Alberta Food Processing Centre/Rig Hand Distillery

This tour includes an overview of Alberta Food Center programs and services prior to a walking tour of the facility. PPE will be required but will be provided by the distillery.

Tour is limited to 39 guests.

Elk Island Backstage Bison and Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Bison Backstage is the exclusive, behind the scenes look at bison conservation at Elk Island. Visitors will be led through the Plains Bison Handling Facility and along the way will learn about the history of bison, how they affect the prairie landscape around them, and how parks staff herd these magnificent wild animals through the world-class plains bison handling facility as a tool to connect visitors to Canada’s bison story and Parks Canada’s ongoing role in bison conservation efforts.

The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village Society was founded in 1971 to develop a heritage village commemorating the settlement of east central Alberta by Ukrainians. Soon after, the Society bought the present site and began relocating buildings there from farms and towns of east central Alberta. The Province of Alberta acquired the site in 1975, and continues to interpret the major theme of “Early Ukrainian Settlement in East Central Alberta to 1930.” Since that time, more than 40 buildings have been moved to the UCHV where they have been researched, restored, and furnished to their early 20th century appearance. The museum also has a multi-purpose visitor centre with exhibit gallery spaces to provide a closer understanding of early Ukrainian settlement in east central Alberta.

Tour is limited to 49 guests.

University of Alberta Botanic Garden

The garden is located 15 minutes from Edmonton. It has 80 cultivated acres, over 4000 plant species and three indoor show houses. Participants will undertake a guided tour through the gardens.  See where lush and diverse landscapes blend seamlessly with rich cultural and educational experiences. Wander through cultural gardens — like the Kurimoto Japanese Garden and Aga Khan Garden — or let curiosity lead you through our collections. View thousands of plant species or take in an event designed to awaken the senses. A visit to the Garden will rekindle your connection with nature and rejuvenate your spirit - in any season.

Tour is limited to 49 guests.

Vermeer's Dairy & Detention Brewery

Vermeer’s Dairy is a 700 cow dairy south east of Camrose, Alberta which milks predominately Holstein cows.   In addition to the dairy, they crop approximately 2,500 acres and are one the only farms in Alberta to harvest high moisture corn.  

Detention Brewing is a craft brewery located in the former school in Rosalind, a village with a population of approximately 180 people. In addition to brewing some great beers they host a wide variety of community events from Beers and Blooms (flower arranging) to Crokicurl. 

Tour is limited to 29 guests.

Indigenous Teaching Experience

A conversation with a Native Elder or Traditional Knowledge Keeper -  about food, land, survival, and agriculture that would rooted in cultural knowledge, respect for the environment, and the interconnections between native peoples and Mother Earth.

Here’s an outline of how such an experience might unfold:

1. Introduction to Food
   The Elder speaks to traditional foods—how they were harvested, prepared, and honored. This could include foods like wild game, fish, berries, plants.
   • Hunting and Fishing: Stories of hunting practices—such as the ethical way to harvest animals, respecting the animals’ spirits, and the use of every part of the animal—could come up. Fishing might be discussed in terms of techniques that maintain sustainable populations and ensure respect for water resources.
   • Traditional Medicine Gathering: Many Native communities have extensive knowledge of plants. The Elder might teach about traditional methods of foraging, such as when to gather certain plants for medicine, or ceremony.
2. Connection to the Land
   A Native Elder would likely emphasize the profound relationship their people have with Mother Earth. Rather than viewing land as a resource to be exploited, the land is seen as sacred and interconnected with all living things.
   • Sacred Relationships: The Elder might share teachings about the importance of being stewards of the land, understanding the seasonal cycles, and maintaining balance based on reciprocity—taking only what is needed and giving back in return.
   • Respecting the Cycles of Nature: Survival in a spiritual sense might be discussed as well. The Elder could share wisdom about working with the land in a way that maintains balance, understanding the rhythms of nature, and living in harmony with seasonal shifts.
3. Agriculture and Sustainable Practices
   While many Native communities traditionally practiced hunting, fishing, and gathering, agriculture played an important role for some. The Elder would likely discuss how they grew food using sustainable methods that worked in harmony with nature.
   • Environmental Stewardship: The Elder would likely talk about avoiding overuse of the land. The respect for Mother earth as a provider, not something to be exhausted, is a key element.
4. Healing and Sustainability
   Finally, the Elder might bring the conversation to a more holistic understanding of sustainability. They could discuss how everything—food, land, survival, and agriculture—is interrelated and dependent on balance.
   • The Role of Ancestors: The Elder might speak about how the wisdom of ancestors guides the present-day relationship to the land and food. They may explain how traditional knowledge continues to inform and support modern sustainable agriculture efforts in Native communities.

Tour is limited to 28 guests. 

Warburg Hutterite Colony

Warburg colony is a member of Dariusleut sect of hutterites.  They live communally and are intensive agriculture innovators.  They grow crops, have cattle, layers, a green house, meat processing plant and a store.  For biosecurity reasons, participants of this tour will not be able to enter into animal housing facilities.  This colony considers their colony to be a university for their kids to learn many different trades and job opportunities right here on their farm.

This would be an excellent tour option for those who enjoyed the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Tour from the NACTA 2024 Conference.

Tour is limited to 29 guests.