Canada's initiative is set to revitalize Indigenous tourism, fostering cultural exchange and economic growth through strategic projects
Indigenous tourism is a pivotal part of Canada's approach to economic reconciliation, sharing the diverse cultures and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across the nation.
Understanding the importance of this sector, the Government of Canada has made it a priority to support its growth through close partnerships with Indigenous communities.
To this end, the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF), endowed with a $2m investment, has been established to support Indigenous tourism initiatives both large and small.
The ITF was first introduced through its Micro and Small Business Stream in November 2023, which has already supported 145 projects nationwide.
Building on this momentum, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, has announced the launch of the ITF's Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES).
This new initiative, unveiled at the 2024 Indigenous Prosperity Forum, is backed by $10m in federal funding.
SITES aims to fund major Indigenous tourism projects with contributions ranging from $500,000 to $1.25m, focusing on enhancing existing tourism destinations that are central to cultural and natural sites within Indigenous communities.
The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) is set to administer SITES. NACCA, an umbrella organization for over 50 Indigenous financial institutions, boasts more than 35 years of experience in Indigenous economic development.
Its successful track record and robust network make it an ideal partner for this initiative. With NACCA at the helm, SITES will support projects that enhance accessibility to Indigenous tourism sites, encourage overnight stays, and stimulate economic activity.
This will involve a committee, including members from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and various provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations, to help identify and evaluate projects.
This ensures that the funded projects contribute positively to communities and attract further investment.
Before the pandemic struck, Indigenous tourism was noted as the fastest-growing segment within the Canadian tourism market, marked by significant gains in job creation and contributions to Canada's GDP. However, the sector was hard hit by COVID-19 and has been slow to recover.
In response, Budget 2022 allocated an additional $20m to the ITF to aid the industry's revival. Furthermore, at least 15 percent of the Tourism Growth Program from Budget 2023 will be invested in Indigenous tourism sites, reinforcing the government's commitment to this vital sector.
Minister Ferrada and Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of NACCA, both emphasize the transformative power of Indigenous tourism. It not only fosters economic growth but also allows Indigenous communities to share and celebrate their heritage with both Canadians and visitors from around the world.
Through initiatives like SITES, the government and its partners are dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities in driving their own development and ensuring that Indigenous tourism remains a vibrant part of Canada’s cultural landscape.
