Tourism

At the centre of Winnipeg’s Aboriginal Community stands the Circle of Life Thunderbird House—designed by Aboriginal architect Douglas Cardinal O.C., whose work includes the highly acclaimed Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec. The Striking structure’s soaring lines represent the power of community to transcend all boundaries. Its roundhouse design features a one-story ring of glass and timber, encircled from above by the down spread wings of a proud copper-clad eagle. Inside, soft white walls, natural wood beams and generous natural light create an aura of welcome and sanctuary. The four entrances represent the four cardinal directions, the four winds, and the four races of humankind.
Opened officially in March 2000 Circle of Life Thunderbird House offers year round facilities and services to make any event productive and successful. Our Rotunda meeting area and board rooms are suitable for gatherings of 5 to 350 people. Conveniently located in downtown Winnipeg, Thunderbird House also features state of the art sound equipment.

Tourist Adventures

• A Place for Understanding
  
  Experience traditional teachings around an open fire, and spend the night sleeping in an authentic teepee. Wake up to a Sunrise Ceremony followed by the Circle of Life Medicine Walk. Includes breakfast, lunch, bedding and fire materials.
  
  
• Celebration of Native Culture
  
  Enjoy a seasonal Native dinner buffet accompanied by an impressive First Nations dance performance. Your meal will include buffalo stew, grilled fish, freshly-baked bannock, wild rice and traditional beverages and desserts.
  
  

Workshops and Demonstrations

• The Art of Creation
  
  Guests of all ages will participate in an interactive guided tour of the Thunderbird House, followed by an instructional workshop where they will create their own dream catcher, medicine wheel or drum using authentic methods and materials.
  
  
• A Circle of Life Medicine Walk
  
  Led by the resident Elder, this guided walk among the Thunderbird House’s outdoor landscape reveals plants and trees used as medicines by Manitoba’s Aboriginal peoples. Basic uses of herbs will be discussed as well as proper collecting protocols.
  
  
• Aboriginal Awareness Education
  
  This workshop series is designed specifically for the Government, Health, Education and Corporate sectors to foster understanding about First Nations peoples. Participants are challenged to re-evaluate stereotypes and discuss strategies for change.

For Young People

• Storytelling
  
  Designed for younger children, this hour long sharing includes a tour of the building and Arbor plus stories as passed down through the generations, led by a Cree or Ojibway Elder.
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