-making lesson, setting fishing nets and hikes to historical sites. All the Healing activities are spiritually fueled and include prayers and the sharing of meals. Mostly, be prepared to spend a lot of time outdoors and celebrate your connection with the natural world.
www.shakattunadventures.com/wild-medicine-camp.html

In Search of the Spirit Bear

The Ancient Culture of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais People, British Columbia
For generations, the residents of the coastal community of Klemtu have formed a connection with the land and the animals that are found in the Great Bear Rainforest, the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. But what makes the rainforest particularly unique is that it home to the Spirit Bear, a rare, all-white subspecies of the black bear.

Read more: Permanent Safeguards for BC’s Great Bear Rainforest

Using the Spirit Bear Lodge as a base camp, guests enjoy daily excursions led by native guides into the Great Bear Rainforest. While Spirit Bear sightings are the goal, guest will also frequently encounter grizzly bears, eagles and plenty of other wildlife. They’ll also visit culturally significant sites as they learn about the First Nations cultures that have inhabited the area for millennia.
www.spiritbear.com

The above are just a small sampling of Aboriginal experiences across Canada. For a more comprehensive list, visit the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada website at https://aboriginalcanada.ca/en/things-to-do.

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