With lacrosse games and sunset paddles, these Six Nations tour operators are welcoming visitors this summer
Tourists are welcome, says one guide, and should focus on 'honouring the people and the land'
With summer approaching, Ontario residents thinking about a vacation close to home should consider Six Nations of the Grand River, says the manager of tourism for the territory.
"There are still misconceptions out there that people maybe aren't welcome in a reserve or they don't know how to [or] what to do," said Jaquie Jamieson.
Her job, she said, is to "break down those barriers" and welcome tourists into the community.
Tour season has already started in Six Nations, and Jamieson said there are many things to do, but learning should be the starting point.
"Come sit by the Grand River if it's a nice day," she said. "But [try] to get familiar with some of the histories and who we are as Haudenosaunee people."
Six Nations, which is about 40 kilometres south of Hamilton, is the most populous First Nations reserve in Canada. It is also home to the the largest Carolinian forest in southern Ontario.
For those visiting the reserve for the first time, Jamieson recommends Where Cultures Meet, a tour package that brings visitors to cultural and historical sites like the Woodland Cultural Centre, which sits on the site of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School.
Other activities for those wanting to visit include the Ohsweken Speedway, a spa, a golf course, and kayaking, canoeing or camping at Chiefswood Park.
"And then of course, there's lacrosse games happening throughout the season and people are welcome," Jamieson told CBC K-W's The Morning Edition.
LISTEN | Jaquie Jamieson shares what you can see and do while visiting Six Nations:
Local park holds cultural significance
Katie Montour is the community public relations officer at Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation.
She said Chiefswood Park is open year-round for those wanting to experience nature.
Montour said the biggest attraction at the park currently is their log cabins.
She said tourists usually enjoy the "authentic woodland experience" the park offers and are welcome to do as much or as little as they like while in the park.
Other on-site amenities at the park include a seasonal splash pad, mini golf, archery, and trails, said Montour, and visitors can choose to have their experience be an active or relaxed one.
Also departing from Chiefswood Park, Shawna Porter, 35, leads "calm, culturally rooted paddling experiences designed to help people slow down."
Porter, who founded Moon Water Creative, offers sunrise and sunset paddling sessions on the Grand River. She often would go on paddles by herself, but wanted to include others who might not feel comfortable alone in the water.
"For me, being on the river is a reminder of connection. Watching animals move freely, listening to the water, and just being present," she told CBC Hamilton in an email.
Montour said a trip to Chiefswood could hold cultural significance as well.
"The Grand River is really historically important to the people of Six Nations," said Montour, who is based in nearby Caledonia, Ont. and is part of the Mohawk Nation Wolf Clan.
"Our original traditional territory was guaranteed within six miles on either side of the Grand River … it's nice that we're able to offer this authentic cultural experience to both community members and visitors."
Montour is referring to the Haldimand Tract, an area of land around the Grand River granted to Six Nations in 1784.
Montour said the development corporation also manages other local sites like Six Nations Bingo and the Gathering Place by the Grand, a venue that hosts music, comedy and other events. She said surplus revenue from those businesses is invested back into the community.
Take care of the land you visit
Porter, who was born and raised in Six Nations, said she's seen an increase in people visiting the reserve in the last few years, which is great but also worries about potential impacts on the land.
"As caretakers of the land, we want to ensure that we're being mindful of our ecological footprint and protecting Six Nations for future generations," she said.
One common misconception for visitors, Porter said, is that Six Nations is "just a place to visit, rather than a living, thriving community."
"It's not about taking photos or buying souvenirs. It's about learning, connecting, and honouring the people and the land," she said.
This year, Porter is also offering services like Full Moon Meditation and Paddle, Women on the Water, which will include activities like yoga and sound bathing, and more.
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With files from CBC K-W's The Morning Edition, CBC Hamilton