Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Make this Valentine’s Day a thoughtful one that shows your love for your partner and honours the First Peoples of the land that we now call Canada. From artisan-crafted jewellery and stylish Indigenous fashions to feasting with an Indigenous twist and romantic getaways, spoil your lover with a unique Indigenous gift – to enjoy now or to share later when it’s safe again to travel.
With love from us… to you.

Dream about a getaway!

Hébergement aux cinq sens

Find your bliss at the Hébergement aux Cinq Sens, in the Eastern Townships village of Piopolis, and stir your senses with a break in a cozy yurt just steps from Lake Mégantic. Try the Sight Yurt with its star finder that encourages guests to “see beyond” or the Smell and Touch Yurts with their rich selection of essential and massage oils to arouse body and soul. https://www.auxcinqsens.ca/

Dakota Dunes

*Currently open, accepting reservations
Plan a break enjoying the serenity of the South Saskatchewan River just 20-minutes from downtown Saskatoon at the Dakota Dunes resort on traditional Whitecap Dakota Unceded Territory. Surrounded by gently rolling natural sand dunes, this newly built 155-room resort is a tribute to its Indigenous heritage with angular window trims and exterior wood panels echoing the traditional tipi. Feast. Play. Relax.

Ainsworth Hot Springs

*Temporarily Closed
Nestled within the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa First Nations (pronounced ‘K-too-nah-ha’) in BC’s Kootenay region, natural hot springs have long been deemed good medicine for the body, mind and soul. When it’s safe again to travel, book a stay in the Yaqan Nukiy Suites which honour the history and traditions of the Yaqan Nukiy People. Indulge with a massage at the Spirit Water Spa, dine deliciously at the Ktunaxa Grill, soak up the benefits of the healing waters.

Quaaout Lodge

*Open with restrictions
Head to B.C.’s Shuswap region to the Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Course for a stay to delight the mind, body and spirit. Take an interpretive Culture tour of the kekuli and join a berry-picking expedition; laze on the sandy beach; unwind at the spa; tee off on the scenic golf course, paddle across Little Shuswap Lake, then head ashore for a delicious bannock and salmon picnic.

Kwalilas

*Open with restrictions
Located on the traditional territories of the Kwakiutl people in Port Hardy with its distinctive local cedar and architecture which honours the authentic ‘big house’ style with a smoke hole at the top of the building enjoy an authentic Indigenous stay surrounded by traditional art, masks, Cultural design and music in luxurious surroundings. Enjoy First Nations-inspired cuisine and service in the ‘Ha’me restaurant; join one of the regularly scheduled Cultural activities within the hotel; head out on a guided ocean and forest Cultural tour.

Aski Holistic Adventures

*Temporarily Closed
Reconnect with nature and re-discover yourself on a unique adventure exploring the Saskatchewan River Delta with your Cree-Métis guide, Michela Carriére. Take the trip of a lifetime, far away from wi-fi, cell phones and the bustle of modern life. Achieve your personal aspirations on a bespoke adventure or nature therapy workshop with Michela in the wonders of North America’s largest inland river delta

Restaurant/Culinary/Wine experiences:

Salmon N Bannock

Feed your spirit and try something delicious at Vancouver’s only Indigenous-owned and operated restaurant. Taste traditional ingredients and authentic flavours made with organic and free-range game, and wild seafood to create wonderful and delicious modern dishes that honour the traditions of their grandfathers and grandmothers.

Mr Bannock

Bring home a taste of Coast Salish Cuisine with Mr. Bannock’s chef-made mixes and spice rubs and taste the love in each bite. Conveniently packaged for postal delivery and created with quality ingredients, recreate Mr. Bannock’s award-winning culinary flavours in the comfort of your own home for Valentine’s brunch, breakfast or dinner with a difference!

Pei Pei Chei Ow

Try an at-home valentine with a twist with a Pei Pei Chei Ow Feast Box which comes with free delivery in the Edmonton area or $25 shipping across Canada. Each box contains bannock mix, gourmet jam, Askiy all-natural Canadian-picked tea, a Mother Earth Essentials candle, a Serena Follette art print, an artisan-crafted gift and an introduction to the artists featured within.
https://www.peipeicheiow.com/upcoming-events

Wigwam

Live in Quebec City? Then gift your love (and yourself!) a four-course at-home culinary extravaganza created by Maxime Lizotte of Wigwam to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Follow chef Lizotte’s simple instructions and voila! In just 20 minutes you can create culinary magic for two.

Indigenous World Winery

Think pink with a case of sparkling La’p Cheet, a gorgeous rosy-coloured bubble made from Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Pinot Blanc at Indigenous World Winery, a world-class winery making award-winning wine on the traditional, unceded territory of the Okanagan Syilx People. Enjoy a taste of the land that has supported the Syilx people for over 10,000 years.

Nk’mip Cellars

Nk’Mip Cellars, North America’s first Indigenous winery, offers an award-winning range of fine wines inspired by the spectacular region that they call home. Splurge on a mixed case of premium Qwam Qwmt estate wines, such as silky Syrah, or their multi-award-winning Chardonnay, from one of the world’s superior grape-growing regions in the south Okanagan.

Jewellery

I-Hos Gallery

Love birds of a feather flock together! Hand-carved by Kwakwaka’wakw First Nation artist Harold Alfred, the Love Birds are a Raven and an Eagle. The Eagle is a symbol of peace and friendship, loyal animals full of lasting love and dedication. In Kwakwaka’wakw legend, Raven put the sun, moon and stars in the sky and symbolizes prestige and knowledge.

YFN Arts

Show your love by supporting support Whitehorse-based YFN Arts, a non-profit organization committed to growing and promoting the vibrant and sustainable arts and Culture of Yukon First Nations. Browse tempting trinkets in their online store such as cozy hand-stitched moccasins by Nlaka’pumux artist, Lisa Dewhurst. Or splurge on a delicate moose antler-carved Arctic Grayling from Kaska artist Dennis Shorty.

Tribal Trade Co

From funky fur-trimmed mukluks and moccasins to hand-beaded earrings, organic body products and stylish shirts, bedding, hats and leggings, make the Tribal Trade Co., located in the Ojibway Territory of Curve Lake First Nation, your first stop online to find a thoughtful gift for the tribal person in your life.

Snuggle up with Aurora Heat

Give your honey the gift of everlasting warmth this year from the frozen Northwest Territories. Talented Indigenous artisans at Aurora Heat handmake beautiful, luxurious hand, feet and body warmers from sustainably harvested sheared beaver fur; a traditional way of working in harmony with the natural world to stay warm no matter how cold it gets.