History

The Manito Ahbee Festival celebrates Indigenous arts, culture, and music in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The 18th annual festival held May 18-22, 2023 will feature: *NEW* NextGEN, Manito Ahbee Pow Wow, Manito Ahbee Marketplace & Food, Ignite Your Spirit Performance Stage, Spirit Visions, Jig N' Jam, Manito Ahbee Sports, Indian Horse Relay and more new events/partnerships. Hybrid Virtual events will continue in 2023 which will include Spirit Visions 48 hour film challenge. 

MISSION STATEMENT 

In the spirit of the Manito Ahbee sacred site, the 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 festival name 'Manito Ahbee' was gifted to the festival through ceremony, and is named after the sacred site, which is one of the most important and significant traditional Indigenous gathering sites in all of Turtle Island (North America).  The Manito Ahbee sacred site is located in the western Whiteshell area of Manitoba.  Manito Ahbee, an Ojibway word means, “where the Creator sits.” The site is recognized and honoured by Indigenous 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 festival as a celebration for all people. Manito Ahbee invites everyone, uniting residents and visitors in the spirit of honouring Indigenous culture and the seven sacred teachings: love, respect, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility and truth.