In 2021, Parks Canada unveiled the expansion of Gabeshiwin at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site with the construction of three new structures historically used by Indigenous peoples. The newly built structures include two 10-foot-by-10-foot birch bark dwellings (commonly known as wigwams), and one 12-foot buffalo hide tipi.

This addition to the site highlights the temporary dwellings that Indigenous peoples in the area would build. This space allows for more stories, culture and history to be shared from an Indigenous perspective.

Visitors to Gabeshiwin are encouraged to step inside the structures. See how the buffalo hide is fastened together; marvel at the intricate details holding the wigwams in place.

These structures’ existence will help Lower Fort Garry foster an ongoing relationship with partners like Treaty One Nation and the Manitoba Métis Federation. These connections will result in a more fulsome representation of the history, perspective and stories of Indigenous peoples being shared at Lower Fort Garry, the site where Treaty No. 1, the first of the numbered treaties, was made in 1871.

Stay tuned to this page, and follow Parks Canada Manitoba on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with events and programming at Gabeshiwin all summer long.

View our gallery below, showcasing the builders who assembled the wigwams.