Experience Indigenous Cultures Across North America on Nat Hab’s Immersive Journeys

November is Indigenous Peoples Month—a time to honor the traditions, histories and contributions of Indigenous communities worldwide. Dive deep into the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures that have shaped the landscapes of North America for millennia—Natural Habitat Adventures offers transformative travel experiences that connect you with the heart and soul of these lands through the stories, art and customs of their original stewards.

Spirit Bears, Humpacks & Wildlife of BC 

Venture into the mystical realm of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, home to the elusive spirit bear—a creature steeped in legend and revered by the Tsimshian peoples.

Guided by Gitga’at Wisdom: We’re joined by a local Gitga’at Indigenous guide within the protected bounds of the Kitasoo Spirit Bear Conservancy. With an intimate knowledge of the land and its inhabitants, our guide leads us along creeks and estuaries framed by evergreen backdrops, enhancing our chances of observing these secretive bears.

Conservation and Cultural Significance: The spirit bear’s existence is a testament to the untouched beauty of this wild portion of the British Columbia coast. Estimated to number only a few hundred, their survival hinges on the preservation efforts championed by the Gitga’at people. The Great Bear Rainforest has been at the forefront of conservation campaigns aimed at protecting this habitat from logging and oil pipeline development. Our access to this special place is made possible through the stewardship and passion of the Gitga’at community.

Wildlife Encounters and Stories: While patience is key in spotting the spirit bear, this journey offers frequent sightings of conventional black bears and grizzly bears. Our Gitga’at guide shares stories and experiences gathered from countless hours in the forest, enriching our understanding of the bears’ behaviors and the cultural reverence they inspire.

Haida Gwaii: Islands at the Edge of the World

Embark on a journey to Haida Gwaii, an archipelago rich in Indigenous heritage and natural wonders, often called the “Galapagos of the North.”

Cultural Immersion in Haida Heritage: Originally known as Xaadala Gwayee, or “islands on the boundary of the world,” Haida Gwaii has been home to the Haida people for millennia. Begin your adventure with a visit to the acclaimed Haida Heritage Center at Kay Llnagaay. Engage in a guided monumental pole tour, meet contemporary carvers, and explore six traditional totem poles, hand-carved canoes, and longhouses that evoke the essence of a traditional Haida seaside village.

Authentic Local Experiences: Enjoy a special lunch at Keenawaii’s Kitchen, hosted by a Haida elder Roberta Olson. Savor beautifully plated courses that showcase traditional, wild-harvested Haida foods and the seasonal abundance of the islands, from smoked salmon and sea asparagus to huckleberries and nettle tea. After lunch, take an interpretive walk along the Spirit Lake Trail to learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as some Haida folklore. Embrace the Haida Gwaii Visitor Pledge as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

Ancient Villages and Haida Watchmen: Visit ancient village sites like SGang Gwaay (Ninstints), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Haida Watchmen welcome you and share stories of their ancestors. Walk among weathered memorial poles and the remains of longhouses, experiencing a culture that has thrived for over 12,000 years.

Legacy and Conservation: If conditions permit, visit Hlk’yah GawGa (Windy Bay) to see the monumental Legacy Pole raised in 2013, symbolizing the agreement between the Canadian government and the Haida Nation to protect the archipelago’s natural and marine resources. Learn about ongoing conservation efforts and the Haida people’s dedication to preserving their land and heritage.

Churchill’s Polar Bears | Northern Lights | Belugas

Discover the wild charm of Churchill, Manitoba—a place where Arctic wildlife and Indigenous culture intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.

Wapusk Adventures Dog Sledding: Experience the exhilaration of dog sledding with Wapusk Adventures, an Indigenous-owned company. Musher Dave Daley shares his Métis heritage and the history of his people, including their struggles and triumphs. Learn about Louis Riel and the Red River Rebellion that led to Manitoba becoming Canada’s fifth province under Indigenous leadership. After an inspiring introduction, enjoy a thrilling ride through the boreal forest on the “Ididamile,” and warm up afterward in a traditional tipi, immersing yourself in stories and traditions passed down through generations.

Churchill Northern Studies Center: As part of our northern lights adventure, visit this nonprofit research station dedicated to studying the Canadian subarctic. Participate in building inukshuks—traditional Inuit stone landmarks shaped like humans. These structures have guided travelers across the tundra for centuries, serving as navigational aids and spiritual symbols. Learn about their significance while enjoying the center’s educational programs and perhaps spot wildlife from the viewing platforms.

