Page 43 - DreamScapes Magazine | Spring/Summer 2022

Near Klemtu, spend overnight at Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation’s Spirit Bear Lodge, a remote ecolodge. Learn about culture and the spectacular Ker- mode, or spirit bear. Gain a deeper appreciation of conservation efforts to ensure the GBR people can continue to thrive for future generations. A stay at Haida Gwaii’s Ocean House will help you absorb the Haida teaching: Gina ‘waadluxan gud ad kwaagid—“everything depends on everything else.” As you explore pristine beaches, old-growth forests and ancient villages this philosophy will show you that we don’t just belong in nature, we’re part of it. homalcotours.com; spiritbear.com; haidatourism.ca/ocean-house
MÃDAHÒKÌ FARMS, OTTAWA, ONTARIO
In English, Mãdahòkì translates to “Share the land,” the perfect epithet for this new Indigenous destination and gathering space. Cradled in Ottawa’s greenbelt on unceded territory, the working farm focuses on wellness and healing, while providing social enterprise for Indigenous people. Embracing the agritourism trend, Mãdahòkì Farms offers tra- ditional farm-to-table culinary experiences and diverse cultural immersions.
Every June, Mãdahòkì Farms hosts Summer Solstice, an action- packed festival culminating in a colossal celebration on the 21st day. Local artists hold artistic creative workshops, guiding guests through Indigenous stories while making drums, SkyWoman stencils and seal- skin keychains. Dancers from all over North America arrive for the annual Pow Wow. indigenous-experiences.ca/madahoki-farm/
WIIKWEMIKOONG TERRITORY,
MANITOULIN ISLAND, ONTARIO
Wiikwemikoong Territory, in the islands of Lake Huron, is also unceded territory, occupied by the Three Fires Confederacy. As Manitoulin Island’s largest First Nations community, Wiikwemikoong offers a variety of eco-adventures, as well as cultural interpretation tours. Paddle through serene water trails and past enchanting waterfalls, before spending a night under the stars in the beautiful backcountries on the mainland of Point Grondine Park. Travellers can experience a traditional Three Fires Confederacy Pow Wow, a celebration of community spirit through song, dance and cultural foods. wiikwemkoong.ca/tourism
BAFFIN ISLAND, NUNAVUT
In the northwest corner of Baffin Bay lies the wildly stark terrain of Arctic Bay, home to Canada’s Inuit Peoples for nearly 5,000 years. Dra- matic geological formations and fjords make this one of the most unique polar destinations in the world. Arctic Bay Adventures is part of the Inuit-owned and -operated community, offering excursions that combine the Arctic’s spectacular scenery, its wondrous wildlife and dis- tinctive culture. Arcticbayadventures.com
SPRING/SUMMER 2022 DREAMSCAPES 43
PHOTOS: INDIGENOUS TOURISM CANADA | MATT SCOBEL | INDIGENOUS TOURISM CANADA | INDIGENOUS TOURISM CANADA