Indigenous Experiences in Simcoe County
Indigenous tourism experiences hold immense significance on National Truth and Reconciliation Day, as they provide a platform for education, healing, and fostering greater understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. This day, observed on September 30th in Canada, commemorates the history of residential schools and aims to promote reconciliation.
One powerful way to honor this day is by engaging in Indigenous tourism experiences. These experiences offer an authentic and immersive opportunity to connect with Indigenous cultures, traditions, and histories. It is important to remember that engaging in these experiences should be done with respect, humility, and a willingness to learn and listen. Here are some Indigenous experiences you can enjoy year-round.
ATTRACTIONS
Sainte Marie among the Hurons, 16164 ON-12, Midland, ON L4R 4K8
Ontario’s first European Community, Sainte-Marie was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people. In 1639, the Jesuits, along with French lay workers, began construction of a palisaded community that included barracks, a church, workshops, residences, and a sheltered area for Indigenous visitors. By 1648, Sainte-Marie was home to 66 French men — one-fifth of the entire population of New France. Sainte-Marie’s history ended in 1649, when members of the mission community were forced to abandon and burn their home of ten years. This impressive, reconstructed 17th-century mission – staffed by knowledgeable and friendly costumed interpreters – is open daily, rain or shine, until Oct. 8, from 10 am to 5 pm.
HOTEL
Casino Rama Resort, 5899 Rama Rd, Orillia, ON L3V 6H6
The Chippewas of Rama First Nation (Rama) has been known as ‘the gathering’ place throughout history, where travellers journeyed to trade, to seek counsel or medicines, and attend great meetings. Today, it is home to Casino Rama Resort, a tourism attraction that brings thousands of visitors to the area daily for gaming, shows, conventions, shopping and fine dining. The community sits on almost 2,500 acres of land and is guided by long-term community visioning which has built a sustainable economic foundation. This provides members and area residents with employment close to home and services for family living and recreation.
CAMPING
Black River Wilderness Camping, 7476 Simcoe County Rd 169, Washago, ON L0K 2B0
Black River Wilderness Park is a family campground owned and operated by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. The campground is located just 90 minutes North of Toronto, 15 minutes from Casino Rama and 6 minutes South of Washago, Ontario, at 7476 Simcoe County Road 169.
Enjoy the serenity and wonderment of nature with your family in the midst of the beautiful Black River, which flows through this Wilderness Park and campground comprised of 180 acres of wilderness. Walk and hike the many interpretive trails or bring your canoe or kayak and paddle along the Black River route as our ancestors did many years ago. Enjoy Indigenous experiences like craft making, learn about indigenous history and partake in mapped medicine walks.
ARTS
Midland Cultural Centre Gallery of Indigenous Art, 333 King St, Midland, ON L4R 3M7
The Midland Cultural Centre operates a ground floor gallery presenting Indigenous Art. With programming and oversight by an Indigenous member majority committee, the MCC operates the gallery focusing on work by artists and artisans of the Beausoleil First Nation and members of the Georgian Bay Métis community.
MUSEUMS
The Coldwater Mill, 1 Mill St, Coldwater, ON L0K 1E0
This Landmark Grist Mill in Coldwater was constructed in 1833-34 for the Ojibwa natives who had been settled on 3969 hectares (9800 acres) between the Coldwater River and the Narrows at Orillia, on the western side of Lake Couchiching. It is a special piece of history for the village of Coldwater and is a beautiful site to see. The surrounding grounds with the river flowing by are a fantastic area for local events and a great area to gather.
Plan a visit to the Grist Mill to learn more about its history, tour the inside including a local Indigenous art gallery and craft shop located inside and include a lunch or dinner at the attached Mill St Bistro.
HISTORIC SITES
The Mnjikaning Fish Weirs National Historic Site was designated as a national historic site of Canada in 1982. It is located at the bottom of the Narrows between Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching, in Orillia. The site was cared for and used by the Huron-Wendat in the centuries before A.D. 1650. It is a sacred place that represents an ancient and ongoing spiritual bond between the Creator and all living things. The spirits of people, water, animals, birds and fish are seen as all coming together in respect and gratitude at Mnjikaning.
National Truth and Reconciliation Day should serve as a reminder of the shared history of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada and beyond. Indigenous tourism experiences offer an avenue to actively participate in the reconciliation process, promote understanding, and work towards a more inclusive and harmonious future. By supporting and engaging with Indigenous tourism initiatives, we take meaningful steps towards healing the wounds of the past and building a more equitable society for all.
