Immerse Yourself in History and Native Culture in Ontario

In the early 1600’s, Lake Huron’s Southern Georgian Bay Area, known as Huronia, was inhabited by the Huron and Iroquois Indians. The founder of New France, Samuel de Champlain, recuperated here during the winter of 1615 after being wounded in a fight with the Iroquois. The first planned European community in the area was the mission headquarters of the Jesuits, Sainte-Marie, built in 1639 and shelter to both European and Native peoples. It is famous today as the location where the Huron Christmas Carol was written, which is celebrated the first week in December at First Light.

Today, Huronia is a 90 minutes drive north of Toronto on excellent highways. Midland, Ontario, on Georgian Bay and Lake Huron is the center of summer water sports, boating, fishing and exceptional fresh water beaches. Georgian Bay Islands National Park, one of the Great Lakes most significant national parks, is accessible by boat with sand beaches and camping. A range of winter sports combine to make the area a year round destination.

Huronia has a significant mix of English, French, First Nations (Indian), and Metis cultures. First Nations and Métis history is recognized throughout the year in Historic Huronia with special celebrations taking place at many area attractions during the summer months. June marks National Aboriginal Day in Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. In August, the annual Métis Day, Bo'jou Neejee, takes place at Discovery Harbour. The Georgian Bay Native Friendship Centre hosts the annual traditional Pow Wow in September.

Learn more at the Ouendat Village and Huronia Museum, open year round and featuring tours of the replica Huron village which existed before the European arrival. Jamie Hunter, Executive Director of the Huronia Museum, says "…in the1940s and 1950s extensive archeological research was carried out on such sites as Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, and the Huron villages of St. Ignace, Forget, and St. Louis. The results culminated in a joint Federal, Provincial & Municipal development of area historical attractions in the region now referred to as Historic Huronia. The historic creations reflect a commitment to honour Aboriginal peoples and define their important role in the development of the country.”

www.georgianbaytourism.on.ca | 800-263-7745 | www.huroniamuseum.com

Edited by Ellen Schofield