3 Flavourful New Ways to Experience First Nations Culture in 2023
Looking for new ways to discover the fascinating stories of the people who have played such an important role in shaping this country? As Canada’s largest First Nation, The Six Nations of the Grand River offers a diverse range of activities designed to immerse visitors in the traditions of the Haudenosaunee People.
If you’re particularly interested in First Nations culinary traditions, you’re in for a treat! This year, a new series of immersive culinary experiences offered by tourism partners in the Six Nations of the Grand River is shining the spotlight on Indigenous ingredients, with a healthy serving of local culture and traditions stirred in too.
Here are three unique ways to join the flavourful fun in the months ahead.
Explore Haudenosaunee Culture Through Dinner, Dance and Design
By The Grand Dinner Theatre at Ohsweken’s Gathering Place By The Grand includes a delicious 3-course, family-style meal highlighting traditional Indigenous cuisine, and an evening full of interactive activities.
The experience features a showcase of clothing, storytelling, dancing and music, as well as the opportunity to take part in a dance activity. As part of the experience, community knowledge keepers will be on hand to share their insights and provide a deeper understanding of local culture. Guests can also try their hand at beading a regalia-inspired bookmark to take home as a memento of their evening. Please note: this is an alcohol-free event.
COST:
$100 per person (plus service fee)
2023 DATES:
Friday, March 24
Friday, May 26
TIME:
6:00 – 8:30 pm (doors open at 5:30)
A Delicious Day of Indigenous Cuisine and Culture with Fireside Foods
Guests who stay in one of Chiefswood Park’s 16 cabins on designated dates will have the option of adding a tasty and immersive educational eating experience to their day.
What’s included?
The Fireside Foods experience provides guests with all the fixings and firesafe cookware for three meals for four people, including an instructional video. While all meals have been specially chosen to prepare over an open fire, they can also be made in the cabin’s kitchen. During the Saturday afternoon of the stay, staff will be on hand to assist guests with starting their fire and to provide fire safety tips.
Are there other activities?
Guests will also have the opportunity to watch a live Lyed Corn demonstration on Saturday at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm and enjoy Chiefswood Park’s many add-on activity options, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, and the Three Sisters virtual reality experience. Guests can enjoy free access to the park’s skating rink, but must bring their own skates.
What’s on the menu? The Fireside Foods Box includes:
Breakfast: Maple and blueberry sausage patties, eggs, sweet potatoes, and white corn hash
Lunch: Sweet potato and bison Shepards Pie, Three-Sisters kale salad
Dinner: Turkey skillet with green beans and pumpkin puree
Drinks: Sweetgrass sweet tea and strawberry juice
COST:
$200 Family of 4 Fireside Foods Box (3 meals for 4 people, including firesafe cookware rental)
$250 Family of 6 Fireside Foods Box (3 meals for 6 people, including firesafe cookware rental)
PLUS cabin rental and any additional fees for equipment rentals
2023 DATES:
Saturday, February 4
Saturday, February 25
Saturday, March 25
A Two-Hour Taste of Indigenous Cuisine and Culture with Fireside Foods Snack Boxes and Demonstrations
Guests who cozy up next to a crackling outdoor fire at one of Chiefswood Park’s rental fire pits on designated dates will have the option to add a box of delicious fireside snacks to the fun.
What’s included?
The standard Fireside Foods Snack Box includes a savoury soup and cornbread that can be reheated on the fire. The deluxe Fireside Foods Snack Box includes two bison burgers and a ready-to-eat Three-Sisters Kale Salad. Both boxes have enough food for two or three people. Staff will be on hand to assist guests with starting their fire and to provide fire safety tips.
Are there other activities?
Guests will also have the opportunity to watch live Lyed Corn demonstrations taking place at 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm, and weather permitting, enjoy Chiefswood Park’s many add-on activity options, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, and the Three Sisters virtual reality experience. Access to the park’s skating rink is included with firepit rental, however guests must bring their own skates.
COST:
$50 firepit rental, plus $30 for Standard Fireside Foods Snack Box
$50 firepit rental, plus $50 for Deluxe Fireside Foods Snack Box
PLUS any additional fees for equipment rentals
2023 DATES:
Saturday, February 4
Saturday, February 25
Saturday, March 25
TIMES:
1:00 – 3:00 pm
or 4:00 – 6:00 pm
