Community Excursions

Full Day Tours Offered on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory

Where Cultures Meet

Six Nations Tourism, Six Nations
Hosted by: Constance Jamieson, Six Nations Tourism
9:45 am – 3:00 pm

Begin your tour at H.M. Royal Chapel of the Mohawks, the oldest building on our territory, built in 1785. Its eight stained glass windows depict the founding of the Confederacy, and our relationship to the Mohawk Institute. Next visit the Woodland Cultural Centre Museum adjacent to the Mohawk Institute (a former residential school that still stands today). Visit Kana:ta (site of the 17th century longhouse and learn about traditional lifestyles and the matrilineal system). Explore beautiful downtown Ohsweken that has lots to offer. Be sure to stop by Chiefswood National Historic Site, the childhood home of Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson. This site represents both the Mohawk culture of Pauline's father and the British, Victoria culture of her mother. Pauline was caught in the middle and her writing and career reflected this. End the day exploring Kayannase that features indigenous seeds and plants, then tour the Palisade and Longhouse. 

Bus pick-up 7:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Centre Toronto

Six Nations Sweat Lodge Experience

Home & Hosted by Elder Isaac Day and Debbie Aaron
10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Elder Day will share his teachings and sweat lodge teachings with participants. Participants will then enter the sweat lodge at his home on the Six Nations of the Grand River. The sweat lodge has been part of ceremonial life of First Nations for many generations. The sweat lodge ceremony is for cleansing, purification and direction. Elder Day brings his teachings about how we need to understand the feeling, hearing and seeing of our minds, bodies and spirits, and how we as humans need to relate to Mother Earth and to each other. It is Issac's hope that people will in turn share what they have learned, creating a health, loving community around them.

Bus pick-up at 8:00 am at the Sheraton Toronto

Some may find high heat in sweat lodge unbearable. Also, sitting in confined area for long period may be difficult for some. Participants are encouraged to bring ceremonial items with them (drum, rattles, feathers). Women are required to wear a long, loose fitting skirt. Men can wear shorts. Bring a towel. People may wish to bring sandals/shoes that are easy to slip on/off. People will need a fresh change of clothes - changing facilitated in Elder Day’s home.

Six Nations Polytechnic Programs

Hosted by the Staff of Six Nations Polytechnic
10:00am – 4:00pm
Participants will be able to choose 4 different programs outlined below. 

Cayuga Language
Experience Six Nations culture by learning words and phrases in Cayuga language that you can use in daily life. Expert language instructors will guide you through a Cayuga language app created by Six Nations Polytechnic, which you can use to continue learning on your own.

Mohawk Language
Experience Six Nations culture by learning words and phrases in Mohawk language that you can use in daily life. Expert language instructors will guide you through a Mohawk language lesson, and teach you about the structure of Mohawk words and phrases.

Community Structure: Nations, Clans and Confederacy Lesson on Ceremonies
Experience Six Nations Culture through the simulation of a Haudenosaunee community. Learn about the Nations and clans of the Haudenosaunee, and the role of the confederacy council. Learn about that meanings and significance of the Haudenosaunee cycle of ceremonies.

Beading
Experience Six Nations culture through beadwork. Learn about the history and design of Haudenosaunee beadwork while you create your own beaded bracelet.

Leather working
Experience Six Nations culture through working with leather. Create your own pouch or moccasin key chain while learning about the traditional method of tanning leather, how different kinds of leather were used, and the tools used to work with leather.

Bus pick-up at 8 a.m. at the Sheraton Centre Toronto

Community Living Cultural Day Experience

Hosted by Stephanie Anderson, Joel Jamieson and John Hill
9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Community Living Six Nations “Ronatahskats” invites you to come be a part of our culture day. Our agency provides support to individuals with intellectual disabilities. The philosophy of our agency is to add value to the lives of the people supported. Every month, our Day Program individuals and staff plan a culture day which incorporates a small social (including a traditional lunch); interactive drumming; and dancing (Hoop and Pow Wow). They also have guest speakers from the Community who impart their knowledge of Our Culture and engage the people supported in different learning activities.

Bus pick-up at 7:45 am at the Sheraton Centre Toronto

Full Day Tours Offered Outside of Toronto

Homeless Walking Tour & Indigenous Craft Experience

Aboriginal Health Centre
Hamilton, ON
Hosted by Anastasia Blackey and Dick Passmore
10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Participants will have an opportunity to experience the De Dwa Da Dehs Ney>s programming by participating in two distinct activities. The first part of the tour will include a walking tour presenting homelessness in Hamilton. In the afternoon the group will be engaged in storytelling and a craft activity they can take home. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring sunscreen and water bottle

Bus pick-up at 8:30 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto

Indigenous Traditions in Body, Mind and Spirit for Diabetes Prevention

Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle – IDHC - Thorold, ON
Hosted by Amanda Lipinski and Kathleen LaForme
11:00 pm – 2:00 pm

As diabetes is affecting Indigenous Peoples all over the world, it’s essential that we begin restoring our traditions that work in body, mind and spirit. Using a non-clinical approach to diabetes prevention, Elders, Healers and Practitioners work with mainstream medical service providers in a holistic model of care. Please join us to experience this presentation which will include teachings on wellness and traditional medicines from local Elders; one-on-one sessions with Indigenous Practitioners; a nutritious traditional lunch; healthy lifestyle activities including yoga; culturally appropriate resources for your tool kit, and health presentations from a dietician/certified diabetes educator.

