Empowering Indigenous Voices

Welcome to our non-profit community, As long as the grass grows, the sun shines, and the rivers flow, we honor the past and build the future.

About Us

Grass Grows, Rivers Flow is an Indigenous-led nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that Indigenous voices are heard across industries, communities, and initiatives that impact their future. Our mission is to preserve Indigenous heritage, promote sustainable development through tourism and education, and foster cultural connections and environmental stewardship.

Rooted in the belief that as long as the grass grows and the rivers flow, Indigenous wisdom, traditions, and connection to the land must be honored and preserved, we work to empower communities and safeguard these vital legacies for generations to come.

  • Cultural Preservation

    Safeguarding Indigenous traditions, stories, and knowledge by hosting workshops, events, and youth programs.

  • Indigenous-led Tourism

    Supporting authentic tourism experiences through programs, fostering entrepreneurship, and celebrating cultural identity.

  • Career and Leadership Development

    Creating pathways for success through initiatives connecting youth and adults with opportunities to thrive in indigenous-led environments.

  • Economic Empowerment

    Strengthening Indigenous business opportunities through forms with Indigenous and non-indigenous people to foster and promote collaboration and sustainable growth.

Indigenous-Led Tourism Summit

Founded in 2024, the Indigenous-Led Riding Mountain Tourism Summit serves as a powerful platform for collaboration, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders dedicated to fostering sustainable tourism, economic growth, and cultural preservation in Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP) and the surrounding region. The success of these initiatives is a result of the collective efforts of Indigenous leaders, government agencies, tourism organizations, and local representatives.

A Vision for the Future

Coalition of Riding Mountain National Park
The Coalition represents the voices of Indigenous communities connected to RMNP, playing a critical role in ensuring that Indigenous perspectives, protocols, and priorities are central in all initiatives.

Parks Canada
Parks Canada's involvement ensures alignment with conservation goals while providing visitors with culturally authentic experiences rooted in reconciliation and respect for the land.

Indigenous Tourism Manitoba (ITM)
ITM advocates for the growth of authentic Indigenous tourism and provides guidance, accreditation support, and advocacy to elevate Indigenous operators in the tourism industry.

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)
ITAC ensures that Indigenous tourism experiences remain authentic and culturally integral through their accreditation process. Their involvement emphasizes the importance of showcasing genuine Indigenous voices and traditions within the tourism industry.

Local Businesses and Community Leaders
Non-Indigenous businesses and local stakeholders have also participated, eager to understand the barriers Indigenous businesses face. There is a shared recognition of the need for growth and greater representation, particularly as RMNP currently has only one Indigenous business.

The Tourism Summit and Business Forum have become powerful examples of collaboration, offering a safe space for dialogue and fostering understanding. These events show the potential of what can be achieved when communities and organizations unite with a shared vision.

The Indigenous-Led Riding Mountain Tourism Summit sets an important precedent for the future of Indigenous tourism and economic development in Manitoba, laying the foundation for a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future.

Business Forum

Founded in 2023, The Forum was inspired by a vision to bridge the gap between communities and create a platform for meaningful dialogue, shared knowledge, and economic opportunity. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in and around Riding Mountain National Park (RMNP), The Forum serves as a space to:

  • Encourage cultural understanding

  • Empower Indigenous leadership

  • Foster economic growth

  • Promote collaboration

The Coalition of Riding Mountain National Park has backed this initiative as a cornerstone for advancing economic development in the region. Notably, the Coalition of First Nations and local stakeholders have not come together in the 20 years since the coalition was established. This Forum represents a vital step toward creating an inclusive future where Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses thrive together.

Business Training

Walking Your Own Path

Walking Your Own Path is more than training—it inspires Indigenous individuals to lead, innovate, and honor their traditions while building sustainable futures.

The Walking Your Own Path Business Training program is a “first steps” initiative designed to empower Indigenous individuals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to start and grow their own businesses. This culturally supportive program addresses unique challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs, blending practical resources with cultural understanding.

What the Training Includes

Business Fundamentals: Financial literacy, business planning, and funding opportunities

Cultural Integration: Incorporating traditional knowledge and honoring protocols.

Mentorship and Support: One-on-one guidance from experienced Indigenous mentors.

Practical Workshops: Sessions on pitching, problem-solving, and scaling businesses.


  • Walking Your Own Path

    Was created to inspire and equip Indigenous individuals —whether or not they realize their entrepreneurial potential to pursue their dreams.

  • Empower Individuals

    Turn ideas into actionable business plans.

  • Promote Cultural Alignment

    Root businesses in Indigenous values and traditions.

  • Foster Economic Growth

    Strengthen communities through entrepreneurship.

Youth Career Fair

Cultural Education and Reconciliation

Founded in 2023 and returning as an annual event in 2024, Stewarding the Land Together in partnership with Riding Mountain National Park and Parks Canada, we are dedicated to bringing our shared vision to life. As stewards of the land, we are committed to ensuring that Indigenous voices are at the forefront of initiatives related to employment, career opportunities, conservation, and tourism.

Building a thriving, inclusive Economy, the local business community plays a vital role in fostering a sustainable and inclusive economy within RMNP.

Through cultural education and reconciliation efforts, we aim to strengthen relationships and promote a unified approach to progress. By working together, we build stronger ties and mutual understanding.

A Shared Responsibility

By uniting the Coalition, Parks Canada, and the local business community, we are creating an ecosystem of shared responsibility and opportunity. This ensures that our initiatives are culturally authentic, economically sustainable and environmentally responsible.

  • Connecting Indigenous youth with businesses.

  • Promoting a safe environment for building relationships.

  • Creating economic opportunities.

  • Addressing the labor shortage within Manitoba.

Contact Us

Ashley Smith

Feel free to contact us with any questions.

Email
ggrf.inc@gmail.ca

Phone
(204)821-4642