# Guide to Winnipeg Indigenous experiences \- Winnipeg **URL:** [View](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/guide-to-winnipeg-indigenous-experiences/) **Last Updated:** 2026-11-05T18:49:46+00:00 Indigenous-run tourism is reconciliation in action, providing a powerful way for communities to reclaim traditions, share stories and heal. This Winnipeg Indigenous Experiences guide will help you explore teachings passed down through generations, walk natural landscapes rich in cultural significance and seek the wisdom that continues to shape First Nation, Métis and Inuit ways of life. Through these experiences, cultural preservation, revitalization and reconciliation are not only made possible but celebrated. ## Attractions and Festivals ### [Agowiidiwinan Centre (opens in new window)](https://indigenoustourismmanitoba.ca/operator/agowiidiwinan-centre/) Located at The Forks, the Agowiidiwinan Centre is a new facility established by the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba. Through oral histories, archival documents and engaging displays, the Centre fosters a deeper, contemporary understanding of treaties and their ongoing significance. ### [Indigenous Peoples Garden at The Leaf (opens in new window)](https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/__outdoor-activities/display,listing/09728/gardens-at-the-leaf) Elders and community members came together to work with two local Indigenous designers to create this space at Winnipeg’s newest high-profile attraction. Indigenous youth helped in the garden’s construction –– from planting trees to building the boardwalk –– while the plants species throughout the expansive grounds include local prairie grasses and perennials. Two elements, fire and water, feature prominently in the garden due to their importance in Indigenous cultures, while there are also spaces for performances and storytelling. ### [Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site (opens in new window)](https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/mb/fortgarry) Stand where Treaty No. 1 was signed by the seven chiefs of the Ojibwe and Swampy Cree First Nations, creating the foundation of modern Manitoba. Discover the history of the Indigenous communities in the surrounding area and explore storied grounds that feature a bison-hide teepee and a wigwam, both crafted by local Indigenous builders. ### [Manito Ahbee Festival (opens in new window)](https://www.manitoahbee.com/) (October 30 – November 1, 2026) Celebrating 20 years in 2025, the Manito Ahbee Festival is one of the largest annual gatherings of Indigenous peoples on Turtle Island. The festival brings together diverse cultures and communities to celebrate heritage and inspire through marquee events like a massive three-day powwow, a tipi-raising contest, the Red Road Cultural Clothing & Wearable Art Showcase, and a bustling marketplace featuring artisanal works from across the continent. ### [Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre Inc. (opens in new window)](https://www.micec.com/) As the largest cultural education centre in Manitoba, MICEC offers a space for people to learn about Indigenous peoples and their histories. The main facility, located in North Point Douglas, houses over 14,000 books, along with hundreds of artifacts and works of art, all available for public viewing and exploration. ### [Manitoba Museum (opens in new window)](https://manitobamuseum.ca/) Visit the Manitoba Museum’s expanded Prairies Gallery, which addresses Residential Schools and historic injustices tied to the land. When you enter, you’re immediately met by the iconic Welcome Gallery, home to a striking life-sized diorama of a Métis bison hunt that provides a powerful glimpse into the region’s Indigenous history. The Manitoba Museum also works closely with an Indigenous Advisory Circle and is dedicated to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s ([TRC (opens in new window)](https://nctr.ca/)) Calls to Action. ### [Niizhoziibean (opens in new window)](https://www.theforks.com/attractions/niizhoziibean) Niizhoziibean is a unique space that pays tribute to Winnipeg’s Indigenous heritage. Located at The Gathering Space at The Forks, it features The Wiigiwaam, public art and natural pathways. Home to one of Canada’s most significant collections of Indigenous-led public art, Niizhoziibean stands as a powerful reflection of culture at this historic site where 6,000 years of Indigenous history have been documented at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. ### [Oodena Celebration Circle (opens in new window)](https://www.theforks.com/attractions/oodena-celebration-circle) Oodena Celebration Circle, an open-air amphitheater, honours over 6,000 years of Indigenous presence in the region. Named after the Cree word for “centre of the city,” it features celestial sculptures, a sundial, interpretive elements, and a ceremonial fire pit that is annually used to begin the Manito Ahbee Festival. Altogether, it provides a powerful space for reflection and celebration. ### [Riel House National Historic Site (opens in new window)](https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/mb/riel/index?