Indigenous Tourism

Adrian Alphonso’s trail-based tourism experiences blend Indigenous knowledge, outdoor adventure and reconciliation into a powerful and inclusive product. His leadership promoting trails tourism through Trails of Reconciliation, Traditional Trails bicycle tours and his consulting work with Clear Paths invites visitors to experience Manitoba’s landscapes as living places of story, healing and connection. His work centers Indigenous language, protocol and land-based knowledge, creating meaningful cross-cultural understanding for people of all backgrounds while also being a key supporter of growing Manitoba’s extensive trails network.

The Prairie Unity Pow Wow brings living culture to life through song, dance, ceremony and storytelling, all guided by Indigenous leadership and protocol. Rooted in community values and traditional teachings, the pow wow aligned with the Winter Solstice and included core elements such as the Grand Entry, honour songs and ceremonial practices according to Pow Wow protocols from Indigenous Nations across the continent. Emcees and cultural knowledge holders shared teachings and told stories that explained the meaning behind dances, regalia and ceremonial moments, providing meaningful context for non-Indigenous attendees. The cultural celebration included Indigenous artisans and food vendors which brought meaningful economic opportunity to support Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Edna Nabess of Oji-Cree Showcase and Market has brought an Indigenous marketplace to Wasagaming that is rooted in relationship, storytelling and living culture. An Indigenous artist and Knowledge Holder, Edna invites visitors to engage directly with authentic Ojibwe and Cree art, sharing the meaning, symbolism and teachings behind each piece through conversation, workshops and hands-on learning. Edna’s welcoming approach transforms a retail space into a place of cultural exchange, education and connection, ensuring Indigenous culture is shared with integrity and care within Riding Mountain National Park.