The Whetung Art and Craft Centre is located on the Curve Lake Indian Reserve 160 kilometres northeast of Toronto, in the popular tourist area known as the Kawartha Lake district. Authenticity at the Centre can be seen in the work of Indian artists from across Canada. Practicality is evident in the use of local timber and stones for the main building's construction.
The main building houses a gift shop and art gallery where visitors find a display of authentic arts and crafts from across Canada, acknowledged as some of the finest in North America.

Upon entering you find yourself in the main room of the wooden lodge, literally stocked floor to ceiling with the finest of Indian crafts - from the canoe slung below the rafters to a large selection of jewelry of silver, bone and precious stone. Browse among quill work, dolls, pottery, ceremonial regalia, drums and carvings.

Downstairs, below this room, is a wonderful boutique filled with traditional and contemporary blankets and scarves, arctic parkas, Cowichan sweaters, leather accessories, beadwork, souvenir apparel. The ceiling here is festooned with hundreds of dreamcatchers and masks of all descriptions.
Beyond this room you will find the gallery's museum. Here we exhibit priceless artifacts offering a glimpse into the rich cultural history of this area. This display includes the family's private collection, the work of artists and craftspeople from the Curve Lake Reserve and outstanding native craft from across Canada.

Upstairs, beyond the central gift shop area lies a high-ceilinged gallery featuring framed fine art and sculpture, original paintings as well as posters, limited editions and cards by well-known native artists such as Joseph Jacobs, Norval Morriseau and Daphne Odjig next to the more contemporary works of artists like Rick Beaver and Maxine Noel. It, too, has a below-stairs area where you can browse among racks of posters, greeting cards, audio tapes, gift items, and books.

Of course, there is more beyond the main building. You can watch work in progress in the amik, where local artisans ply their trade. Outside of this building is an area set aside for the carving of totem poles.

Tucked in the valley below the main gallery is a picnic area and the "Christmas House Shop" which offers, of course, Christmas ornaments with a decidedly Indian flair as well as small gift items and bits and pieces for those creating their own jewelry and decorative items.

We hope you will consider a visit to the Whetung Ojibwa Centre for your next daytrip to the beautiful Kawartha region. Check our travel information page for directions, accommodations and things to do in this area.