Authentic Manitoulin Experiences

Geo-caching is an entertaining outdoor adventure where you use your GPS, or map, to search for hidden containers, called caches. The Great Spirit Circle Trail (GSCT) has hidden caches throughout the region for you to find and enjoy with your family and friends. Check out www.circletrail.com for a listing of cache coordinates.

The GSCT offers nature-based cultural tours and experiences reflecting the Aboriginal heritage of Manitoulin Island-Sagamok region for groups, families and independent travellers. Participate in one or more of our half day cultural experiences or events. A perfect opportunity to learn about Aboriginal traditions first hand and a great experience for all ages!  Visit  our website to learn more about GSCT tours and experiences.

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Located on eastern Manitoulin Island, the Wikwemikong Traditional Pow Wow is taking place in Cape Smith / Murray Hill on Saturday, June 13th.  Take highway 6 to Manitowaning and the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve – just follow the road signs to 526 Cape Smith Road.

Grand entry Saturday at 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm.  Admission is free.  Craft and food vendors on site.  No alcohol or pets allowed.  Rain or shine!

Since the ancient days of Aboriginal tradition, neighboring nations have come together each year to trade, dance and celebrate life in a spectacular kaleidoscope of colourful craftwork, regalia and singing.  The very nature of the gathering of nations welcomes all people.

Local pow wows are scheduled most weekends throughout the months of June to the beginning of September.  Visit www.circletrail.com for a complete schedule for the Manitoulin Island-Sagamok region.  

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Bruce Meyer to lead short fiction workshop July 12 at Kagawong Park Centre.
by Margo Little

Kagawong – Bestselling author and broadcastor, Bruce Meyer, will conduct a short fiction workshop at the Kagawong Park Centre July 12.  Mr. Meyer will share his literary insights during the 10th anniversary of the Manitoulin Writers’ Retreat.

CBC radio listeners will recognize Mr. Meyer from his engaging conversations with Michael Enright on the popular Great Books series.  His national and international broadcasts on literature have become the CBC’s number one bestselling spoken word series.

The noted writer, editor and commentator has published 27 books on a wide range of topics including fiction, poetry and criticism.  He specializes in creative writing, Canadian literature, modern British literature and World War One literature.  He is widely known for his work in magazines, on the Web and in academic journals, however, a critically acclaimed voyage of discovery entitled The Golden Thread, published in 2000, has become  a must read for people who want to navigate the great classics with confidence.  The Quill and Quire describes Mr. Meyer as “the best sort of critical reader: one who loves literature and also enjoys discussing it in an enlightened and accessible manner.”

Heroes: The Champions of Our Literary Imagination, released in 2008, has been equally well-received.  In this book he examines the role of heroes in great works of literature and reveals the traits that make them both intriguing and enduring.  In this highly readable book, he offers many examples of real world heroes who can fire the imaginations of modern readers.

During an evening of literary readings at the Manitoulin Writers’ Retreat, Mr. Meyer will read selections from his newly released poety collection Mesopotamia, published by Your Scrivener Press of Sudbury.  Reviewer George Elliott Clarke describes Mr. Meyer as a “fearlessly feeling poet” and praises his well-tuned verses.  This response is echoed by critic Molly Peacock who writes, “Bruce Meyer again proves himself to be one of our most memorable Canadian lyric poets.”

Currently, Mr. Meyer teaches English in the Laurentian University BA program at Georgian College in Barrie and edits The In Site, a poetry and short story magazine.  He is also the artistic director of the annual Leacock Summer Literary Festival in Orillia.

The Manitoulin Writers’ Retreat and Northern Book Fair runs July 10-12.  Register at 705-282-1714 or www.margolittle.com.

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‘Great Spirit Circle Trail chosen as one of Canada’s Most Significant Aboriginal Tourism Experiences as selected by the Canadian Tourism Commission and Aboriginal Tourism Canada’.

In 2007, the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) and Aboriginal Tourism Canada (ATC) began a nationally-focused exercise to identify Canada’s Significant Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Experiences. CTC refreshed market research studies on Aboriginal cultural tourism product demand from Europe. The objective was to identify market-ready, nationally significant Aboriginal cultural tourism products that can be used by the CTC in future marketing and communication applications on a global basis. In collaboration with ATC a selection of top Aboriginal tourism products were judged as market-ready by national stakeholders and tourism peers according to criteria of the CTC.

