Winnipeg’s unique off-site venues offer plenty of ways to deepen delegates’ connections to Indigenous Peoples by facilitating Indigenous culture and teachings at your next meeting or event.
Qaumajuq
Housing the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art with more than 13,000 pieces, the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) is an innovative, $65 million museum dedicated to Inuit art and culture.
In Inuktitut, Qaumajuq translates to “it is bright, it is lit” in English. The name celebrates the light that flows into the 40,000 sq. ft. building, designed by U.S. architect Michael Maltzan that reflects the landscape of the North.
Qaumajuq builds on the WAG’s long history of collecting and exhibiting Inuit art, and working closely with Inuit partners and stakeholders. A critical element was the creation of the WAG’s Indigenous Advisory Circle, which played a key role in developing Canada’s newest iconic attraction, giving voice to Indigenous people who provide leadership and counsel. Qaumajuq is considered an important bridge between the North and South to deepen the world’s understanding of Canada and foster dialogue—bringing Inuit art to a larger audience by finding a respectful, celebratory way of presenting it in Winnipeg to your delegates.
A convention experience begins with outdoor projection of contemporary Inuit artwork available on the building’s exterior, setting the tone for the incredible art inside and creating a welcoming “glow” to an evening event. The WAG’s main event space Eckhardt Hall connects with Qaumajuq, offering flexibility to create unique spaces for your conference. Thousands of Inuit art pieces housed in the three-story high glass vault will inspire dialogue and provide the perfect backdrop for an event. In addition, the Learning Steps (Ilipvik Theatre) offers full audio-visual capabilities and configurable seating to suit event needs. It is an ideal venue for performance-based programming.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Give your delegates a transformative experience through the lens of Indigenous human rights at the world-class Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR). Content about Indigenous rights can be found in every museum gallery. Examples include an original 360-degree film in the beautiful Indigenous Perspectives introductory gallery, which reflects Indigenous Peoples’ views on original rights and responsibilities to humanity and the land. The outdoor Ceremonial Terrace located off this gallery faces the Red River, on a site that has been a gathering place for more than 6,000 years.
Delegates can learn more about the tragic story of Indian Residential Schools, presented in multiple ways throughout the museum. This includes a “school room” alcove that examines connections between residential schools, the Sixties Scoop and contemporary child welfare.
Storytelling through Indigenous art includes several major works such as Rebecca Belmore’s “Trace,” comprised of 14,000 hand-pressed clay beads and “Spirit Panels” created by Indigenous artists in each Canadian province and territory with input from Indigenous youth.
Programming can be tailored to your event needs at the CMHR, where your delegates will learn stories of resilience and survival, fostering dialogue that will challenge stereotypes and encourage action for reconciliation.
Assiniboine Park
Set to open soon, The Indigenous Peoples Garden in Canada’s Diversity Gardens at Assiniboine Park will be a gathering place that recognizes Canada's strong Indigenous heritage. The garden’s design was created over several years and led by Indigenous landscape and architectural designers in collaboration with Indigenous Elders and community leaders. These gardens will serve as a crossroads of cultures and a place for sharing knowledge, where delegates can discover or rediscover the culture of the first inhabitants in Canada. The gardens are part of the $110 million horticultural attraction, which includes the indoor component, The Leaf, offering multiple event spaces to host a meeting or event.
For more information on these unique off-site venues and others in Winnipeg, visit meetingswinnipeg.com.