Bus pick-up at Sheraton Centre Toronto at 7:15 am

Historic Tour in Niagara Falls

Explore Queenston Heights where Niagara Parks Aboriginal Consultants will provide a tour and interpretation of the Landscape of Nations installation at Queenston Heights. Free time will be given to explore the hiking trails at Queenston Heights, the overlook at the Niagara River. Then back on the bus to visit Fort George on your own and some free time to also enjoy a couple of hours exploring the beautiful historic town of Niagara-on-the- Lake. (This tour does not include entrance fees into tourist attractions)

Bus pick-up at Sheraton Centre Toronto at 8:00 am

Full Day Tours Offered in Toronto

Metis Cultural Experience

Intercontinental Hotel - Niagara Room
225 Front Street, Toronto
Hosted by Jade Bourbonniere

Morning Session: 9:00am – 12:00pm
Afternoon Session: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

The Métis Cultural Experience will include delegate participation in four different stations. Each group will experience finger weaving, beading, dot art, and jigging. This excursion will allow participants to immerse themselves in the Métis cultural by rotating between four different cultural workshops. Please wear comfortable clothing as jigging / traditional games require movement.

Bus pick-up at Sheraton Centre Toronto at 8:30 am
Bus pick-up at Sheraton Centre Toronto at 12:30 pm

Cultural Teachings by the Native Child & Family Services of Toronto

Native Child & Family Services of Toronto
30 College St., Toronto, ON
Hosted by Terry Jaffe

Hours: 10:00am – 3:00pm

WIPCE Delegates are welcome to experience the inner city Toronto rooftop Sweatlodge including teachings and ceremony, medicine garden, and sacred fire pit. Please bring a towel, ladies - a long skirt, men - some shorts, to enter the lodge and experience it comfortably.

Bus pick-up at Sheraton Centre Toronto at 9:30 am

Full Day Tourist Packages

These tours are being offered for the convenience of conference delegates looking to explore Niagara Falls Region – one of the Wonders of the World. As these are tourist options additional fees do apply. Please note, all offerings are below market prices.

Niagara Falls Tourist Excursion

Join us for a scenic trip to one of the wonders of the world - Niagara Falls. We'll start with a boat ride to the base of the falls on the famous Hornblower Cruise and view the majestic waterfall from it's base, 326 ft below it's crown. Then we will trek into the stone cliffs and caverns as we peer through the falls from the back at the Journey behind the Falls. Your local guide will explain the history and geology of this famous area and the famous people that make it so interesting. Free time will be provided at the Table Rock complex for lunch on own, (box lunch is provided) photos and souvenir shopping. After lunch free time will be given to explore Niagara Falls on your own. Footwear should be comfortable and able to manage wet, slippery terrain.

Cost is $80.00 per person to cover tourist attractions entrance fees.

Bus pick-up at 8:15 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto

Niagara-On-The-Lake Tourist Excursion: Winery Tour

Enjoy the day in the famous Niagara wine region – located just an hour out of Toronto near Niagara Falls, this Canadian wine region first became famous for its ice wine and has since received innumerable international awards for its red, white and ice wine. You will visit 3 premium wineries in the region with some spare time to enjoy the beautiful and historic village of Niagara on the Lake. This is a full day tour, minimum age is 19 years of age and ID may be checked to enjoy the tastings.

Cost is $80.00 Plus taxes per person for tastings at the three wineries, on site guide and transportation. This tour is a pay at site.

Bus pick-up at 9:00 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto

Network on the Golf Course Tourist Excursion

Enjoy a round of 18 holes of golf at one of the beautiful golf courses in the area.

Cost per person of $85.00 includes golf cart and box lunch. Delegate will be responsible for their own golf clubs.

Bus pick-up at 10:00 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto

Half Day Tours Six Nations of Grand River and/or Mississauga's of New Credit Territory

Mohawk Longhouse Cultural Experience

Hosted by Audrey Maracle, Brian Maracle and Frank Miller
10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Noon)

Mohawk language speakers will host this event from 10:00am – 12:00pm. Participants will learn about the history of the Mohawk Nation, why the longhouse was built, and a description of activities that are held at the longhouse. A social dance will provide an enjoyable time for all. As the Longhouse is a ceremonial building for the Mohawk People, conservative clothing is requested

Bus pick-up at 7:45 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto

Six Nations Employment & Training

OSTTC and Iroqrafts Hosted by Erin Monture, OSTTC
10:00 am – 12:00 pm (Noon)

Tour (OSTTC) Ogwehoweh Skills and Trades Training Centre with state of the art classrooms, trade bays, computer labs, automotive, gas fitting and construction areas. OSTTC provides provincial and nationally recognized certified training that meets the needs of our Aboriginal community and increases "clients" employability to match labour market demands. Opportunity to shop at the world famous Iroqrafts Gift Shop, sharing the artistry and heritage of crafts since 1966. It is the oldest and largest arts and crafts store on Six Nations offering the authentic works crafts of the Six Nations. Iroqrafts offer both traditional and contemporary Iroquois Crafts and Arts.