We are pleased to announce that the Great Spirit Circle Trail (GSCT) has been deemed one of the Top 28 Significant Aboriginal Tourism Experiences across Canada. Official announcements have been made and included in the Premiere Edition of the 2009 – 2010 Aboriginal Tourism Guide with a second edition set for distribution at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, BC. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring our industry, our communities and our voice to an international stage and help to secure a more sustainable future for all Aboriginal tourism businesses in Canada.

The GSCT has been in existence in the Manitoulin Island-Sagamok region since 1997-98 to promote Aboriginal involvement in the primary industry of our region which is tourism. Prior to the existence of the GSCT, there was virtually no Aboriginal involvement in the industry. However, since then, Aboriginal people have become integrally involved in, and are helping to lead and advance, the tourism industry in our region. The GSCT is a great source of pride for the local Aboriginal community. The GSCT is a cooperative marketing initiative representing 8 First Nations and over 50 business partners. The First Nations currently participating in this initiative are Aundeck Omni Kaning, M’Chigeeng, Sagamok, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Whitefish River, Wikwemikong, and Zhiibaahaasing.

Please join GSCT as we invite tourists to our land and traditional territories to introduce our culture and heritage by providing Aboriginal market-ready tourism products and services.

Visit www.circletrail.com to learn more about GSCT Tours and Experiences.

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The Anishinabe of the Manitoulin Island-Sagamok region invite you to tour the eight First Nation communities of the Great Spirit Circle Trail (GSCT). The First Nations include Aundeck Omni Kaning, M’Chigeeng, Sagamok, Sheguiandah, Sheshegwaning, Whitefish River, Wikwemikong and Zhiibaahaasing.  Tour the attractions of these local First Nation communities:

To learn more about GSCT tours and cultural experiences visit www.circletrail.com

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Bouquets of Basil – A Garden experience to delight your senses

Are you yearning for a getaway from the harried pace of the city? Do you want an intimate experience with nature, taking in sights, scents and sounds that will bring you to a place of peace and tranquility? Do you want to participate in a culinary treat where you learn about herbs and how to cook in unique ways with them, prepare a platter of local, organic meats and/or fish and vegetables that will tempt your palette and take home samples of herb products and recipes on how to cook with them? Do you want to experience the joy and wonder of living in harmony with nature and how to make a smaller ecological footprint, while enjoying the ambience created by a local storyteller or songwriter and musician? Come and spend an afternoon with Chuc, Linda and friends and enjoy an experience that will delight your senses.

Bouquets of Basil offers:

• The experience of beautiful herb and organic gardens, with the emphasis on basil and our unique basil products, in a remote country setting
• Harvesting of herbs, under the care of Linda who spends a good part of the spring planting and nurturing the basil plants to perfection
• Preparing basil vinegar and other unique herbal products in an interesting eco friendly kitchen set in the garden
• Harvesting vegetables from the garden while Chuc shares his knowledge of how to grow a prolific organic garden and deal with all the challenges that Mother Nature offers by enjoying the cycles and harmony of it
• Preparing a Manitoulin made pottery platter of organic fruits and vegetables for lunch
• Delighting the palette with delicious local foods, including smoked fish or meats, vegetables grown organically and harvested fresh, jellies made from our own fruit, breads and/or crackers made in our own kitchen
• Revelling in the stories of friends of Chuc and Linda, local storytellers who have an integral understanding of the history, the people and beauty of the area around Ice Lake
• Enjoying a singsong with local musicians who write and sing songs about the folks and the land of the Great Spirit

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Gordon’s Park on Manitoulin Island is designated as a Royal Astronomical Society Canada (RASC) Dark Sky Preserve and is the host location of Stargazing Manitoulin and the Manitoulin Star Party.  It is the perfect site for astronomy and night sky viewing without light pollution, a 7.5+ magnitude, a 360 degree observing, and a Sky Quality meter reading of 21.96 out of 23.  This Dark Sky Preserve is open from May to September for camping and observing.  For more information on Stargazing Manitoulin and the Manitoulin Star Party please visit the astronomy page at www.gordonspark.com.

