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OPINION: Geo-tourism rocks

Several years ago I found myself in Fort Frances for an international Safe Communities ­Con­fer­ence and one evening I attended a community fish fry.

Several years ago I found myself in Fort Frances for an international Safe Communities ­Con­fer­ence and one evening I attended a community fish fry.

The Rainy River First Nations hosted the event at Manitou Rapids and extended the hand of fellowship to friends, neighbors and visitors – all were welcome.

That year there were visitors in town from all over the world and they were stunned by the simple elegance of our gracious hosts.

Walleye had been caught that very morning and huge basins of fresh filets were being breaded and cooked in an assembly line of deep fryers.

After some considered words of welcome from the chief, the decidedly international crowd sat down for a feast of fresh walleye and other local delicacies.

I broke fish with people from all over Europe, South America and other exotic regional locations like Atikokan, Nipigon and even Thunder Bay.

I still remember my experience at Manitou Rapids – the spiritual and cultural gathering that evening left me with a peaceful sense of well-being.

I always wanted to go back (this community feast has been served for more than 40 years), but unfortunately I never returned.

I got the urge again recently while I was googling a new website and found a promo for the Manitou Rapids Annual Fish Fry, 2015.

It was on the National Geographic Heart of the Continent Geo-tourism Mapguide and website, which is now open for business.

That’s a real mouthful and I have to admit, when I first heard about this project some time ago I was skeptical.

The online tool is designed to boost geo-tourism and economic opportunity but is also a great way for local communities to do some self-discovery.

This project is a collaboration between regional partners and National Geographic and is one of a number of worldwide Geo-tourism initiatives.

Our region, called the Heart of the Continent, includes major portions of Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Ontario, over five million acres of public land.

The site provides maps, guides and descriptions for cultural events, gatherings, festivals and natural landmarks across this trans-border region in the heart of North America.

It could be a pow-wow at Fort William Historical Park, the Flavor of the North Festival in Eveleth, Minnesota or a First Nation community fish fry at Manitou Rapids.

One goal is to connect local communities so they can share the region’s scenic, historical and cultural assets and promote geo-tourism.

Geo-tourism includes activities that sustain or enhance the unique geographical nature of a chosen place.

That includes the environment, culture, history, food, music, arts, aesthetics and heritage of the region including the health and well-being of its residents.

Locally the announcement was made at the Old Fort which is a supporter of this project and one of Ontario’s most impressive and highly-rated attractions.

General manager Sergio Buonocore was thrilled by the announcement and pleased to have the Fort included in the guide.

There are hundreds of recreational and cultural events listed on the web site which were selected from suggestions of residents and visitors.

There is an unstated promise of increased economic activity and geo-tourism for communities in the Heart of the Continent and that may happen eventually.

Economic opportunities will appear once our communities learn how to appreciate and share the unique attractions of this region.

I felt that way while feasting on walleye with the Rainy River First Nation and new friends from around the world.

Once we nurture and spread this feeling of community and friendship in the Heart of North America we can enthusiastically promote the best of the Northwest.





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