Travel the Great Spirit Circle Trail

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Visitors to Manitoulin Island and the North Shore of Lake Huron will find themselves immersed in a land of visions and dreams.

A network of First Nations' cultural attractions, known as the Great Spirit Circle Trail, welcomes tourists to the territory of the region's Anishnaabe people in the ancestral home of the Council of the Three Fires Confederacy.

The Great Spirit Circle Trail is operated by Aundek Omni Kaning First Nation, M'Chigeeng First Nation, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, Sheguiandah First Nation, Sheshegwaning First Nation, Whitefish River First Nation, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve and Zhiibaahaasing First Nation. The circle trail symbolizes not only the circular path of the physical journey, but the spiritual journey of Medicine Wheel teachings.

Natural attractions of the region include the Benjamin Islands, the Spanish River, the LaCloche foothills and countless inland lakes. Unparalleled North Channel and Georgian Bay scenery are a perennial delight.

Matthew Owl, founder and tourism co-ordinator of Sagamok's adventure tourism initiative called Trails of the Eagle Clan, said the circle trail network is expanding. He expects it to eventually encompass 27 communities.

Owl attributes the success of the circle trail concept to "the genuine willingness of Native people to share who we are as a people." Aboriginal tourism operators are successful, he said, because they "recognize that the core essence of Aboriginal culture is sharing. Being hospitable just comes naturally to Aboriginal people."

Trails of the Eagle Clan, near Massey, Ont., is billed as "the ultimate in extreme outdoor adventures," and offers guided canoeing, hiking and camping excursions. Visitors have an opportunity to experience the actual travel route of the Anishnawbek people during and before the fur trade. The trails meander through former Ojibwe, Odawa and Potowatomi settlements along rivers and inland lakes.

Part of the adventure is a chance to view the spectacle of Spirit Lake.

Here, First Nations guides share stories and legends of the area and provide information about local plants and wildlife.

Another must see on the Great Spirit Circle Trail is legendary Dreamer's Rock, a site for spirit questers, at Whitefish River First Nation on Birch Island. Tours of this sacred site can be arranged, Also on Birch Island, Roosevelt Monument, which commemorates the late American president Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1943 visit, remains a popular stop for motorists.

Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, nestled on the eastern side of Manitoulin Island, also has numerous attractions for visitors. An itinerary in this community could include the marina, the Holy Cross Mission ruins, the cenotaph, the golf course and ATV tours. A highlight of the summer is the competition powwow held on the Aug. 1 weekend.

The oldest Native settlement in the area is Sheguiandah. The stone quarry located on this First Nation provides artifacts from the oldest archeological find in North America.

Tipi camping is available on two peaceful islands at Aundeck Omni Kaning (formerly the Ojibways of Sucker Creek.)

Endaa-aang Native eco resort, 10 km west of Little Current, boasts cabin accommodation on Bedford and East Rous Islands. Endaa-aang tour packages include art gallery tours, horseback riding, boat tours and arts and crafts outlets.

The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation's museum and art display is a key attraction in M'Chigeeng at West Bay. The centre holds dance exhibitions, craft-making workshops, and storytelling sessions with Elders. Hikers can also explore the M'Chigeeng trails leading to breathtaking views from bluffs overlooking the community.

Travelling to the far western tip of Manitoulin Island can also be rewarding. Sheshegwaning First Nation is home to Nishin crafts and to Nimkee's hiking trail and camping.

Neighboring Zhiibaahaasing features the world's largest peace pipe, dreamcatcher and drum.

Using a new brochure, produced by th northern and southern Ontario Native tourism associations in partnership with Aboriginal Business Canada, vacationers can plan an authentic voyage into the past.

One appealing package involves a charter coach trip up the Bruce Peninsula to Tobermory, followed by a Chi-Cheemaun Ferry ride to Manitoulin Island. Accommodations are booked at Manitowaning Lodge. Visitors enjoy live theatre at the Debajehmugig Theatre and participate in cultural and language activities. After that, a visit to Sudbury and its museum Science North is on the agenda.