# Indigenous \- Winnipeg

**URL:** [View](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/indigenous/)

**Last Updated:** 2026-11-06T20:32:51+00:00

![Oodena Celebration Circle](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/wp-content/uploads/asset-c809166c9c2da1aa-must_see_image_267.t1750710926.webp)## Oodena Celebration Circle

Find a spot on the grass of this natural shallow amphitheatre, which is also a popular gathering place for traditional tribal drumming, dancing, singing and storytelling. Oodena, meaning “heart of the community” in Ojibwa, discover the circle’s sculptures, a sundial, interpretive signage and a ceremonial fire pit that pays homage to the 6,000 years of Indigenous peoples in the area. When the sky is dark and the stars are out, stand at the base of the circle and look through the holes in the metal arms which, depending on the time of year, aligns with constellations such as the Big Dipper and Orion.

 [Visit Website (opens in new window)](https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/attractions/display,listing/05999/oodena-celebration-circle)

![Louis Riel gravesite and Riel House National Historic Site](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/wp-content/uploads/asset-1f62cfac57dbc4d3-must_see_image_263.t1750710925.webp)## Louis Riel gravesite and Riel House National Historic Site

In the heart of Winnipeg’s French Quarter is the gravesite of Métis leader Louis Riel, the founder of Manitoba. Visit his final resting place at Sainte-Boniface Cathedral Cemetery, Western Canada’s oldest Catholic cemetery. From there, head to Riel House, the site where the Métis leader’s body lay in state after being hung for treason in 1885. Here, interpreters explain what life was like for the Métis during and after the Red River Rebellion led by Riel. Louis Riel has been commemorated in multiple places in Winnipeg, including statues on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building and St. Boniface University and a bust at St. Boniface Museum.

 [Visit Website (opens in new window)](https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/attractions/display,listing/05913/louis-riel-s-tomb)

![Visual arts](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/wp-content/uploads/asset-a70f6d316c213f0c-must_see_image_268.t1750710926.webp)## Visual arts

[Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq](https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/attractions/display,listing/06347/winnipeg-art-gallery) is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art, along with a vast collection of Indigenous works in a variety of mediums. Qaumajuq, the $65-million Inuit art centre, opened in 2021 and has since been celebrated by countless publications—including the New York Times and Smithsonian—for its architecture, mandate and curatorial processes. Qaumajuq’s foyer houses a massive three-storey glass vault showcasing 5,000 carvings from more than 32 Northern communities, which is free to view. In the Exchange District, the [Urban Shaman Contemporary Aboriginal Art Gallery](https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/attractions/display,listing/06305/urban-shaman-contemporary-aboriginal-art-gallery) is one of the foremost venues and voices for Indigenous art in Canada, while [Canadian Plains Gallery Inc ](https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/attractions/display,listing/05624/canadian-plains-gallery)is a hidden gem featuring works from Cree, Michif, Ojibwe, Dene, Inuktitut, Dakota and Ojibwe-Cree artists in several mediums.

![Manitoba Museum](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/wp-content/uploads/asset-71aaf6744148e57b-must_see_image_265.t1750710926.webp)## Manitoba Museum

The Manitoba Museum’s Indigenous Advisory Circle features members, academics andartists from the Dakota, Denesouline and Anishinaabekwe First Nations, along with Inuit elders and members of the Métis Nation. This Circle has been instrumental in improving Indigenous representation and bringing the Museum’s exhibits into the 21st Century, guiding aspects like Treaty Interpretation, Truth and Reconciliation and the handling and display of important artifacts. To learn more of the area’s Indigenous history, you’ll find content in nearly every gallery, with notable exhibits including, “We are all Treaty People,” the newly expanded and re-designed Prairies Gallery (which confronts Residential Schools and historic injustices on the land) and the iconic Welcome Gallery, which features a life-sized diorama of a Métis bison hunt.