Upcoming Summer Star Parties at Gordon’s Park include:

Efston Science Star Party Motorcoach Road Trip – June 19-21, 2009

For more information visit http://www.escience.ca/resource-centre/home/astronomy-resources/efstonscience-star-party-2009 or contact sales@telescopes.ca

Stargazing Manitoulin – July 17-21, 2009

Manitoulin Star Party – August 14-18, 2009

Guest Speakers include Terry Trees, Toronto RASC member and Larry McHenry, Past President of Kiski Astronomers of Pennsylvania.

To enjoy an incredible stargazing experience from this Eco Resort, please email rita@gordonspark.com or call 705-859-2470.

For more information about other experiences available at Gordon’s Park, visit www.gordonspark.com.

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Ripples and Waves

One week of just you and your pen, in your own cabin by the water.  Sunday June 7th to Sunday June 14th. 

Just $510.00 – Only 7 spaces

Meals delivered to your cabin…$20.00/meal. Local and organically grown foods. 

‘Gentle proof-reading’ available, $1.00 per page.               

Visit www.hutchinsoncabins.com             Email hutchinsoncabins@hotmail.com   Phone Sarah (705) 859-3345  

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Manitoulin Streams asked us to plant trees…

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The Manitoulin Health Centre Auxiliary is once again holding a fundraising raffle. This summer season purchase a ticket for $10 for your chance to win a red Polaris 500 H.O. ATV, a handcrafted garden bench or a Nintendo Wii.

The funds raised go toward the Manitoulin Health Centre Auxiliary and there current projects.

The efforts of these devoted volunteers have recently brought free television to the patients, a portable ultrasound machine and a pain control pump. The current project benefits the purchase of new televisions for the patients.

Help show your support for the Manitoulin Health Centre Auxiliary by purchasing your tickets at local community events or from any auxiliary member.

Our health care is important, your support is appreciated.

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Listen to Naomi McGregor being interviewed about the local Pow wows on Manitoulin Island.

download the audio file

The Great Spirit Circle Trail represents 8 First Nation Communities on Manitoulin Island and Sagamok. Pow wows on the island are generally co-ordinated so that there is one almost every weekend beginning June through to the Labour Day weekend in September. Nine in all. They follow the route of the Great Spirit Circle Trail. Each pow wow has a different overall theme which changes year to year. Some choose to ‘Honour Mother Earth’ or perhaps the environment for example. There are both traditional pow wows of which there are 8 and free for the public to attend. There is a competitive pow wow also at the Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve with a small fee to attend. There are food and craft vendors with local works. There is both traditional and contemporary native foods available as well as festival favourites. You are encouraged to leave pets at home and drugs and alcohol are strictly prohibited. Arbour seating is available but you are invited to bring along your favourite lawn chair. Not to be missed is the grand entry which is an entrance of honoured guests and dancers to the dance arena. It is a true experience and opportunity for you to participate and learn the aboriginal culture. You are invited to dance if you would like, be part of the intertribal dance. A “first time person attending a pow-wow can really feel like they are part of a nation that is holding that event. There are people from all over the world there.” – Todd

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Linda Willson is working with Kate Roy of the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation (OCF) and Heidi Ferguson of the Sheguindah Museum to create a Three Sisters Experience.  The indigenous and settler cultures will come together.  Did you know that the Milpa Field was one of the most advanced agricultural practices ever created?  It was created by the indigenous peoples of the western world that we call the Americas.  No other developed nation since has used it’s complementary nutritional and environmental advantages.  We invite you to come to Manitoulin and learn about this magical field.  Harvest the “three sisters” – corn, beans, and squash – in the field of a local farmer.  Visit a Manitoulin Farmer’s Market where you can enjoy local food and meet local artisans.  Go to one of our best restaurants on the Island, Garden’s Gate, where Rose will give you a culinary experience of a lifetime making a Three Sisters Feast to delight your palate.  Linda explains that she is working with Kate and Heidi to develop the Three Sisters Experience further.  At the OCF guests will take part in a traditional aboriginal Welcome Ceremony and make bean rattles.  At the Sheguindah Museum they can have the opportunity to hike the beautiful peaks of the Manitoulin escarpment and make a corn husk doll.  If you would like to participate in a Three Sisters Experience please call Linda at 282-0274 or tgranny@onlink.net.  

“This is an excellent way to experience the two cultures on Manitoulin Island” says Linda from Our Garden Products.

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