Churchill Wild, Churchill, Manitoba

Those looking for a unique northern tourism excursion might want to check out Manitoba’s Churchill Wild. The company offers some rather adventurous experiences. Guide Albert (Butch) Saunders at the Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge in York Landing takes visitors on both polar bear sightseeing tours and goose hunting tours. Saunders, who is Cree, was born on the York Factory First Nation.

Beothuk Interpretation Centre, Boyd’s Cove, Newfoundland

Northern National Event, June 28-July 1, Inuvik, Northwest Territories

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford

For almost four decades now, people have been flocking to the city of Brantford, birthplace of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, to visit the Woodland Cultural Centre. The facility opened in 1972 and averages about 10,000 visitors each year. The centre, which has many components, features displays detailing area Iroquois and Algonquin life from pre-historic times to the 21st century. “What sets us apart is our museum,” said Janis Monture, the centre’s executive director.

Huron Carol exhibit, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Sainte-Marie

Folklorama, Winnipeg, July 31-Aug. 13

The Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council will once again be involved in what is believed to be one of the world’s largest ethnic festivals.Last year marked the first time the DOTC operated a pavilion at Folklorama, an event which has been held annually in Winnipeg since 1970.
The 2010 festival attracted almost 450,000 pavilion visitors.

Manitoba Indigenous Invitational Games, Opaskwayak Cree Nation and the Peguis First Nation, July 11-23

University of Manitoba, Winnipeg

The University of Manitoba now has more of an Aboriginal feel thanks to three new sculptures representing the Metis, First Nations and Inuit communities, which are prevalent at the Winnipeg school. An event celebrating the sculptures, crafted by prominent Aboriginal artists, was held in early April. “This is really the first culturally symbolic representation we have here,” said Kali Storm, the director of the school’s Aboriginal Student Centre. “It’s Indigenizing the campus.”

Kipahigan Lake, northeast Saskatchewan