28th IBA Conference Field Trips

Description

Fort Edmonton Park Tour ♦ Metis Crossing ♦ Elk Island National Park and Lunch At Culina McCauley Trip Details and Pricing Below

Trip Details and Pricing Below
**All Prices in USD**

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FIELD TRIPS DATE
Wednesday 18th September 2024

VENUE
Edmonton Convention Centre
9797 Jasper Ave, Edmonton, AB T5J 1N9, Canada

REGISTRATION FEES - Prices are in US Dollars

All Deadlines are in Mountain Daylight Time

IBA Conference – A lot of work and some good play!

We have 3 different field trips to choose how to spend your Wednesday during the conference. Space is limited, so make sure to reserve your space now. The descriptions below have been provided by Heather Harcott. If you have any questions, please contact either Gordon Stenhouse or Jennapher Teunissen van Manen.

FORT EDMONTON PARK TOUR:

Nested on 158 acres of wooded parkland in Edmonton's river valley, Fort Edmonton Park takes you on an iconic journey through the city's incredibly rich history. From pre-European contact to the Fur Trade through to the Roaring Twenties, Fort Edmonton Park offers Edmonton's original immersive experience.

This is a full day tour where you will experience Fort Edmonton’s Indigenous Peoples Experience, tour the Fort and buildings from 1846 and the Mikiwap Tipi Experience. The award-winning IPE exhibit explores the rich and beautiful cultures of First Nations and Métis Peoples while encouraging visitors to seek out the truths as lived by Indigenous Peoples in Treaty 6. Explore Edmonton's Fur Trade and learn how the Indigenous Peoples of amiskwacîwâskahikan contributed to its success. Guests can expect a hands-on, interactive introduction to the fur trade. The Mikiwap Tipi Experience is a combination of storytelling, instruction and historical knowledge that immerses participants in Cree teaching surrounding this important cultural symbol. Transportation and lunch are provided to all participants.

Cost per person: $187.00USD (~ $250CAD)/person
Available spaces: 56
Departure time from Edmonton Convention Centre: 8:00am
Return time to Edmonton Convention Centre: 5:00pm

METIS CROSSING:

Sitting on 512-acres of land, comprised of river lot titles from the original Métis settlers to the region in the late 1800s, the crossing is designed to engage and excite visitors through an exploration of Métis cultural experiences. Métis Crossing strives to represent and share elements of Métis culture; pride of culture and respect (with self-identification), family reconnection and reconciliation, sacredness of place and empathy and acknowledgement.

This is a full day tour where you will choose activities to fill your day. Transportation and lunch are provided to all participants.

Meet the Metis (1.5 hours): Experience life on a traditional Métis River Lot in this one-of-a-kind Signature Experience! Led by a Métis interpretive guide, you’ll visit featured locations around Métis Crossing for an inside look at Métis life, history, and traditions.

Traditional Workshop: The Métis knowledge holder will guide your group through various traditional art forms fostering cultural discussions and learnings.

Through the Eye of The Hunter (1.5 hours): See through the eye of the hunter as your Métis guide leads you on a river-side trail walk. Discover the diverse plants of the boreal forest, learn about their traditional uses and seasonal cycles, and look for signs of the many animals that call Métis Crossing home. Hear stories of how Métis people survive on the land and how they relate to the plants and animals that help sustain our communities. In the second half of this experience, you’ll get to practice your bow hunting skills on a natural archery course! These essential skills were passed down by Métis people, from generation to generation, so they could all learn to provide for our communities and practice sustainable harvesting.

Paddle into the Past (2 hours): Paddle into the Past is a 4-hour immersive Indigenous experience linking two historic sites with an authentic Voyageur canoe trip along an historic fur trade route. Embark on this unforgettable adventure that offers a perfect blend of Métis history, culture, and the great outdoors!

Learn about the fur trade and its importance to Métis history and ways of life. Then, get a taste for life on the river as you enlist as a Voyageur-in-training! Paddling in time with the beautiful North Saskatchewan River, you’ll travel by Voyageur canoe along a traditional fur trade route, discovering important landmarks and local wildlife as you journey from Métis Crossing to Fort Victoria. Finally, you’ll explore the Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site and learn more about how Métis people and settlers lived, worked, and traded together on these lands.

Cost per person: $243.00USD (~ $325CAD)/person
Available spaces: 56
Departure time from Edmonton Convention Centre: 7:30am
Return time to Edmonton Convention Centre: 5:00pm

Experience the rolling hills, glassy lakes, and star-filled skies of Elk Island National Park, a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve just 35 minutes east of Edmonton. Look for herds of bison, elk or one of more than 250 bird species that call this special place home.

This is a full day tour where you will experience a Bison Backstage Tour and have time for a guided hike through Elk Island National Park.

Bison Backstage Tour (1 hour): Bison Backstage is the exclusive, behind the scenes look at bison conservation at Elk Island. Visitors will be led through the Plains Bison Handling Facility and along the way will learn about the history of bison, how they affect the prairie landscape around them, and how parks staff herd these magnificent wild animals through the world-class plains bison handling facility as a tool to connect visitors to Canada’s bison story and Parks Canada’s ongoing role in bison conservation efforts.

Custom Guided Hike (1.5 to 2 hours): Explore Elk Island National Park on foot! Keep your eyes and ears open as you hike with an experienced interpreter who will guide your group along one of the trails in the park to showcase aspects of the habitats, plants, animals, and cultural history of the park unique to your group’s preferences.

Lunch (1.5 hours):
Culina Catering has been rooted in Edmonton since 2004. Executive Chef de Cuisine and Culina Founder Brad Lazarenko offers catering for a wide variety of events with delicious, customized menus. Proud member of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA) and Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) Culina has built long term relationships with local food producers and suppliers. This custom Indigenous lunch will be served family style, will include a three-course offering including Bison sausage, salmon and a Métis baked bannock.

Cost per person: $112.00USD (~$150CAD)/person
Available spaces: 56
Departure time from Edmonton Convention Centre: 7:45am
Return time to Edmonton Convention Centre: 3:00pm