Indigenous Experiences hosting celebration this weekend

Indigenous Experiences, an organization that presents and creates programming reflecting Indigenous culture, is celebrating the Sigwan Spring Festival this weekend. 

The celebration begins Friday, March 25 and runs until Sunday, March 27 at the Madahòkì Farm, located in Ottawa's west end at 4420 West Hunt Club Road.

The Madahòkì Farm, the former site of the Lone Star Ranch, is now the home of a series of events honouring indigenous culture year-round. It is the new home of the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, previously held at Vincent Massey Park. 

Trina Mather-Simard, the founder of Indigenous Experiences, said on The Sam Laprade Show on Friday, March 25, she's thrilled and excited to welcome people to the Madahòkì Farm, which she noted translates to “share the land.”

“That's our long-term vision here, to welcome visitors and share our Indigenous perspectives and teachings,” added the executive and artistic director of Indigenous Experiences. “We have so many great things in the works.”

Mather-Simard said this weekend's celebrations will feature programming and activities for all ages and is very much a family-oriented experience. 

The event features a marketplace, interactive creative workshops, food and a chance to see the rare Ojibwe Spirit Horses, the only Indigenous breed of horse in Canada.  

Mather-Simard said the site also features a trail where visitors can leave messages and express what they have learned during their visit. 

“Part of the healing process is for people to come and learn about our culture and history,” she continued. “We have seen some beautiful messages about reconciliation on the trail.” 

Registration is required for this weekend's event, and more information can be found at indigenous-experiences.ca.