Welcome to Winnipeg, a city with a rich Indigenous heritage and the largest urban Indigenous population in Canada. As you explore our vibrant city, you'll have incredible opportunities to experience Indigenous culture, cuisine, and entrepreneurship firsthand.

Understanding Winnipeg's Indigenous Heritage

Winnipeg is located on Treaty 1 Territory, the traditional and ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples. The city also sits in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis Nation.

Treaty 1: The First Numbered Treaty

Treaty 1 was signed on August 3, 1871, at Lower Fort Garry, making it the first of the Numbered Treaties. Seven First Nations are part of this historic treaty:

  • Peguis First Nation
  • Sagkeeng First Nation
  • Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
  • Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation
  • Long Plain First Nation
  • Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation
  • Swan Lake First Nation

The Forks, where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, has been a gathering place for Indigenous peoples for over 6,000 years—recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada. This sacred meeting place continues to serve as a cultural hub where visitors can learn about Indigenous history and traditions.

Traditional Indigenous Foods to Try

When you're in Winnipeg, make sure to sample these traditional Indigenous ingredients and dishes:

Bannock

This traditional quick bread is a cornerstone of Indigenous cuisine. You'll find it served in countless creative ways—from bannock pizza to bannock burgers, and everything in between. It's delicious warm, often served with butter, jam, or as a base for savory toppings.

Bison

Manitoba bison is a local specialty with deep Indigenous roots. Try bison ribs, bison burgers, bison chili, or slow-roasted bison. The meat is leaner than beef with a rich, slightly sweet flavor.

Pickerel (Walleye)

This freshwater fish is abundant in Manitoba's lakes and a staple in Indigenous cuisine. Look for dishes featuring Manitoba pickerel, often served with wild rice and seasonal vegetables, or try fried walleye cheeks for something unique.

Wild Rice (Manoomin)

Known as manoomin in Ojibway, wild rice is a sacred food that grows in Manitoba's lakes and rivers. It's often served in pilafs, soups, or as a side dish.

Saskatoon Berries

These purple berries are native to the prairies and have a sweet, nutty flavor. Try them in vinaigrettes, pies, or preserves.

Traditional Game

You may also encounter dishes featuring Arctic char, elk, or other traditional game meats prepared in both traditional and contemporary styles.

Must-Visit Indigenous Restaurants

Feast Café Bistro

Location: 587 Ellice Avenue

Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 AM–10 PM

Feast is one of the original Indigenous-owned and operated restaurants in Canada rooted in First Nations cuisine. Chef/owner Christa Bruneau-Guenther, a member of Peguis First Nation, has received national acclaim and appeared on Food Network Canada's Wall of Chefs and as a guest judge on Top Chef Canada.

Must-try dishes:

  • Butternut squash bannock pizza
  • Manitoba bison bannock burger
  • House salad with homemade Saskatoon berry vinaigrette
  • Eggs "banny" (poached eggs on bannock)
  • "Tipi" tacos

Feast also has a strong community focus, providing employment opportunities and training to individuals facing barriers to employment.

Shelly's Indigenous Bistro

Location: 1364 Main Street

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 11 AM–8 PM; Friday, 11 AM–12 AM; Saturday, 4 PM–12 AM

Owned and operated by Vince Bignell of Mathias Colomb First Nation, Shelly's serves hearty portions of Indigenous-inspired comfort food with creative fusion twists.

Must-try dishes:

  • Bannock Taco Pizza
  • 15-inch bannock crust pizzas
  • Deadly Aunty Burger (triple patties, triple bacon, triple cheese on bannock)
  • North Ender pizza (bannock crust with Ukrainian kubasa—a true blend of Winnipeg flavors)
  • "Riceys" (fried rice dishes)

Bistro on Notre Dame

Location: 784 Notre Dame Avenue

Owned by Chef Dean Herkert, a Manitoba Métis Federation member who's been featured on APTN's "Chuck and the First Peoples' Kitchen," this bistro offers robust menu options from breakfast through late night.

Highlights:

  • Fresh Water menu featuring walleye and Arctic char
  • Manitoba bison dishes
  • Breakfast waffles (a local favorite)
  • Locally sourced ingredients

Manoomin Restaurant

Location: 460 Madison Street (Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport Hotel)

Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM–9 PM

Named after the Ojibway word for wild rice, Manoomin features Red Seal Chef Jennifer Ballantyne's menu inspired by her childhood on Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

Signature dishes:

  • Bannock tacos
  • Fried walleye cheeks with crispy jalapeño
  • Bison chili
  • Manitoba corn-crusted pickerel with wild rice quinoa pilaf

Promenade Brasserie

Location: 130 Provencher Boulevard

Chef Jay Lekopoy combines Métis-Francophone heritage with local flavors. The dining room and patio offer stunning views of the Red River.

