As tourism and travel in Saskatchewan continues to grow, so too does the chance to learn about the oldest places and peoples in the province.

Tourism Saskatchewan is helping to promote indigenous destinations and events this summer. 

Over the last couple of years, as people have been spending more time and effort to travel around the province they come from; they have also begun taking a greater interest in indigenous history, art, and traditions. 

The CEO of Tourism Saskatchewan, Jonathan Potts, hopes to fan that curiosity into a blazing passion for learning and seeing more this summer. 

"Indigenous tourism is a really big and growing part of the tourism industry in the province," said Potts. "Both international travellers and domestic travellers, including Saskatchewan residents, have really grown more and more interested... in learning more about our indigenous people."

Places like Batoche have had renewed appeal and lustre given to them inside this new wave of interest. Batoche is famously the site of the 1885 rebellion and the 'Battle of Batoche'. The town still has many standing structures from 128 years ago, with the old church famously still bearing musket fire damage sustained in the battle. 

Another key destination to visit is Wanuskewin, just outside of Saskatoon. Its river valley tours and many winding trails make it a great physical activity destination. The site itself has over 6,000 years of history and offers insights into hunting, gathering, and spirituality. 

Outside of the well-established names, Potts encourages folks to try some of the smaller operations that have tapped into indigenous history and its many stories left to tell. 

"In Cumberland House, Aski Holistic Adventures is where a young woman who has grown up on the land there will take you out in the wilderness for a week or more to show you how to live off the land."

The activities included in that destination adventure include canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing, survival experience, plant gathering and tipi camping. 

"There are some really interesting businesses being developed that are smaller in scale," Potts noted. "They're popping up in different places across the province and are really starting to grow that industry. We're really excited about that."