Indigenous Owned Travel Experiences in Alberta
July 28, 2021
We are all motivated and driven to adventure and travel for different reasons, hoping for different experiences and outcomes. When it comes to planning for your next Alberta roadtrip the variety of adventures, historic sites, and other travel destinations are endless. No matter the region of Alberta you call home, or the distance you are looking to travel, there is a destination that fits the bill! As a proudly Indigenous destination, Métis Crossing, encourages you to consider choosing an Indigenous owned or operated destination. Not only do Indigenous destinations provide an experience grounded in Alberta’s historical context, but they also offer us all the privilege of learning from the stories and experiences of Alberta’s Indigenous peoples.
At Métis Crossing we believe in engaging visitors through the 4 H’s; Head, Heart, Hands, and Hunger. This means that’s experiences should be engaging or thought provoking, they should connect with your passion, offer a hands-on opportunity to participate or experience, and if you are so inclined, a snack or taste of Indigenous cuisine along the way never hurts. Keep reading to learn about some potential Indigenous destinations, operators, and creators, in Alberta that are worth the shortlist for your next Alberta road trip!
Mother Earth Essentials
Founded by Carrie Armstrong, who developed her products through the teachings and lived experience of her family, a long line of Cree Medicine women. Mother Earth Essentials offers luxurious bath & beauty products from natural ingredients and traditional recipes. With products created based upon traditional teachings, and the plants that are found around them, Mother Earth Essentials have developed products they believe honour the properties of all of the plants they use.
Beginning in Fall 2021, Métis Crossing is proud to be offering visitors to our new Lodge at Métis Crossing, Mother Earth Essential products! Learn more about this Canadian-Indigenous owned company here: https://motherearthessentials.ca/
Dry Canyon Collectables
Often described as the hidden gem of the Drumheller Valley, Dry Canyon Collectables, this award winning shop has many connections to Indigenous culture as well as natural features. The shop carries many unique items such as moccasins, mukluks, dreamcatchers, trapdoor underwear, indigenous books, jewelry and many other items. The space within their shop allows there to be a gallery that supports many local artists ranging from photographers and scratchboard to feltwork, painters and carvers, to name a few.
Learn more about this hidden gem and how you can visit on your next Alberta roadtrip by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/Dry-Canyon-Collectables-229449887177747/?utm_source=TravelAlberta-ATIS&utm_medium=TravelAlberta&utm_campaign=ATIS%20-%20Alberta%20Tourism%20Information%20Service&utm_content=Listing%2F17130%2Fen-CA
Painted Warriors Indigenous Outdoor Experience
Experience the traditional and modern day lifestyle of the Cree and Saulteaux people, skills such as animal tracking and snowshoeing, horse riding, archery and many others. Painted Warriors is an indigenous outdoor adventure company located one hour northwest of Calgary. The facility is on an 82 acre ranch on pristine forest land in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. There are 1 day to multiple day tours with accommodation available.
Learn more about this extraordinary Indigenous experience by visiting: https://www.paintedwarriors.ca/
