Mission Statement     Awards & Testimonials   

Long ago, the Ottawa River which runs through our nation’s capital was a major highway. This highway was navigated by the many native nations from across Turtle Island (or North America, as it is known today) who were in search of food, technology and trade goods. At one time, all of the lands stretching on each side of the river were home to the Algonquin nation who were called “Adawa”, meaning people of the trade. When European explorers later traveled these same waters in search of the mighty beaver pelt, they called the area “Ottawa” after the local nation.

Today, we are pleased to bring some of this rich history to life for our visitors on the historical and sacred Victoria Island. This island jewel is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa under the shadows of Parliament Hill. For thousands of years, the Alqonquin nation used this very island as a meeting place for gatherings, trading and celebrations and we continue this tradition today with a unique celebration of our contemporary urban native culture.

“Aboriginal Experiences” is an exciting new cultural attraction in Ottawa that offers more than a fun family outing; we provide visitors with an enriching and entertaining new experience. Our programs offer a rare opportunity to experience the rich culture, teachings and history of Canada’s First People from our own perspective. Our talented team of Aboriginal artists, represent the Aboriginal community of Ottawa today – a diversity of native nations from across Canada (or Turtle Island as we know it) . Each one of us has our own story that we look forward to sharing with you on your visit.

On your next visit to Canada’s Capital Region we invite you to explore Canada’s only truly “urban” based Aboriginal cultural attraction.

Mission Statement

Turtle Island Tourism Company's mission, simply put, is to provide authentic Aboriginal experiences to visitors to Canada's capital region. Canadian and American Aboriginal culture is a source of much fascination to many world-wide, yet to many, it is as mysterious as it is fascinating.

We seek to inform, enlighten, thrill and entertain curious travellers and locals alike, while providing an open forum where Aboriginal people from all across this vast territory can share their cultures with those who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to experience this unique culture firsthand. We never tire of seeing the look of astonishment that comes across the face of one who is hearing the first emotion-stirring cries of our singers for the first time, as it is at that precise moment when the nature of our culture is communicated most vividly.

We pride ourselves on delivering a truly authentic experience that illustrates both the diversity of the Aboriginal cultures originating in Canada, and how they've progressed through the ages. This is achieved through including both traditional and contemporary foods, performances, and displays of visual art from a variety of these unique cultures.

Turtle Island Tourism Company was formed in partnership with the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, a cultural centre serving the Aboriginal community in the Capital region. It is through forming and maintaining partnerships within the Aboriginal community that ensures the authenticity of our presentations.

With the opening of our new "summer village", we are pleased to make this award-winning experience available to the general public, and visitors from abroad. Please see the "Visit Us" section to learn more.

Awards & Testimonials

Experience first hand why Aboriginal Experiences has been awarded:

Testimonials & Visitors Comments