About Manito Ahbee

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

 

Mission Statement:
In the spirit of its 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.

 

The Manito Ahbee Festival is an initiative of the Manito Ahbee Festival Board of Governors.

Hosted in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, 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.

The Festival has established a number of groundbreaking legacies and demonstrates that Aboriginal culture is fresh, contemporary and, above all, relevant as we head into the new millennium.

The name Manito Ahbee references a sacred site located in Manitoba’s Whiteshell Provincial Park, where First Nations traditionally gathered to share teachings and wisdom. Manito Ahbee means ” where the Creator sits”.

There are a number of petroforms at this special site, including one in the shape of the turtle that is used in the Manito Ahbee logo. Since the festival is a continental event, the turtle also represents Turtle Island, which is another name for North America.

Contact us at 204-956-1849 for more information about Manito Ahbee and the Manito Ahbee Board of Governors.