In old Montreal and old Quebec there were countless shops selling so-called "Indian" artifacts. However, in both, the difference between the run-of-the-mill tourist souvenir shop and the authentic Native run shops is so important.

In the regular "non-native" owned tourist shops the "Indian" artifacts were:

1) Not clearly marked as to whether they were actually made by Native Americans. Some supposedly "Native " artifacts were made in Taiwan.

2) Not given labels with an authentic explanation as to the meaning, symbolism, and use of the artifacts from a Native perspective.

3) Not given adequate promise that a fair price was given to the Native artist.

4) Not given adequate labels to explain from which First Nation the artifact originated.

Our visit to the Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a set of massive waterfalls located on the Niagara River in eastern North America, on the border between Canada and the United States. Niagara Falls (French: les Chutes du Niagara) comprises three separate waterfalls: the Canadian Horseshoe Falls (Canada), the American Falls, and the smaller, adjacent Bridal Veil Falls. The Falls are located 23 kilometres away from the Canadian city of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, and 120 kilometres from Toronto, Canada.

The Falls formed after the receding of the glaciers of the most recent Ice Age, as water from the newly formed Great Lakes carved a path through the Niagara Escarpment en route to the Atlantic Ocean. While not exceptionally high, Niagara Falls is very wide. With more than 6 million cubic feet (168,000 m³) of water falling over the crestline every minute[1] in high flow, and almost 4 million cubic feet (110,000 m³) on average, it is the most powerful waterfall in North America.[2]

Niagara Falls is not only renowned for its beauty. The Falls are a valuable source of hydroelectric power for both Ontario and New York. Preserving this natural wonder from commercial overdevelopment, while allowing for the needs of the area's people, has been a challenging project for environmental preservationists since the 1800s. A popular tourist site for over a century, the Falls are shared between the twin cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York.

A warning to visitors of the Niagara Falls during the winter months.

Naturally, it was extremely cold there and a lot of the Falls were frozen - which made it quite picturesque. We couldn't wait to visit the Journey Behind The Falls, especially as most of the other "rides" were unavailable because of the weather, but unfortunately we were extremely disappointed.

Although we were only charged $4 each, once we had descended in the lift there was only one observation point open - and the only viewpoint of the Falls at this point was from a small aperture in the wooden sidewall. When we walked to the end of the tunnel all there was to see was a large aperture in the rock covered in ice!! We could hear water gushing, but could see nothing!! All very disappointing.

Apparently it is nearer $7 charge in the summer. "Ma'am, then you see all the Falls," is what we were told when we complained. It is really disappointing!!