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=riel) Step into the life of Louis Riel, Métis leader and founder of Manitoba, at his family’s historic house. Explore Riel’s legacy and his struggle to protect the social, cultural and political rights of the Métis people after the Hudson’s Bay Company sold Rupert’s Land to the Dominion of Canada. You can also visit Riel’s grave at the nearby Saint-Boniface Cathedral Cemetery. ### [Rooster town kettle monument (opens in new window)](http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/sites/roostertownkettle.shtml) This stainless-steel monument was created by local artist Ian August to commemorate the Métis community of Rooster Town. From 1901 to 1960, this vibrant community stood where Grant Park Shopping Centre and the Pan Am Pool are now located. The kettle symbolizes the community’s traditional hospitality and the water rights of Indigenous peoples. You can find the monument on Hurst Way, near Beaumont Station on the Southwest Transitway in Winnipeg. ### [Ross House (opens in new window)](https://www.sevenoakshouse.ca/ross-house-museum1.html) Ross House was the first official post office in Western Canada. Built in 1854 for William and Jemima Ross, members of a prominent Métis family in the Red River Settlement, it offers visitors an immersive look into daily life in early Manitoba. Note: Open seasonally from June 1 to August 31, Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ### [Seven Oaks House Museum (opens in new window)](https://www.sevenoakshouse.ca/seven-oaks-house-museum1.html) Built between 1851 and 1853 for John and Mary (Sinclair) Inkster, prominent members of an influential Scottish-Métis family in the Red River Settlement, Seven Oaks House is the oldest surviving residence in Winnipeg. This heritage site offers a glimpse into life in the 19th century. Admission is by donation. Opens May long weekend until Labour Day. ## Recreation ### [The Player Course (opens in new window)](https://theplayerscourse.ca/) The Player Course is Winnipeg’s finest 9-hole championship-length golf course, welcoming golfers of all skill levels. It is 100 per cent Indigenous-owned and proudly operated by the Southeast Resource Development Council. ## Accommodations ### [Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport (opens in new window)](https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham-garden/winnipeg-manitoba/wyndham-garden-winnipeg-airport/overview?CID=LC:46q62bu8edfbx3y:54307&iata=00093796) | 460 Madison St Winnipeg Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport opened in 2022 offering modern amenities including an indoor pool, fitness center, on-site dining at Manoomin (meaning wild rice in Ojibway) and meeting spaces. Located on the Long Plain Madison Reserve, it is the city’s first hotel on an urban reserve, blending contemporary comfort with cultural significance. The 132-room hotel features a unique curvature not seen in your typical hotel blocks as a reflection of the circle of life. Space for natural light is also prominent throughout the hotel which was designed to greet the sun with an east-facing main entrance –– a common theme among Indigenous traditions and cultures. Smudging and pipe ceremonies are welcome in the hotel, with spaces built to fire code keeping these important traditions front of mind. ## Tours ### [Turtle Tours (opens in new window)](https://www.turtletours.ca/) Indigenous woman-owned and operated tour company, Turtle Tours, offers you the opportunity to experience Indigenous history through the places, stories and relationships found at The Forks — a meeting place for over 6,000 years. ## Visual arts ### [Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery (opens in new window)](https://www.urbanshaman.org/) A nationally recognized leader in Aboriginal arts programming, Urban Shaman is a key venue for Indigenous art in Canada. The gallery focuses on innovative presentations of Indigenous art, providing a platform for artistic expression across disciplines and fostering the growth of Indigenous art. ### [WAG–Qaumajuq (opens in new window)](https://www.wag.ca/about/qaumajuq/) One of Canada’s leading art museums, WAG–Qaumajuq features exhibitions of local, national and international art. It is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art, including the Visible Vault, which houses nearly 5,000 carvings from Arctic communities. Qaumajuq also presents new Indigenous-focused and curated exhibits, while the WAG constantly works with an [Indigenous Advisory Circle (opens in new window)](https://www.wag.ca/about/people/) and Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Collaborators. ### [Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival (opens in new window)](https://www.facebook.com/aboriginalfilmfest/) As the longest-standing Indigenous film festival in Western Canada, the Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival showcases feature-length films, short film collections and inspiring documentaries by leading Indigenous filmmakers. This three-day event celebrates Indigenous storytelling through cinema. ## Where to shop ### [Anishinaabe Girl Designs (opens in new window)](https://anishinaabegirl.