Bus pick-up at 8:30 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto

The Great Law & Food Security

Westin Harbour Castle
Hosted by Raven Swamp & Kanerahtí:io Hemlock

Afternoon Session: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

We focus on putting teachings of Great Law to action through indigenous food security! We have done a few presentation regarding the gardening already. If you think it is a good idea, we wouldn't mind doing a presentation together. I'm also willing to sing seed songs and talk about their meanings and why we sing them.

Bus pick-up at 9 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto
Bus pick-up at 12:30 pm at Sheraton Centre Toronto

Akinomaagaye Gaamik Tour

New Credit First Nation
Hagersville, ON
Hosted by Nancy Rowe and Jodie Williams

Morning Session: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Afternoon Session: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

This tour will take place at Akinomaagaye Gaamik (roundhouse), where several collaborative projects involving provincial school boards will be shared as a model for initiating, establishing and maintaining, meaningful and mutually beneficial partnership with educators, students, First Nation communities and organizations. Examples of capacity building within the provincial education system as a salient tenet of reconciliation will also be highlighted. Bring a re-usable water bottle

Bus pick-up at 7:00 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto
Bus pick-up at 11:00 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto

Half Day Tours in Toronto

Historical Tour: First Peoples Story of Indigenous Heritage in Toronto

Hosted by: Jon Johnson
Pick Up: Metro Toronto Convention Centre: South Building Entrance

Morning Session: 9:30 am
Afternoon Session: 1:00 pm

Tour is offered twice; once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

Guides from Toronto's Indigenous community will take participants on a bus tour of the city's rich and enduring 13,000+ years of Indigenous heritage. Ancient trails, ecosystems, medicines, place names, cultural institutions, stories of colonialism and Indigenous resilience, and more, will be featured along the tour. The 3.5 hour tour will begin and end at the conference location. Comfortable shoes and water bottle recommended

Pick up at 9:00 am at the MTCC South Building Entrance
Pick up at 12:30 pm at the MTCC South Building Entrance

Tour of Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment & Training

Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment & Training 
167 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON
Hosted by Amanda Andrews and Carol White

9:00 am – 12:00 pm (Noon)

Come meet the staff at Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Trainingd!! The name MIZIWE BIIK was given to us by Elder Jim Windigo. The name is associated with the female water spirit and means water which flows around us. During your visit you will enjoy a tour of our office and be able to view the beautiful artwork created by local artists. The day will also include a mini workshop where you will leave with an awareness and understanding of oneself. Hope you will be able to join us for the morning and some treats!

Bus pick-up at 8:30 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto

Youth Mental Health and Addiction Challenges

Native Canadian Centre of Toronto
16 Spadina Road, Toronto, ON
Hosted by Cynthia Bell and the ENAGB Team

Morning Session: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Afternoon Session: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm 

The Native Canadian Centre of Toronto's ENAGB team works with youth between the ages of 12-24 that may or may not be experiencing Mental Health & Addiction challenges. They will share their stories of how they got started, what is working, and how it has grown to provide programming and services to over 400 youth since its inception in 2013.

Bus pick-up at 9:30 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto
Bus pick-up at12:30 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto

Inuit Cultural Experience

Westin Harbour Castle
Hosted by: Rachael Quinn & Dion Metcalfe

Morning Session: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Afternoon Session: 1:30 am – 3:30 pm 

Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre will be hosting a community tour to teach Inuit games and Inuit cultural activities to interested WIPCE participants.  The tour will also include information about our agency, and the programs we provide to help keep Inuit culture alive and thriving in the south.

Bus pick-up at 9:30 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto
Bus pick-up at 1:00 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto

Restoration of Identity

Council Fire (An inner city Indigenous Friendship Centre)
439 Dundas Street East, Toronto, ON
Hosted by: Theo Nazary

Morning Session: 10:00 am – 12:00pm
Afternoon Session: 2:00pm – 4:00 pm

This tour is about the "Restoration of Identity" project lead by Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #82.  This call asks for the establishment of a highly visible, publicly accessible monument in each capital city to commemorate the victims and survivors of Canada's residential school system.  Council Fire is the lead project designate for the structure in Toronto.   We will discuss our role as the facilitator and the significance of the structure being developed by Ojibwa artist Solomon King. 

Bus pick-up at 9:30 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto
Bus pick-up at 1:30 am at Sheraton Centre Toronto