ELCOME – AHNEE – BONJOUR – WILKMOMMEN – HALLO – HOLA – CIAO – KONNICHIWA – SHALOM – HEJ
All summer long the Great Spirit Circle Trail(GSCT) offers nature-based cultural tours and experiences reflecting the Aboriginal heritage of Manitoulin Island-Sagamok region for groups, families and independent travellers. Participate in one or more of our half day cultural experiences or events. A perfect opportunity to learn about Aboriginal traditions first hand and a great experience for all ages!
Intertribal Dance – Today’s modern pow wow dancing is a gathering, a social occasion , and a time to come together to honor the heritage that has been passed down from our ancestors. Participants are invited to dance!
Ojibwe Traditional Craft – Under the expert guidance of a skilled craftsperson, try your hand at a small leather and craft while learning about the history and symbolisms of these items.
Don’t Panic, Eat Bannock – Learn how to cook ‘bannock’ over an open fire while your hosts share their knowledge of local native cuisine and culture. Relax and enjoy the traditional bread of the region, as your teachers are known for making the “best bannock in Northern Ontario!”
Mother Earth Nature Walk – Escorted by your Aboriginal Guide, learn to identify various local plant species and receive an explanation of their traditional cooking and medicinal uses.
Golf the Rainbow Ridge – Golf Manitoulin’s only 18-hole golf course. Tees to accommodate all levels of play, the Rainbow Ridge Golf Course boasts a challenge for both the avid golfer and beginner alike. Challenge your skills while taking in the natural setting and fresh northern air.
Picturesque Boat Tour – Follow in the wake of early explorers on this outstanding tour through the secluded waterways surrounding Manitoulin Island. Savor the rugged beauty of the granite-sculpted islands as your native guide tours you to areas with breathtaking scenery!
Mnidoo Mnising Art Tour – Artists open their private, working studios to guests, answer questions, provide demonstrations, and offer their original creative artwork for sale. Every gallery/studio is a unique experience.
Experience the History, Enjoy the Culture - Visit the state-of-the-art Ojibwe Cultural Foundation heritage museum and art gallery. Participate in a guided tour of the facility, view displayed artworks and film footage in the cultural arts theatre in the rotunda.
Original Native Theatre at its Best – Presenting original works by native playwrights, actors, and artists. Produced, presented and toured by Canada’s award winning De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group.
Hand Drum Singing – Enjoy the chanting of traditional hand drum singing. Learn the meaning of the songs, how the drum was made and where the songs come from. Feel the pride of the singers as you are invited to share in the songs and try your hand at drumming.
Historic Wikwemikong Tour – Explore Wikwemikong, a cultural capital of Canada and a very significant culturally historic area to the Three Fires People. Visit Manitowaning Bay Lookout – view the plaques at the Holy Cross Ruins, tour Monument Hill Lookout – learn about the history of the village.
Lillian’s Quill Box Museum – View the intricate weaving of the porcupine quills and sweetgrass binding of these handcrafted quill boxes that have made Manitoulin Island famous as the Quill Box Capital of the World! Take time to browse the adjacent gift shop.
Please visit www.circletrail.com for a complete listing of events, ticket prices and scheduling.
‘Honoring Our Traditions’
Anishinaabemowin The Mnidoo – ‘Language is our Spirit’
Julia Snell, poet and volunteer, beams over the success of the 2009 Northern Book Fair, put on by the Manitoulin Writers’ Circle.