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopZrIX8dmaWqAVrEM1s8EnmFyO7U4ffAIm-wc47uWJBHTtVfD1p) | 165 Lilac St Anishinaabe Girl Designs showcases locally made Indigenous clothing, accessories, jewelry and more. Each piece incorporates tradition resulting in one-of-a-kind designs that reflect cultural identity and connection to nature. ### [Anne Mulaire (opens in new window)](https://annemulaire.ca/?srsltid=AfmBOoppuHmJZFERFIUTJO8zVskj37pQ4sHzmQlXNcPxzCRzmolUQsvQ) | 421 Mulvey Ave Designer Andréanne Mulaire Dandeneau is an award-winning Canadian fashion designer of French-Métis descent, driven by a passion to empower the women who wear her creations. Her designs are woven from the threads of our culture, blending tradition with contemporary elegance. ### [Canadian Plains Gallery (opens in new window)](https://www.canadianplainsgallery.com/) | 290 McDermot Ave Canadian Plains Gallery is dedicated to promoting the highest quality art from Manitoba’s premiere Aboriginal artists. The gallery features a diverse collection including paintings, carvings, sculptures, original jewelry, beadwork, pottery, photography, prints and more. Discover a wide selection of meaningful and culturally rich gifts for yourself or loved ones. ### [Dene Cree Designs (opens in new window)](https://denecreedesigns.ca/) | 1761 Wellington Ave Dene Cree Designs is a gift shop that celebrates Indigenous culture through beautifully crafted, Indigenous-inspired accessories. From jewelry and home goods to artwork, the shop offers a wide selection of items that honor and share Indigenous traditions. ### [INAC (Indigenous Nations Apparel Company) (opens in new window)](https://inac.ca/?srsltid=AfmBOooQtE2hwP8Jft1CJRpDbPak1bS0jzc5Pyr9U66ivvZ0AnOQCZ4H) | CF Polo Park, 1485 Portage Ave Established in 2021, INAC is the first Indigenous-owned apparel brand in CF Polo Park. The store offers affordable everyday clothing, giftware, accessories, and more, all blending Indigenous culture with modern style. ### [Indigo Arrows (opens in new window)](https://indigoarrows.ca/) An Indigenous-led interior design and textile studio, Indigo Arrows brings traditional Indigenous design into modern spaces. Offering a unique collection of interior design services, textiles, and home goods, the studio beautifully weaves culture, storytelling, and contemporary style into every piece. ### [Indigenous Reflections (opens in new window)](https://indigenousreflections.ca/?srsltid=AfmBOoq2VRd0BkDtz2tlI5AG0ohf4jUTD9-QH-5mhMrgkIqTF5g0X6Wn) | 1200 Sherwin Rd #410 Indigenous Reflections provides high-quality Indigenous educational materials and products that promote Indigenous values, culture and traditional ways of life. A trusted resource for schools, organizations, and individuals seeking meaningful cultural learning tools. ### [Manitobah Mukluks (opens in new window)](https://www.manitobah.ca/) | The Forks Market Manitobah Mukluks creates authentic, functional footwear that blends traditional design with modern materials. Offering moccasins and mukluks for all, the brand proudly celebrates Indigenous culture and craftsmanship. ### [MANTiC (opens in new window)](https://www.manticmetaphysical.com/) | 1469 Main St MANTiC is a family-owned Indigenous store offering a unique selection of books, jewelry, clothing and more. Rooted in culture and community, the shop blends Indigenous identity with metaphysical and spiritual offerings. ### [Teekca’s Aboriginal Boutique (opens in new window)](https://www.teekcasatawekamik.com/) | 1654 St. Matthews Ave, The Forks Market and St. Vital Centre, 1225 St. Mary’s Rd Teekca’s Aboriginal Boutique offers a wide range of handcrafted items made in Manitoba, including mukluks, moccasins, dream catchers, caribou tufting, soapstone carvings, turquoise jewelry and more. The boutique proudly features artworks by local Indigenous artists such as Doris Cyrette, Marcus Houston, Maxine Noel and others ### [Winnipeg Trading Post (opens in new window)](https://winnipegtradingpost.com/) | 1128 Main St A local craft store offering a wide variety of handcrafted Indigenous items, including dreamcatchers, earrings, beaded bracelets and more. Discover unique accessories and authentic creations that reflect rich cultural traditions. ## Where to eat From the nationally celebrated [Feast Café Bistro (opens in new window)](http://www.feastcafebistro.com), by local celebrity chef Christa Bruneau-Guenther –– a member of the Peguis First Nation, to [Manoomin (opens in new window)](https://www.wyndhamgardenwinnipeg.com/dining) by Cree Red Seal chef Jennifer Ballantyne, to the Métis-inspired menus of [Bistro on Notre Dame (opens in new window)](https://www.bistroonnotredame.com) and [Promenade Brasserie (opens in new window)](https://www.promenadebrasserie.ca), Winnipeg has numerous excellent Indigenous-owned and operated restaurants. Find a full [guide here (opens in new window)](/winnipeg-indigenous-restaurant-guide/). \*\*\*\*