Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)

The 2025 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (#2025IITC), in partnership with Indigenous Tourism Québec and Tourisme Montréal, will be hosted in the unceded territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron/Wendat, Abenaki, and Anishinaabeg in Montréal, Québec, from February 25 to 27, 2025. IITC brings people together in the spirit of learning and inspiration. As the largest Indigenous tourism conference in the world, IITC contributes significantly toward advancing the Indigenous tourism industry. New this year! Three Days of Learning & Networking: This year’s program will include extended programming – offering more time to interact, learn and network. Connect with like-minded professionals, potential partners, and fellow advocates for Indigenous tourism. Inspirational Keynote Speakers: Hear from visionary leaders and influencers in the Indigenous tourism sector. Engaging Workshops and Panels: Participate in interactive sessions covering a range of topics, from sustainable tourism practices to innovative marketing strategies. Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in rich cultural exchanges, performances, and traditional practices. Read more - https://bit.ly/2025IITC #2025IITC #IndigenousTourism #IndigenousTourismTeamCanada #TheOriginalOriginal #Montréal ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Le Congrès international du tourisme autochtone 2025 (#CITA2025), organisé en partenariat avec Indigenous Tourism Québec  et Tourisme Montréal, aura lieu sur le territoire non cédé des Kanien’kehá:ka de la Confédération Haudenosaunee, des Hurons/Wendat, des Abénakis et des Anishinaabeg à Montréal, au Québec, du 25 au 27 février 2025. Le CITA rassemble les gens dans un esprit d’apprentissage et d’inspiration. En tant que plus grand congrès du tourisme autochtone au monde, cet événement contribue largement à l’avancement de l’industrie touristique autochtone. Les nouveautés de cette année : Trois jours d’apprentissage et de réseautage : Le programme de cette année sera plus étoffé, offrant plus de temps pour interagir, apprendre et réseauter. Rencontrez des professionnels du milieu, des partenaires potentiels et d’autres intervenants du secteur du tourisme autochtone. Conférenciers d’honneur inspirants : Assistez aux présentations de leaders et d’influenceurs visionnaires du secteur du tourisme autochtone. Ateliers et panels stimulants : Participez à des séances interactives portant sur un éventail de sujets, allant des pratiques touristiques durables aux stratégies de marketing innovantes; Expériences culturelles : Plongez dans des échanges culturels enrichissants, des spectacles et des pratiques traditionnelles. En savoir plus - https://bit.ly/2025IITC #CITA2025 #ÉquipeTourismeAutochtoneCanada #OriginalOriginal #Montréal

The recent Jasper wildfire has deeply impacted the heart of our nation's natural beauty and the communities that thrive within it. Among those most affected are the member businesses of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). Jasper Tour Company and Warrior Women are just a few. Our Indigenous tourism members have faced significant challenges as their businesses, which offer unique cultural experiences and connections to the land, are at risk or have been destroyed. These communities depend on tourism for their livelihoods and to share their rich heritage and traditions with the world. We stand in solidarity with the Indigenous communities and the Indigenous tourism operators during this difficult time. Let's come together to support them by: - Donating to recovery funds https://lnkd.in/gPUpgvYH - Alberta Government: Municipal Wildfire Assistance Program - Sharing their stories and raising awareness Planning future visits, when the time is right, to these incredible destinations to boost their recovery #JasperFire #IndigenousTourism #ITAC #DestinationIndigenous #JasperNationalPark

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is proud to share how the Indigenous Tourism Destination Fund (ITDF) is strategically investing in three priority areas to help Canada become the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030. Learn more - https://lnkd.in/gGUt9B2s #DestinationIndigenous #TheOriginalOriginal #IndigenousTourism #IndigenousTourismTeamCanada #ITDF

