In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day, TJ Stables in partnership with Chatham-Kent Tourism and the Southwestern Ontario Tourism Corporation (SWOTC), and with support from Indigenous Tourism Ontario announced the Signature Indigenous Tourism Experience in CK.
‘Awaken Your Spirit’ is a three hour Ojibwe Spirit Horse encounter that includes a unique opportunity to learn about the historic Ojibwe Spirit Horses and their connection to the First Nation culture and history.
The experience also allows for a chance to learn about First Nations and Metis cultures and begins with a welcoming encampment fire, the sounds of the Métis fiddle and an introduction to the camp’s Métis fur trader.
Visitors then explore the camp and a Tipi lodge and listen to the stories of the horses as told through the Indigenous Art of Rhonda Snow.
Visitors will enjoy shared traditional practices, songs and drumming, and will learn the story of the Little Horses and their incredible bond with Mother Earth.
The culmination of this one-of-a kind experience is the opportunity to mingle in a field with the horses while feeling the immense power of the small but mighty horses, finally reflecting on the entire encounter while sitting around the camp fire.
“I am humbled to have become a ‘Keeper of the Spirit Horses’ that are so critically endangered with only four ponies remaining in 1977,” said Terry Jenkins, co-owner, TJ Stables, in a press release.
“Years ago the horses ran wild on Walpole Island and as a child I became enamored with their magical ability to capture the spirit of all who met them. For over thirty years I searched for any descendants and finally they have returned to their ancestral area. The story of the horses is one of resilience and reconciliation. Together with Chatham Kent Tourism, Southwestern Ontario Tourism Corporation and in consultation with Indigenous Tourism Ontario we have created a one-of-a kind experience that will take you on an Indigenous cultural experience with these Little Horses of the big woods.”
Indigenous Tourism Ontario has been a collaborating partner in the experience and has been consulted throughout the creative process.
“It is so exciting to see TJ Stables become Chatham-Kent’s first Signature Indigenous Experience,” said Kevin Eshkawakogan, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Tourism Ontario, in a media release.
“Terry and John are so respectful of and caring toward the Ojibwe Spirit Horses and the First Nation and Metis cultures. Any visitor attending this experience will enjoy an educational, interactive, and transformative tourism experience.”
Shannon Paiva, Chatham-Kent’s Supervisor, Tourism Development, added: “We are inspired by the countless hours TJ Stables has put into developing this experience and for the trust the placed in working with us to create something that will showcase not only this experience, but Chatham-Kent on a national, and hopefully international stage.”
The ‘Awaken Your Spirit’ experience launched on Monday, in honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day.
“As we’ve all spent much time apart, TJ Stables offering an amazingly authentic and meaningful experience within Ontario’s Southwest brings some much-needed light to these dark times,” said Susan Judd, Chair of the Board of Directors, SWOTC, in a press release.
“With the year leaving many feeling disconnected, this unique and humbling experience will provide a deep sense of connection with place and people.”
Additional experience and booking information is available online or at www.visitck.ca.and also by calling TJ Stables.
COVID-19 precautions are in place, with all health and safety rules being practiced, including a maximum number of participants per booking.
TJ Stables is a Safe Travels approved facility.
