
In the north atrium in The Forks Market, you’ll find the newest tenants at The Forks, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba and Turtle Tours.
Indigenous Tourism Manitoba is thrilled to announce the official opening of the Explore Indigenous space located at The Forks, a significant cultural and historic site in Manitoba. This new initiative aims to foster awareness and appreciation for the Indigenous Tourism industry in the province as well as drive business to Indigenous Tourism operators in Manitoba. In collaboration with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba will showcase a range of accredited, authentic Indigenous tourism experiences and artisans available throughout Manitoba.
“Visitors to the Explore Indigenous space will find comprehensive information about these unique experiences, including their locations and offerings,” said Holly Courchene, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba. “Additionally, guests will learn the meaning of ‘Original Original’ and explore the vital roles that Indigenous Tourism Manitoba and its partners, including Travel Manitoba, are playing in the development of this vibrant industry.”
Indigenous Tourism Manitoba (ITM) is the only organization in Manitoba that unites communities, Indigenous groups, and industry leaders to create authentic Indigenous Tourism experiences. Their main goal is to support Indigenous businesses and their communities, and they’re committed to promoting and growing Indigenous Tourism.
The organization is grounded in cultural authenticity, where every moment is a celebration of the past, a vibrant expression of the present, and a promise to safeguard the future.
In a further commitment to advancing the industry, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba is pleased to share the Explore Indigenous space with Turtle Tours. This partnership addresses one of the key challenges in growing Indigenous tourism: providing a reliable avenue for booking and packaging authentic Indigenous tours. Turtle Tours will offer a variety of bookable experiences that authentically represent Indigenous culture, providing visitors with an accessible way to explore Indigenous tourism at the heart of Turtle Island.
Turtle Tours is an Indigenous-led tourism company based in Manitoba, offering authentic Indigenous tours and experiences that connect guests to the land, its history, and the voices of its original Peoples. Through storytelling, guided walks, cultural teachings, and traditional food experiences, each offering invites reflection, understanding, and connection.
An ITM member, Turtle Tours, has expanded from their location in Riding Mountain National Park to open at The Forks.
“The Forks has always been a place where people come together for trade, peace, celebration, survival, and connection. It just feels right to start Turtle Tours here. There’s a warmth to this place, like being with family and friends. It’s welcoming, it holds history, and it reflects the values we carry. All walks of life still meet here, and honestly it’s just a happy place to be. We want visitors to leave with new knowledge, new friendships, and memories of a really good time.” — Ashley Smith, Founder of Turtle Tours.
Turtle Tours highlights Indigenous histories that are often left untold. Guests learn about the Treaties, historic trade routes, traditional food systems, and sustainable practices passed down through generations. More than a tourism company, Turtle Tours is a platform for truth-telling, education, and cultural reconnection where every step and every bite tells a story.
Photo from Turtle Tours
Learn more and book a tour through the Turtle Tours website!