Honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Every Day
Thoughtful Ways for Connecting to the Indigenous Experience In Niagara
Your travels to Niagara don’t need to occur on September 30th to explore the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences, and important stories of this country’s First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Here are some ideas to incorporate into your trip based on the time of year you’ll be visiting Niagara.
Spring
The Niagara Benchlands’ Sho’aríshon Park is a thoughtfully designed public space that honours and reflects the history, culture, and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples in Niagara. Just ten kilometres away, White Meadows Farms highlights the important role that the passing on of generations of Indigenous maple syrup knowledge has played in its Sugar Bush Trek and Discover Maple experiences.
Created in collaboration with Indigenous partners, the park honours the history, culture, and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples — with a special focus on the Neutral Nation, the first known inhabitants of the…
Nothing is more iconic to Canada than Maple Syrup. Come to the farm to find out how it’s made. Our winter tour, Sugar Bush Trek, happens on weekends in March. Our summer tour, Discover Maple, happens most Friday &…
Summer
Following Niagara Parks’ Pollinator Garden Route along the Niagara Parkway isn’t just an engaging way to learn about the pollinating species that play a critical role in maintaining our environment. Interpretive signs that identify each site and educate about the various types of pollinators also share Indigenous myths and wisdom that highlight our connection to animals and the environment. The content of the signage was inspired by the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (Iroquois), the Wabanaki Confederacy (Algonquin) and the Anishinaabe (Algonquin), all of whom inhabited this area at one time.
Tour the pollinator garden route along the Niagara Parkway and learn more about incredible pollinating species, from bumblebees to hummingbirds, who, despite their small size, play a major role in maintaining our…
Fall
Autumn is a wonderful time to experience the beauty of the Niagara Glen, and Rekindling All Our Relations is a free audio tour that shares fascinating insights into Indigenous connections to the Niagara Glen. The self-guided hiking experience merges nature, culture, and storytelling into a profound exploration of Indigenous wisdom and connection.
The Niagara Indigenous Heritage Trail is another excellent option for a thought-provoking fall tour. The Niagara-wide trail connects places of significance via walking trails, accessible paths, bike paths, and roads.
Discover the incredible beauty of the Niagara Glen. With pathways leading to the edge of the Niagara River, rich flora and fauna, natural marvels and more! You can hike your way through the several fascinating…
Set high atop the Niagara Gorge, overlooking the Niagara River, the Niagara Glen Nature Centre offers visitor information, guided hiking tours, bouldering permits and educational programming. Inside, you’ll also…
Rekindling All Our Relations, an Indigenous audio tour of the Niagara Glen Embark on a self-guided audio tour hike of the Niagara Glen, Rekindling All Our Relations – An Indigenous Audio Tour of the Niagara…
Snowy days offer an excellent opportunity to step inside Niagara’s many museums, galleries, and studios to learn more about Indigenous art and perhaps even support an Indigenous artist by making a purchase. Read this blog post for several stop suggestions.
Interesting Ways To Experience Indigenous Art On Your Next Trip To Niagara Niagara’s deeply rooted Indigenous history is a fascinating piece of the region’s story, and taking some time to soak in the…
FAQs
Q: What is Truth and Reconciliation Day?
A: National Day For Truth and Reconciliation, which occurs every September 30th across Canada, is a day to honour and remember the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children taken from their families, those who never returned home, and the individuals, families and communities still living with the lasting impacts and trauma caused by the residential school system in Canada.
Q: Are businesses closed in Niagara on National Day For Truth and Reconciliation?
A: Retail businesses in Niagara remain open on National Day For Truth and Reconciliation as it is not a provincial statutory holiday. Banks, federal offices, and Canada Post are closed.
Q: What are some family-friendly ways to help children learn more about the Indigenous experience in Niagara?