 [Visit Website](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/visit/things-to-do/#listing-manitoba-museum)

![Niizhoziibean - The Gathering Place at The Forks](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/wp-content/uploads/asset-5d8d6bd278b8046b-must_see_image_266.t1750710926.webp)## Niizhoziibean – The Gathering Place at The Forks

In the past few years The Forks has created, to quote national award-winning columnist Niigaan Sinclair, “one of the largest collections of Indigenous-led public expressions in any historical site in Canada.” Sinclair is the Indigenous Curator of The Forks National Historic Site. He was also instrumental in the creation of Niizhoziibean, meaning “two rivers” in Ojibway. This site simultaneously honours its Indigenous history, while also providing a collaborative space for future generations. Here you’ll find works of art like Niimaamaa (“my mother’) — a huge sculpture by KC Adams, Jaimie Isaac and Val Vint — along with a wiigiwaam created for ceremony, gardens brimming with medicinal plants and signage throughout the area in Cree, Ojibway and Michif.

 [Visit Website (opens in new window)](https://www.theforks.com/attractions/niizhoziibean)

![Feast Café Bistro](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/wp-content/uploads/asset-61b111e652c1a6f2-must_see_image_261.t1750710925.webp)## Feast Café Bistro

Feast’s owner Christa Guenther is a member of the Peguis First Nation, an advocate for Indigenous cuisine and a nationally recognized culinary celebrity — being part of the judging panel on Food Network Canada’s Wall of Chefs. She’s been profiled in nearly every Canadian publication you can name for her advocacy (Feast often trains young Indigenous staff with no prior experience), while her restaurant in the West End is the go-to spot for modern First Nation cuisine on the prairies, featuring dishes like tipi tacos, bannock pizzas and bison chili.

 [Visit Website (opens in new window)](https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/eat-and-drink/eat-and-drink/display,listing/06894/feast-cafe-bistro)

![Indigenous Peoples Garden at the Leaf](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/wp-content/uploads/asset-6bbea5330093fe31-must_see_image_262.t1750710925.webp)## Indigenous Peoples Garden at the Leaf

The Indigenous Peoples Garden is a gathering place that celebrates Indigenous cultures and their deep philosophical understanding and respect for nature. 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.

 [Visit Website (opens in new window)](https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/leaf/about-the-leaf/explore-gardens)

![Manito Ahbee Festival](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/wp-content/uploads/asset-29bb9823c0c980f2-must_see_image_264.t1750710926.webp)## Manito Ahbee Festival

“Ignite your spirit” at this annual three-day celebration of Indigenous culture at Canada Life Centre from October 30 – November 1, 2026. Witness (or join!) more than 800 dancers competing in the Manito Ahbee Pow Wow. Tap your toes as the fiddle plays for the Red River Jig and square dance exhibitions (you won’t believe how fast these feet fly!). Shop makers from across Turtle Island at the Indigenous Marketplace and cap the experience off by watching the Red Road Cultural Clothing – Wearable Art & Showcase.

 [Visit Website (opens in new window)](https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/festivals-and-events/annual-festivals-and-events/display,listing/05925/manito-ahbee-festival)

![Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/wp-content/uploads/asset-216afefd86547db2-must_see_image_269.t1750710927.webp)## Winnipeg Aboriginal Film Festival

Fall in love with the colourful, striking and raw storytelling of leading Indigenous filmmakers. Settle in for feature-length films, collections of shorts and thought-provoking documentaries. You might also find your new favourite director, as the festival often gives young Indigenous filmmakers their first break into mainstream media.

 [Visit Website (opens in new window)](https://www.facebook.com/aboriginalfilmfest/)

![Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/wp-content/uploads/asset-4b603a9c38fc2250-must_see_image_301.t1750710935.webp)## Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site

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. Run your hand along a historically accurate York boat and imagine what it was like to travel from Hudson’s Bay to this Red River settlement, which is still ringed by its circa-1830 stone walls. Learn about the Indigenous communities in the surrounding area and explore the grounds, which now includes a bison hide teepee and wigwam made by local Indigenous builders.

 [Visit Website (opens in new window)](https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/attractions/display,listing/05914/lower-fort-garry-national-historic-site-of-canada)