First Nation serving up a piece of the past for tourists

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The location of Beardy's and Okemasis First Nation makes it a natural draw for tourists interested in Canada's history. Situated near Fort Carleton and Duck Lake, the community has historic ties to the fur trade and to the Northwest rebellion.

Those ties aren't lost on Justin Scott, one of the people behind a plan to bring German tourists to the area next summer

"The first shots fired in the conflict in 1885 actually took place on reserve here," Scott said. "Batoche National Heritage Site is not too far from us on the South Saskatchewan, and to the west of us is Fort Carlton. We have the St. Laurent Shrine and Duck Lake itself has an interpretative centre for Louis Riel. So we have Gabriel Dumont, Louis Riel and the fur trade."

The two-week tour package will be organized by Beardy's and Okemasis through Willow Cree Adventures and All Nations Travel. A travel consultant in Munich is also working on the plan, and assures the group that interest in First Nations eco-tourism is high.

Scott said tourists today do not just want to see a museum, they want a much more hands-on experience.

"They don't just want to see the tipi and interpret the tipi, but want to set it up and know why is it set up this way-how many hides does it take, how many poles and so on."

Scott has done a lot of research with the Elders to ensure traditional knowledge is used and that any activities included in the tour respect the traditional ways.

"As stewards of Mother Earth," he said, "the biggest question is how can we do this while making sure of the sustainability of Mother Earth?"

In preparation for next year, an important part of the fur trade was re-enacted at Fort Carlton on Aug. 22. Upwards of 200 visitors came out to see the greeting ride ceremony that was part of the process of trading furs. Seven riders on horses provided by Jack Pine Stables took part, as well as actors representing the Hudson's Bay Company, all in full period costume.

Two riders first made sure the area was safe for the chief, who then met with the Hudson's Bay chief factor to initiate the trade. Fort Carlton provided much of the costumes for the event, ensuring historical accuracy in all areas. It also provided the buffalo, wolf and bear furs used in the ceremony, and even smoked moose hide to cover the horses' saddles.

Lorraine Harder, head guide at Fort Carlton and one of the main consultants on the project, said the tourism package fits nicely with the Fort's mandate. "The greeting ride was very impressive," she said, "and it is in conjunction with the provincial centennial, so it's definitely something the park is interested in building on."

If all goes according to plan, about 40 tourists from Munich will travel to Saskatoon next August to begin their adventure. They will spend a few days visiting the area, including a trip to Wanuskewin Heritage Park. Then it's off to Batoche and Jack Pine Stables for Metis fiddling in the evening. The next morning it's a tour of the Fort Carlton area, with one of the first greeting rides. On the fifth day it's off to Candle Lake where the tourists will set up tipis while receiving instruction on the importance of each part of the process. There may also be opportunities to go fishing, or tracking or viewing wildlife. The next morning will focus on beadwork or the importance of various ceremonies, as well as gathering of berries and herbs with which the tourists will be able to make tea or other medicines at the end of the day.

"Gathering is important," said Justin Scott, "because there are certain ways to harvest the forest and the plants. It's the way you do it, just like pruning a garden at home. It's how you handle the plants within your area. That way they're going to sustain and grow for generations to come. These are the things we want to teach them, and maybe somehow we can, at the same time, keep it for the next generation."

The end of August is always the date of the eardy's powwow, so the tour will end with the tourists attending the powwow and witnessing another greeting ride. During the powwow they will stay in a tipi and have an opportunity to dance in the inter-tribal dances.

Scott is hopeful next summer's experience will lead to other tour packages being offered in the future. "We'll see what the tourists want," he said "and if they want other camps, we can do them. Maybe even winter camping."