Indigenous Canada
Finding authentic Hotel Marques de Riscal experiences
CMW HIGHLIGHTS A SMALL RANGE OF THE CULTURAL CENTRES AND LODGES AVAILABLE FOR INCENTIVE GROUPS LOOKING TO IMMERSE THEMSELVES IN AUTHENTIC INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES IN CANADA
G roups visiting Canada who wish to experience Indigenous culture authentically can rely upon the cultural centres found throughout the country . Regardless of which province is playing host , Canada ’ s rich heritage can be explored .
Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre The Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre can be found on the Yukon River , located in the Yukon territory , where delegates try traditional foods and modern cuisine , and partake in the important tradition of storytelling . This is experienced through drumming , song , dance , and conversations around the sacred fire pit . The banks of the river are a wonderful spot to see the Northern Lights , especially from August to April .
The Centre ’ s spaces are often booked for events , including the striking cedar longhouse . Events held in the Centre also expose delegates to its permanent collection of First Nations art and artefacts , which showcase the work of Indigenous artists from around the
Yukon . In addition to this collection , the Centre ’ s annual artist-in-residence programme , Shakaat Artist Residency , provides workshops that demonstrate the skills and traditions of Indigenous artists .
Squamish Lil ’ wat Cultural Centre Whistler , British Columbia , is home to the Squamish Lil ’ wat Cultural Centre . Here , delegate groups are welcome to private experiences that put traditional food and storytelling through dance and music on display . Incentive groups can take part in a welcome ceremony from both the Squamish and Lil ’ wat Nations , as well as a traditional feast song to bless the event .
The Cultural Centre also hosts its own calendar of events , which groups can partake in . Delegates at these events sample foods from a variety of Indigenous traditions in British Columbia , enjoy a traditional long table experience in the great hall , and celebrate important milestones at the centre such as the Skwxxwú7mesh Úxwumixw Amalgamation – when
Image courtesy of Squamish Lil ’ wat Cultural Centre
Above : Kermode or spirit bear sixteen villages joined together to form today ’ s Squamish Nation .
Spirit Bear Lodge Found in The Great Bear Rainforest , the Spirit Bear Lodge acquaints visitors with the wildlife of British Columbia . Founded in 2001 , the Lodge is situated on the traditional territory of the Kitasoo Xai ’ xais People and is itself an Indigenous-owned location . Incentive groups that visit the Lodge see first-hand a conservation-based model for eco-tourism that benefits both the local wildlife and First Nations peoples .
Run in harmony with their surroundings , Spirit Bear Lodge ’ s itinerary for incentive groups includes a chance to see grizzly bears in their natural environment , look for the elusive spirit bear ( a subspecies of American black bear , of which there are less than an estimated 400 left ), sampling traditional foods , and opportunities to experience the culture of the Kitasoo Xai ’ xais People and the village of Klemtu . n
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