Featured items:

  • Fry bread topped with smoked Arctic char
  • Pemmican tartare
  • Seasonal Manitoba ingredients

The Indigenous Kitchen (Food Truck)

Owner and Red Seal Chef Tara Hall (from Pinaymootang First Nation) operates this seasonal food truck (spring through autumn) serving Ojibway and Cree cuisine. Look for it at popular Winnipeg events like Manito Ahbee festival and the Manitoba Airshow.

Signature item: Bannock bison burger

Indigenous Shops and Businesses

Teekca's Aboriginal Boutique

Location: The Forks Market

Located at Winnipeg's most-visited tourism site, Teekca's offers a wide selection of Indigenous-made items including beaded moose and cowhide moccasins, star blankets, traditional teas, art, and jewelry. Each item reflects thousands of years of craftsmanship.

Winnipeg Trading Post

Location: 1128 Main Street

Established in 1983, this store works alongside the Indigenous community offering:

  • Extensive selection of beads, leather, fur, and feathers
  • Handcrafted dreamcatchers, drums, and rattles
  • Beaded earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and barrettes
  • Navajo and Mojave blankets
  • Native-inspired apparel
  • Crafting supplies for those interested in traditional arts

Anishinaabe Girl

Location: Winnipeg (boutique and online)

Owned by Shauna Fontaine (member of Sagkeeng First Nation), this boutique features:

  • Handmade jewelry incorporating natural elements like birchbark, furs, leathers, and porcupine quills
  • Local Indigenous handmade clothing and accessories
  • Body care and bath products
  • Art and home décor
  • Books

MANTiC Indigenous and Metaphysical

Location: 1469 Main Street

This family-owned gift shop specializes in:

  • Indigenous-made books, candles, moccasins, and jewelry
  • Crystals and metaphysical supplies
  • Clothing and housewares

Indigenous Reflections Inc.

Location: Winnipeg

Features First Nations educational products celebrating culture, heritage, and knowledge:

  • Traditional crafts
  • Contemporary literature
  • Educational resources
  • Artwork

Dene Cree Designs Inc.

Location: Winnipeg

A retail destination blending traditional Indigenous artistry with modern design:

  • Apparel and accessories
  • Home décor
  • Corporate and wholesale options

INAC (Indigenous Nations Apparel Co.)

Location: Polo Park Mall

This shop offers sustainable, unique Indigenous-inspired clothing and contemporary fashion.

Winnipeg Art Gallery - Qaumajuq

Location: Downtown Winnipeg

Don't miss Qaumajuq, the WAG's award-winning Inuit art centre housing the world's largest collection of contemporary Inuit art. After exploring the galleries, visit the gift shop for Indigenous-made items by local Manitoba artisans.

Cultural Experiences

The Forks

Visit the Oodena Celebration Circle and explore this historic gathering place. Take the self-guided 90-minute audio tour "Niizhoziibean" (Two Rivers in Ojibway) to learn about Indigenous history through stories and legends.

Rooster Town Kettle

Located at Beaumont Station on Winnipeg's Southwest Transitway, this five-meter tea kettle commemorates the Métis community that once lived in Rooster Town from 1901 to 1961. It serves as a powerful reminder of both historical and ongoing water challenges in Indigenous communities.

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site

Visit where Treaty 1 was signed and see the Treaty No. 1 Legacy Flag Installation featuring flags from each of the seven First Nations, plus the Canadian flag and Union Jack.

Supporting Indigenous Communities

When you support these Indigenous-owned restaurants and businesses, you're:

  • Directly supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs and artists
  • Contributing to economic reconciliation
  • Helping preserve and celebrate Indigenous culture and traditions
  • Supporting community employment and training programs
  • Learning about and respecting the traditional territories you're visiting

Tips for Respectful Engagement

  • Take time to learn about Treaty 1 and what it means to be on this territory
  • Ask questions respectfully at restaurants and shops—owners and staff are often happy to share stories about their food and products
  • Understand that Indigenous cuisine represents both ancient traditions and contemporary innovation
  • Support businesses directly rather than purchasing Indigenous-style items from non-Indigenous retailers
  • Share your experiences and recommend these businesses to other visitors

Before You Visit

Many Indigenous restaurants and businesses have their own stories, cultural practices, and community connections. Some offer cultural programming, events, or workshops. Check their websites or social media for current hours, special events, and seasonal offerings.

Winnipeg's Indigenous community is vibrant, creative, and welcoming. By engaging with Indigenous-owned businesses and learning about the cultures and histories that have shaped this land for thousands of years, you'll gain a deeper, richer understanding of what makes Winnipeg truly special.

Experience Indigenous Winnipeg

When you stay at Corydon Cute & Stylish, you're perfectly positioned to explore Winnipeg's rich Indigenous heritage. From The Forks to Indigenous restaurants and shops, you'll have easy access to authentic cultural experiences that celebrate the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who have called this land home for thousands of years.

After exploring Indigenous Winnipeg, return to comfortable accommodations in the historic Crescentwood neighborhood. Book your stay and discover the cultural richness that makes Winnipeg unique.

Miigwech (Thank you in Anishinaabemowin) for taking the time to explore and support Indigenous Winnipeg!