Itsanitaq Museum: Explore the rich history of Arctic peoples at the Itsanitaq Museum. This remarkable collection features carvings and artifacts dating back to 1700 BC, representing cultures like the Dorset and Thule—ancestors of today’s Inuit. Marvel at ivory, stone and bone figurines that tell stories of survival, creativity and the enduring spirit of the North. The museum also offers a gift shop with Inuit art and local crafts.

Prince of Wales Fort: On our summer adventures, visit this historic 18th-century stone fortress built by the Hudson’s Bay Company. Located where the Churchill River meets Hudson Bay, the fort offers insights into the fur trade era and the interactions between European traders and Indigenous peoples such as the Dene, Cree and Inuit. The massive, star-shaped fort stands as a testament to a time when beaver pelts were a symbol of status, and the fur trade shaped the region’s history.

Ultimate Alaska Wildlife Safari

Alaska’s rugged beauty is more than a feast for the eyes; it’s a gateway to understanding the vibrant cultures that have thrived here for millennia.

Delve into Denali’s History: From our base at Denali Backcountry Lodge, a host of activities offers a chance to learn about the natural and cultural history of our environs, including the Athabascan people who lived off this land for 10,000 years.

Explore Seldovia’s Cultural Mosaic: Cross Kachemak Bay on a private cruise to the secluded town of Seldovia. Accessible only by boat or air, this hidden gem is a confluence of Aleut, Yup’ik, Alutiiq, and Athabascan cultures—we’ll learn more during a locally guided tour with a resident naturalist.

Nat Hab’s Alaska Bear Camp

Experience the wild intimacy of Alaska’s bear country while connecting with the cultural narratives that define this land.

Indigenous Environmental Stewardship: At Nat Hab’s Alaska Bear Camp, located on a private inholding within Lake Clark National Park, our guides illuminate how local Native peoples, together with government entities, manage land and fisheries in Alaska to ensure that traditional subsistence lifestyles can be maintained. Learn about the vital importance of the Bristol Bay sockeye salmon run to Native cultures and the concerted efforts of Indigenous people to protect these resources from threats like Pebble Mine, which was successfully blocked in 2023.

Alaska’s Grizzly Ship: Kodiak to Katmai

Delve into the heart of Alutiiq culture on Kodiak Island, a place where history and heritage are as grand as the wilderness.

Visit the Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak: This museum safeguards over 250,000 artifacts, photographs and recordings. Explore the endeavors to preserve the Alutiiq language and customs. Gain insight into this resilient community and the strives they have made to keep their cultural traditions alive.

Cultural Narratives from Expert Guides: Throughout your journey, guides provide in-depth discussions about local Alutiiq history, offering perspectives on early interactions with Russian colonists and the enduring legacy of the Alutiiq people.

Glacier & Waterton: An International Treasure

Journey through the majestic landscapes of Glacier National Park and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Blackfeet Nation.

Cultural Presentation and Traditions: As you travel along Glacier National Park’s eastern flank, guides introduce you to the profound connection the Blackfeet people have with this land. Engage with tribal members who share deeper insights into the Blackfeet Nation’s heritage. Experience traditional dances, smudging ceremonies and other customs that offer a meaningful glimpse into their way of life.

Guided Exploration of Badger-Two Medicine: Accompanied by a Blackfeet guide, hike through this sacred, roadless expanse teeming with wildlife. The guide’s narratives illuminate Blackfeet cultural traditions and their enduring relationship with the natural world.

Kingdom of the Monarchs

Experience one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles as millions of monarch butterflies converge in the mountains of central Mexico. This journey is enriched by the deep cultural connections between the local Indigenous communities and the monarchs.

Guided by Local Wisdom: Traditional guides from the village of Angangueo accompany us, sharing oral histories and folklore about the butterflies. They convey the profound belief that the monarchs are the returning spirits of their departed ancestors, adding a layer of spiritual significance to the butterflies’ annual migration. Each year around El Día de los Muertos—celebrated on November 1 and 2—the skies over Angangueo become a vibrant tapestry of orange and black. The arrival of the monarchs coincides with the Day of the Dead, and for centuries, the local people have viewed this as a sacred event. According to Aztec tradition, the souls of the departed return as hummingbirds and butterflies, forging an enduring link between the monarchs and the spiritual beliefs of the Indigenous communities.

Embrace Meaningful Travel

Traveling with Natural Habitat Adventures isn’t just about witnessing breathtaking landscapes; it’s about forging connections with the people who have called these places home for thousands of years. By engaging with Indigenous communities, you gain a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world—a journey that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.