The Wolastoqiyik Story
Long before the arrival of Europeans to Fredericton, the Wolastoqiyik began to call the land along with the beloved Wolastoq River home. This river, known as the Saint John River to non-Indigenous people, is just a small part of the unceded Wolastoqiyik Territory stretching into Maine, Quebec and throughout Western and Central New Brunswick.
The Wolastoqiyik Territory is full of stories and traditions stretching back thousands of years illustrating the history of the area. Any visitor to Fredericton genuinely interested in the Wolastoqiyik will be met by many opportunities to learn these unique stories, traditions and engage in experiences only available in this part of the world.
These stories and traditions have been shared around the world. The Wolastoqiyik story is waiting to be shared with you by the the Wolastoqiyik people.
Food and Tours
Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours
Cecelia Brooks is also happy to introduce visitors to the Wolastoqiyik story. Brooks owns Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours and Events, launched in 2019, offering medicine walks, workshops and culinary experiences like none other. Brooks and her family will introduce you to the magic of the forests in the area including the bounty of food it offers such as wild mushrooms and medicinal plants.
During your time with Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours, you will hear Wolastoqiyik stories, learn their values and enjoy unique experiences ranging from enjoying Acorn Corn Bread to learning how a medicine pouch is made. Guests can also learn about the many stories and traditions of the Wabanaki peoples which consist of the Wolastoqiyik, the Mi’kmaq and the Passamaquoddy whose territories are known to non-Indigenous people as New Brunswick.
Be sure to visit to visit their sister company Soulflower Herbals at the Boyce Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings.
Contact:
Cecelia Brooks
506-461-6806
wabanakitreespirit@gmail.com
https://wabanakitreespirit.com/
Wolastoq Wharf
Located in the heart of Wolastoqiyik Territory, this restaurant is one of only a few Indigenous-owned and operated restaurants in Atlantic Canada and offers both traditional Wolastoqiyik menu items as well as many other favourites.
Guests can also enjoy a delicious meal while making new friends from the Wolastoqiyik community of St. Mary’s, one of the largest Indigenous communities in New Brunswick. Open year round, the restaurant has received numerous awards such as the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence.
Contact:
506-449-0100
https://www.facebook.com/WolastoqWharf/
adamturnbull79@gmail.com
www.stmarysretail.com/wolastoq-wharf
Jenna's Nut Free Dessertery
Events
Sitansisk (St. Mary’s First Nation) Pow Wow
Art
Sacred Arts Shop
The Wolastoqiyik story is also told through art by traditions that have been passed down many generations. Sacred Arts shop located at St. Mary's First Nation, features a curated collection of handmade items from local artists including traditional dreamcatchers, beadwork, paintings, and more.
Contact:
506-452-8128
History
Kings Landing
A well-known tourist attraction for its portrayal of rural life along the Saint John River, Kings Landing has dedicated a gallery to Wabanki heritage, named Wolastokuk. Curated in partnership with the Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre (MWC) at the University of New Brunswick, here you’ll find handmade Indigenous artifacts such as a birchbark canoe, oars, decorative baskets, moccasins, and more.
Contact:
506-363-4999
www.kingslanding.nb.ca
Fredericton Region Museum
Curator Ramona Nicholas has helped create a very interesting permanent exhibition at the Fredericton Region Museum called the Wabanaki Way presenting the history and culture of the Wolastoqiyik. The exhibition includes traditional objects through pre and post-contact. It is also designed in dialogue with Indigenous elders.
Contact:
506-455-6041
frederictonregionmuseum@gmail.com
www.frederictonregionmuseum.com
Fredericton is rich with opportunities to learn the Wolastoqiyik story and experience the one-of-kind talent and warmth of the Wolastoqiyik people through their storytelling, art, and cuisine. These Indigenous tourism offerings will provide you with memories to last a lifetime and many new friends. Expect a warm welcome and the trip of a lifetime.
