Indigenous Coalition of Tourism Champions
Provincial/Territorial Indigenous Tourism Organizations Announce New National Tourism Body
Joint Release from the Mi’kma’ki Ancestral Territory, Coast Salish Territories, and Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation in Ontario
Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO), the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITEN), and Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally unite to lead a new national tourism body: The Indigenous Coalition of Tourism Champions.
The Indigenous Coalition of Tourism Champions is open to all Provincial/Territorial Indigenous Tourism Organizations (PTITOs) across Canada. Its mission is to strengthen and grow a sustainable Indigenous tourism industry grounded in fairness, equity, and respect for the cultural sovereignty of verified First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples while always taking First Nations and Inuit land title rights into consideration.
This agreement is a shared and strategic response to the absence of a coordinated and inclusive approach to regional Indigenous tourism development in Canada. The Indigenous Coalition of Tourism Champions will work collaboratively on a regional and national level with Indigenous and non-Indigenous governments, industry leaders, and community stakeholders.
Creating a nationally unified Indigenous tourism initiative will make it easier for allies and partners to invest in the national development of Indigenous tourism in Canada. Contributions to the Indigenous Coalition of Tourism Champions will support capacity building and experience development for all regional and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations in a transparent and equitable way, while reflecting diverse regional perspectives.
The Coalition will implement and align existing regional strategies in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia, with these organizations initially leading three regions, and inviting all regions to participate as equal partners in the ongoing development of mutually beneficial strategic initiatives and goals. We are stronger together, but only if each region is heard fully and encouraged to share their truth and vision, with respect for their autonomy, decision-making, and protocols.
This unique approach was developed to provide community-based tourism and entrepreneurs with a grassroots methodology for supporting growth while observing regional protocols. This approach allows Provincial/Territorial Indigenous Tourism Organizations (PTITOs) to retain and express their unique interests, strategies, and cultures while aligning their regional approach with a collaborative national effort to build a respectful Indigenous tourism industry in Canada.
By honouring our past and each other, we are embracing our shared future with a new, equitable, coordinated, and inclusive approach to regional Indigenous tourism development in Canada.
“It’s incredibly exciting! I’m very proud that ITO is a part of establishing this new inclusive national body for Indigenous tourism. These three organizations are capable of breathing fresh air into the Indigenous tourism industry. They are well-respected tourism leaders who will undoubtedly help the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada thrive while meeting the evolving and dynamic needs of every region involved.” ~ Kevin Eshkawkogan, ITO President & CEO
“Indigenous Tourism BC welcomes this opportunity to partner with other provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations to grow a strong nationwide tourism body that leads with tremendous respect for each other’s cultural sovereignty, autonomy, and title and rights. ITBC, ITO, and NSITEN are proud to lead this collaborative initiative to create a transparent body focused on equity, fairness, and transparency. We look forward to welcoming all regional Indigenous tourism organizations as equal partners.” ~ Brenda Baptiste, ITBC Chair
“Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network is excited to have the opportunity to work with two leading Indigenous tourism organizations in Canada. Supporting new and market-ready businesses and showcasing authentic cultural tourism experiences by supporting Indigenous entrepreneurial growth will help build a strong future for our people.” ~ Robert Bernard, NSITEN Executive Director
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About Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITEN):
NSITEN is a not-for-profit organization based out of the ancestral territory of Mi’kma’ki in what is known as present-day Nova Scotia. Established in 2017, the organization has focused on supporting the growth of Mi’kmaw tourism, promoting authentic cultural experiences, market-ready business development, and advocating for meaningful involvement in the mainstream tourism industry. (www.nsiten.com)
NSITEN Media Contact: Robert Bernard, [email protected]
About Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO):
ITO is recognized as Ontario’s first and only pan-provincial Indigenous tourism organization. ITO’s mandate is to improve the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous people through developing and innovating the Indigenous tourism industry. ITO has a focus on both individual and community tourism development by aligning and forming partnerships between businesses, associations, organizations, government departments, and industry leaders from across Ontario and Canada (www.IndigenousTourismOntario.ca)
ITO Media Contact: Kevin Eshkawkogan, [email protected]
About Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC):
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is a non-profit, stakeholder-based organization committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities and cooperative marketing programs, ITBC is a resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in BC who are operating or looking to start a tourism business. ITBC works closely with tourism, business, education and government organizations to help BC’s Indigenous tourism businesses offer quality experiences and actively promote these experiences to visitors and local residents. (www.indigenousbc.com)
ITBC Media Contact: Paula Amos, [email protected]