Indigenous Tourism

Indigenous peoples have called these lands home since time immemorial. Experience authentic First Nations and Métis culture while you make Lac La Biche Region your home away from home.

COMFORT CAMPING TIPIS AT SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL PROVINCIAL PARK

For tipi bookings: reserve.albertaparks.ca • 1-877-537-2757 For cultural programming and Hudson’s Bay Company bedding: 780-623-3249 • spirit@llb-cnfc.com

The tipi (mîkiwahp, in Cree) is one of the most recognizable icons of First Nations culture, used by tribes across the Great Plains and Canadian Prairies. Twin tipis stand proudly above the shores of Lac La Biche Lake, inviting you to spend a night in culturally immersed comfort. Every aspect of a traditional tipi is steeped in meaning, and guests wanting an even richer experience can contact the Lac La Biche Canadian Native Friendship Centre to arrange cultural programming on-site.

HIDEAWAY ADVENTURE GROUNDS LTD.

hideawayadventuregrounds.ca • 780-623-8885 hideawayadventure@gmail.com Township Road 624, Kikino Métis Settlement

Connect with nature, culture and yourself. Have your eyes, mind and heart opened while experiencing the sheer joy of being on the land. At Hideaway Adventure Grounds, you have the opportunity to unplug while learning traditional Métis teachings that bring you closer to Mother Earth and introduce you to Indigenous ways of knowing and ways of life. Practice shelter-building, finding medicinal plants, leathercraft and more in an endless aspen forest, and spend your nights in luxurious canvas wall tents.

Visit the Trading Post at Hideaway Adventure Grounds to buy Indigenous-made souvenirs!

INDIGENOUS SPIRIT CREATIONS AT LAC LA BICHE CANADIAN NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE

Llb-cnfc.com • 780-623-3249 • spirit@llb-cnfc.com 10105 Churchill Drive, Lac La Biche

Support Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs from near and far when you shop at the local Friendship Centre. Indigenous Spirit Creations sells Indigenous-made products and gifts, from authentic traditional dreamcatchers to pandemic-era facemasks. Originally founded to empower the region’s Indigenous peoples, the Friendship Centre also works to promote and share Indigenous culture with others, so ask about joining programs, attending events or connecting with cultural ambassadors.

#LLBRFACT

“Lac La Biche” is a French translation of a Cree name that means “Elk Lake.”

BEAVER LAKE CREE NATION AND HEART LAKE FIRST NATION POW WOWS

beaverlakecreenation.ca • heartlakefirstnation.com

Since time immemorial, Pow Wows have been special occasions for Indigenous Nations to meet, trade and celebrate their culture. Today, people of all backgrounds are welcome to attend Pow Wows, spectate and learn. Traditional dancers wear beautiful and elaborate regalia, and every Pow Wow dance has a story and a purpose. The women’s Jingle Dress Dance, for example, is a healing dance with a unique sound.

Beaver Lake Cree Nation Pow Wow is not expected to take place in 2022, but stay tuned for 2023 dates. Contact Heart Lake First Nation (heartlakefirstnation.com) for 2022 Pow Wow dates.

PIMACHIOWIN CULTURAL INTERPRETIVE CENTRE

780-689-2170 • 17207 Buffalo Lake Drive, Buffalo Lake Métis Settlement Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday

Buffalo Lake is one of two Métis Settlements in Lac La Biche Region. The Métis are a distinct Indigenous people in Canada, descended from European fur traders who married Indigenous women. Métis culture, therefore, is a vibrant fusion of Indigenous and European traditions. Buffalo Lake’s Cultural Interpretive Centre shares community history and artifacts with visitors. Call ahead to find out if cultural programming and other experiences for visitors are available.

MÉTIS CROSSING

Metiscrossing.org • 780-656-2229 metiscrossing@metis.org • 17339 Victoria Trail, Smoky Lake County

Past and present come together at this 500-acre site, Alberta’s first major Métis destination, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River and built on original Métis river lots. Restored homesteads, modern facilities and the land itself combine to tell the ongoing story of the Métis people. Visitors can explore the site and its exhibits, try their hands at traditional crafts, taste culturally inspired dishes, spend a night in a Métis trapper’s tent or the new boutique lodge and more.

EddyCobinessHoopDancers(1975) MUSEUMOFABORIGINALPEOPLES'ART &ARTIFACTSANDTRADITIONS GALLERYANDSTORE Exhibitsinclude:

Nearly2,000 Original,Traditional andContemporary IndigenousArtworks  AlbertaArtistsGallery  BasketDisplay  ContemporaryArt  HideTanning  InuitArt  NorthwestCoastArt  PublicArtCommissions  ProfessionalNative

IndianArtistsInc.  SecondGenerationof

WoodlandArtists  TraditionalArts  WoodlandSchoolofArt

Giftwareand TraditionalArts Store Self-guidedtours Guidedtoursavailableonrequest

DonnaFeledichuk,MuseumDirector museum@portagecollege.ca 780-623-6693 |Tollfree:1-866-623-5551