Hamilton

With lacrosse games and sunset paddles, these Six Nations tour operators are welcoming visitors this summer

Ontario residents thinking of their next vacation close to home should consider Six Nations of the Grand River, says the manager of tourism for the territory. She lists some of the events, sites and activities the territory has to offer this summer.

Tourists are welcome, says one guide, and should focus on 'honouring the people and the land'

Many people kayaking and canoeing down a river.
Kayaking and canoeing are some of the activities available in Six Nations of the Grand River for those looking for a vacation spot this summer. (Six Nations of the Grand River)

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. 

Six people with traditional Indigenous clothing stand next to each other.
Six Nations Tourism has also started a new annual Nation To Nation Cultural Exchange with Wikwemikong Tourism, featuring both cultures' foods, dancing and more. (Six Nations of the Grand River)

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.

Residential school.
A drone shot of the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, Ont. It is the former Mohawk Institute Residential School. (Sue Reid/CBC)

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: 

With temperatures starting to rise some of us may already be planning our trips and adventures for the summer. A trip you can take that isn't too far away is to Six Nations of the Grand River. Jaquie Jamieson, senior manager of tourism and community development at Six Nations Tourism, talks more about what you can see and do there.

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.

A firepit with a small cabin in the background.
Chiefswood Park has 16 log cabins of various sizes where visitors can stay overnight. The cabins are currently the park's biggest attraction. (Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation)

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.

A person paddling on a kayak.
Shawna Porter said she started sunrise paddling sessions by herself, but wanted to include others who might not feel as comfortable alone in the water. (Submitted by Shawna Porter)

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.

Young people aiming their bows and arrows at the camera
Young people aiming their bows at the new annual Nation To Nation Cultural Exchange with Wikwemikong Tourism. Chiefswood Park has many activities to offer, including kayaking, canoeing, mini golf and archery. (Six Nations of the Grand River)

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aura Carreño Rosas

Reporter, CBC Hamilton

Aura Carreño Rosas is a Hamilton-based reporter from Venezuela, with a passion for pop culture and unique people with diverse journeys. You can contact her at aura.carreno.rosas@cbc.ca

With files from CBC K-W's The Morning Edition, CBC Hamilton