Indigenous Tourism
Welcome to the traditional homelands of the Dakota, Anishanabek, Oji-Cree, Cree, Dene and Métis peoples.
Who we are . . .
Our values at Brandon Indigenous Tourism are rooted in community, education and empowering Indigenous cultural expression. We are a non-profit organization committed to full transparency and will adhere to the most culturally-sensitive practices and methods we can provide. At Brandon Indigenous Tourism, we aim to develop a community, not a commodity.
Our goals are to change perspectives and preserve Indigenous culture, languages and community however we can. We aim to reclaim Indigenous space in history both ancient and modern through providing an Indigenous lens for the public to use. We want to invite others to learn, share and CELEBRATE in Indigenous ways of being, knowing and learning.
Our methods of sourcing information are done as locally as possible, developed with knowledge keepers and elders in the Brandon area. All information provided to you is Indigenous-provided, Indigenous-sourced and Indigenous-evaluated.
Boozhoo!
And Welcome!
Brandon Indigenous Tourism logo
The logo
Brandon Indigenous Tourism educates and opens opportunities for building relationships with land, with Indigenous peoples and with each other. You will find many opportunities in Brandon to learn from the community with National Indigenous Peoples Day, Honouring the Good Road Gala and commemorative walks for Orange Shirt Day and Sisters in Spirit just to name a few!
The Brandon Indigenous Tourism logo was created to uphold the acknowledgement of embracing the Indigenous story of our community, peoples and land. Brandon is located on Treaty 2, the unceded Territory of the Dakota and homelands of the Métis Nation.
The logo is shaped in the form of a medicine wheel that embodies the four directions (north, east, south and west) and is represented by the four colours (red, yellow, white and black). The logo is also shaped in the form of a compass as it provides direction and a sense of adventure and navigation through history.
Resources
There are several brochures available at the Brandon & Region Tourism Centre to help educate you on our land and our peoples. If you’d like some brochures or would like to know more about Brandon Indigenous Tourism, please email us at info@brandontourism.com.
Notable highlights
Credit: Elton Taylor
Dakota Nation Winterfest
Dakota Nation Winterfest is an annual event usually in January. It's the largest Indigenous sport and cultural event of its kind all under one roof! Sports competitions include: adult and minor hockey, basketball, and volleyball. Cultural events include: pow wow, square dancing and moccasin games! Don’t miss the teen dance, talent show, pool tournament, monster bingo, trade show and so much more!
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Celebrate Canada’s deepest roots and immerse yourself in the cultural diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Metis people. As part of a long-standing tradition of honouring the summer solstice. Head to Brandon Riverbank on June 21 to celebrate Canada’s deepest roots with Pow Wow demonstrations, traditional drummers, square dancers, hoop dancers, throat singers, and local Metis entertainers – as well as cultural displays, a tipi village, hayrides and craft tables!
Tipi Tour Legacy Project
These beautiful tipi structures are located throughout the city and serve as a reminder of the relationship we have with ourselves, other people, our community, and our land. Each tipi along the tour offers a teaching, and each installation was accompanied by a pipe ceremony led by knowledge keeper Frank Tacan Sr. Tipi tours is a legacy project that commemorates the legacy of Walking with our Sisters, a touring art installation that honours missing and murdered Indigenous women.
For a full listing of tipi locations around the city, click here.
Truth and Reconciliation Week
It's about reflection, learning, and healing as we honor Truth and Reconciliation Week from Sept. 30 to Oct. 4 at the Riverbank grounds. This special week is dedicated to fostering understanding and acknowledging the history and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Among the events include the annual Orange Shirt Day Walk to show solidarity with those who survived residential schools across Canada and to remember those who never made it home.
We respect the treaties that were made on these lands and acknowledge that Brandon is located on Treaty 2 lands. On behalf of Brandon Tourism, we welcome you to the traditional homelands of the Dakota, Anishanabek, Oji-Cree, Cree, Dene and Métis peoples.