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Manito Ahbee Presenting Sponsor Manitoba Lotteries

 
We acknowledge the support of the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage (Canadian Music Fund) and of Canada's private radio broadcasters.

 

WELCOME TO MANITO AHBEE !

October 31 - November 4, 2012 is the seventh Annual Manito Ahbee Festival and Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards!   

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada is home to the exciting and vibrant celebration of Aboriginal Cultures known as the Manito Ahbee Festival!   The gathering welcomes people from all backgrounds from across Canada, the United States and the world, to experience music, arts and culture in a world class setting.

In 2012, we invite you all to take part in our many festival events that include a Youth Education Conference, Indigenous Marketplace and Trade Show, International Competition Pow Wow and the renowned Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards. 

Planning is underway to make this year one of the best ever!  To do that we need you there and look forward to welcoming our loyal attendees and those of you coming for the first time.  All are welcome to enjoy one of the continent's largest cultural festivals that has something special to offer everyone. 

Thank you to our sponsors, staff, volunteers and for all those who value our traditions and culture and hold them close to their hearts.  It is with great excitement that we  look forward to sharing them with you.

The Board of Governors, staff and organizers of the Manito Ahbee Festival express deep gratitude for all participants, supporters and communities who come together to make the festival a success!  

ABOUT MANITO AHBEE

Manito Ahbee is a dynamic and high profile festival. Hosted in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the festival draws people from across Canada the United States and abroad. The impact of the Festival reaches well beyond entertainment; it has communicated a very significant message about the importance of celebrating Aboriginal culture. It arouses a far deeper understanding and powerful affirmation of Aboriginal cultural rebirth and renewal. It showcases the talents, gifts and abilities of Aboriginal artists from all nations. It is truly a celebration of Aboriginal music, arts, culture and heritage not seen before by the broader public through the many festival events.
 
MISSION STATEMENT
 
In the spirit of the sacred site, the Manito Ahbee Festival is a gathering that celebrates Indigenous culture and heritage to unify, educate and inspire.
 
VISION STATEMENT
 
Manito Ahbee is recognized as a leader in transforming relationships to share Indigenous culture and  heritage with the world.
 
MEANING BEHIND THE NAME
The name Manito Ahbee was gifted to the festival through ceremony, and is connected to its sacred site name sake. Manito Ahbee is one of the most important and significant traditional Aboriginal gathering sites in all of Turtle Island (North America).
The Manito Ahbee site is located in the western Whiteshell area of Manitoba, and marks the location where the Creator makes his home.   Manito Ahbee, an Ojibway word means, “where the Creator sits.” The site is recognized and honoured by Aboriginal peoples across North America as a sacred place for all people. The name of the province, Manitoba, is itself derived from the name of this sacred site.

The festival represents an opportunity for Manitobans and visitors alike to experience the province as truly a ‘home for all people.’ Manito Ahbee thus ‘gathers people’, uniting both residents and visitors in a spirit of celebration, honouring the Creator and the seven sacred teachings: love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth.