Afar travel magazine has named St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino among the top seven Indigenous-owned hotels in Canada.

“There are a wide range of Indigenous-owned accommodations across the country, which range from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to luxury resorts. Staying at an Indigenous-owned lodging can be one of the best ways for travelers to fully immerse themselves in the diversity of Indigenous culture in Canada,” Afar outlines at the outset of its rankings.

St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino is rated sixth in Canada.

The following is what Afar said of the resort: “St. Eugene Resort near Cranbrook has a history unlike any hotel in the world. From 1912 to 1970, St. Eugene Mission was one of 130 residential schools for Indigenous children that operated in Canada between 1831 and 1996 by certain churches and religious organizations.

“They were designed to systematically erase the Indigenous way of life and replace it with Western culture and values. Canadians are still contending with the dark history of abuse; about 5,000 Indigenous children from British Columbia and Alberta came through the school and some did not survive.

“After the school was closed, local Indigenous Peoples decided to turn the painful legacy into something positive for future generations—by transforming the structure into a hotel, they could provide income and jobs for the community. The 125-room resort has a health club, a casino, restaurants, an award-wining golf course, an RV park, and an interpretive center designed to promote and share Ktunaxa culture.

“ Guests can take a tour of the former school with a residential school survivor, see historical artifacts, watch a film, or participate in Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training programs at the on-site Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre.

The top seven hotels according to Afar:

1. Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations; Wendake, Québec.
2. Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre; Little Current, Ontario.
3. The Lodge at Métis Crossing; Smoky Lake, Alberta.
4. Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport Hotel; Winnipeg, Manitoba.
5. Dakota Dunes Resort; Whitecap, Saskatchewan.
6. St. Eugene Resort; ʔaq’am, B.C.
7. Klahoose Wilderness Resort; qathet Regional District, British Colombia.

e-KNOW file photos

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