Whetung Ojibwa Centre — Attraction in Ontario

This is such a wonderful cultural experience with so much to learn about. There are countless amazing hand crafted items to be purchased and even if you don't buy anything but a trinket, you can still spend practically an entire day perusing the gorgeous works. I am almost 60 and have been going here a number of times since I was a very young child, before I could pronounce the name correctly. The staff and owner would get me to repeatedly say the name as a kid and I'd have them in stitches with, "WungTongue ObiGiWanna Crafts". LOL. I haven't been here in over 20 years and that last time was when I took an ex of mine from the US who was here visiting and she just loved looking at all the incredible works too. She purchased a gorgeous wind chime made of shellac coated "slices" of wood {I believe} and I have it hanging in my living room to this very day. One of the times visiting there I went to the restaurant {not sure if they still have it} and had a bison burger for the 1 and only time in my life. I love bison but, I had asked for it well done and it came out more like burnt. Still overall it was interesting to taste bison. I've had moose cooked by someone I knew years ago and I'm not at all scared of trying foods, especially game. Moose with onions and mushrooms was delicious! I'd love to go back to Whetung Ojibwas Centre again soon to not only spend hours looking at the incredible hand crafted works but, I'd really love to buy a Native piece of much more substance to it ... like a totem pole. For 20 years now I've been living a mere 40 minute drive or so away from there. I don't drive but I'll get back there 1 day. I HIGHLY recommend this intriguing place to any and all. The staff have always been fantastic...

Me and my boyfriend came across this store spontaneously as we were sight seeing. The exterior of the store is inviting and welcoming and the owners are the same. I wish I had gotten their names, but they were extremely kind. The lady informed us of a Powwow that is taking place in 2 weeks that we are extremely excited to attend.

The inside of the centre is breathe taking. We could have spent the entire day there looking at all the artwork, clothing, books, etc.

As a teacher, I picked up a few books for my classroom to share with my students. We wear orange shirts for Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconcilliation. We also have an orange flag waving in the front of our school in commemoration and honour of the lives lost in residential schools, the survivors and communities impacted. On the daily announcement the principal gives a brief spiel of appreciation to the First Nations, Metis and Indigenous people. Yet our classrooms still do not have adequate books to spread awareness and knowledge of the history.

The reason we wear orange shirts and why these announcements take place is missing. The truth and the reason are interchangeable. I am told it is because the books are to graphic, gruesome, sensitive or not age appropriate. Which is far from the truth. These books are the truth and my question was how can we fully reconcile without knowing the truth?

I want to educate my students to be knowlegable, kind, respectful and compassionate. This store has the most beautiful resources and I am graciously thankful.

Would highly recommend to stop by if you are...

September 14, 2024 recently visited Whetung Ojibwa Centre after a scenic 1.5-hour drive from Pickering. We spent over two hours exploring the center, which features a stunning collection of Indigenous crafts, including dreamcatchers, jewelry, moccasins, paintings, and much more. The center also offers a museum, totem poles, and sculptures that provide insight into the Curve Lake First Nation and other Indigenous groups across Canada.

One of the highlights for me was the beautiful selection of crystals, accompanied by a detailed guidebook. I ended up purchasing a bear claw, three Every Child Matters t-shirts designed by Freddy Taylor, a Residential School Survivor and Curve Lake First Nation member, along with some candy sticks for my kids. My friend gifted me a gorgeous porcelain mug featuring a design by artist Leah Marie Dorion, symbolizing the "Breath of Life"—a reminder that our breath is sacred and our words carry the power to impact the world positively.

If you're looking for a peaceful and enriching day trip filled with beauty, positivity, and a deeper appreciation for life, I highly recommend visiting Whetung Ojibwa Centre. Be sure to check their website for special events—I’m already looking forward to...