Learning from the Land at Cape Croker Park
On the Peninsula, surrounded by natural beauty with stunning views of Georgian Bay, lies Cape Croker Park.
Found on the territory of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, this area provides visitors with the opportunity to gain a new outlook on the land on which they stand, and learn from Anishinaabe teachers what it means to truly connect with the surrounding wilderness.
From an Indigenous Perspective
On the Peninsula, surrounded by natural beauty with stunning views of Georgian Bay, lies Cape Croker Park. Found on the territory of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, this area provides visitors with the opportunity to gain a new outlook on the land on which they stand, and learn from Anishinaabe teachers what it means to truly connect with the surrounding wilderness.
Walk Upon the Land
There is only so much you can learn from a book, or a documentary, or an article. The real lessons come when you are walking on the land itself, breathing in the air, smelling the forest around you, and learning from passionate teachers. When you are out on the trail, listening to the breeze through the trees and the wildlife roaming the forest, you become open to learning.
A five hour guided hike called “At Home on the Land” awaits those who want to learn more about the land from an Anishinaabe perspective. Throughout the approximately 10km hike, visitors are treated to stories of the land, learning lessons on geology and ecology, and gaining cultural understandings of the environment around them.
Go With the Flow
One of the best parts about guides hikes at Cape Croker Park is that there is never a repeat experience. Because of the diverse interests and experiences of the group, your guide will tailor your experience to what is most interesting to you. Do you want to learn all about how glaciers formed the cliffs and rocks of the escarpment? Or maybe you want to focus on the mushrooms and fungi blanketing the forest floor. Whatever your interests are, the expert guides are full of knowledge and happy to answer any question you might have.
Passion for the Work
The Anishinaabe Cultural Programs at Cape Croker Park were developed by community members who had worked in Canada’s national parks system for a long time and saw an opportunity to build upon that experience and provide authentic, in-depth Indigenous programming.
They took their passion for teaching and the outdoors to their community at Neyaashiinigmiing and created the cultural programs, open to all who are interested in learning.
A Variety of Experiences
In addition to the “At Home on the Land” guided hike, visitors can also take a more leisurely 2.5 hour guided hike called “Walking with Nature”, which offers similar experiences as the longer hike but at a more relaxed pace on a less challenging section of trail. Both hikes offer a sampling of fresh, locally harvested cedar made into tea.”
Another opportunity is to participate in the Fire Making and Wilderness Skills workshop, where you will learn traditional fire-making practices such as using a bow drill, and learn how to navigate in the wilderness using a solar compass.
Even better, these programs are always evolving and expanding so keep your eye out for new experiences at Cape Croker in the community of Neyaashiinigmiing on their website.
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