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) so proud to announce the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Semi-Finalists! Congratulations to the +200 entrepreneurs who shared their hearts, ideas, and stories with us. We are working on unlocking new ways to support you and your businesses! Meet the top 100 Indigenous entrepreneurs that will pitch their business and have a chance to advance to the 2024 Pow Wow Pitch Finals! Explore who this year’s Semi-Finalists at https://lnkd.in/ghHCz9ez! Mīgwech to this year’s sponsors! RBC Shopify | @mastercardca | Export Development Canada | Exportation et développement Canada | @destinationindigenous | National Association of Friendship Centres | Association nationale des Centres d'amitié | NACCA | Canada Post / Postes Canada | Jelly Academy | Futurpreneur | Aritzia | Sklar Wilton & Associates | Invest Ottawa | Best Buy Canada Raven Indigenous Capital Partners | Wabanaki Maple | MINI TIPI | AntCo #PowWowPitch #SemiFinalist #IndigenousEntrepreneur #Congratulations

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to share its first yearly report on the Indigenous Tourism Destination Fund (ITDF). In response to the ongoing lack of consistent and adequate funding from the Government of Canada, ITAC has taken a crucial step by creating the ITDF. This fund is established to address the growing need for resources to support the development and promotion of Indigenous tourism across the country, which is used to invest in infrastructure, human resources and development and marketing projects benefitting the Indigenous tourism industry across the Canada. The ITDF aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92, emphasizing the importance of economic opportunities and partnership with Indigenous communities. By partnering with ITAC to collect a small fee from guests, tourism businesses can actively contribute to reconciliation efforts and support the creation of meaningful and sustainable economic opportunities for Indigenous tourism operators. Initiatives like the ITDF are essential for leveling the playing field between Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities. Read more - https://bit.ly/ITDF-Report #DestinationIndigenous #TheOriginalOriginal #IndigenousTourism  #IndigenousTourismTeamCanada #ITDF

In this newest article from Canada's National Observer, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has raised the alarm on the situation for the association and how it will impact Indigenous tourism in Canada. Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC says his organization is facing major cuts that risk setting the industry back a decade. Moreover, ITAC will continue to seek solutions to try to minimize impacts. Henry points to a lack of investment from both the federal government and larger tourism industry for the cuts. In Budget 2024, Ottawa invested $2.5 million for ITAC, less than 10 per cent of the requested $33 million for operations, marketing and development as part of their 2030 strategy to make Canada a world leader in Indigenous tourism. #DestinationIndigenous #TheOriginalOriginal #IndigenousTourism #IndigenousTourismTeamCanada

The latest article from Canada's National Observer highlights a critical issue: the need for increased federal support for Indigenous tourism in Canada. Despite the sector's immense cultural and economic value, current federal investments fall short of what is needed to truly empower Indigenous communities and businesses. The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has been at the forefront, advocating for more substantial funding and support. The 2024-25 federal budget dedicated $2.5 million to Indigenous tourism, thanks in part to the advocacy work of ITAC. There have been strategies and progress, but it also takes stable and predictable funding. Supporting Indigenous tourism is not just an economic imperative; it is a vital part of reconciliation. #DestinationIndigenous #TheOriginalOriginal #IndigenousTourism #IndigenousTourismTeamCanada

Join us in celebrating Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day! 🪶🥁 One often overlooked aspect of Pow Wows is their remarkable inclusivity, welcoming participants from all walks of life. Attending with respect and adherence to protocol not only grants entry to guests but also enriches the experience for both participants and observers. In honour of Indigenous History Month, Métis writer, Zane Buchanan from Destination Indigenous has developed a comprehensive guide that shares the etiquette and insights he’s gleaned from his immersive experiences as a welcomed guest on the Pow Wow trail. This guide sheds light on the profound cultural significance of these timeless gatherings. Read the full-length “Pow Wow 101” Guide ➡️ https://bit.ly/PowWow101 #DestinationIndigenous | #ExploreCanada | #TheOriginalOriginal | #NIPD2024 | #NIPDCanada | #NIPD Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC)| Indigenous Tourism Manitoba | Indigenous Tourism Manitoba | @indigenousoturismontario | @indigenoustoursimnwt | @autochtoneqc | @indigenoustourismnl | @indigenoustourismpei | Destination Canada

June is #IndigenousHistoryMonth, and June 21st marks #NationalIndigenousPeoplesDay, coinciding with the Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year. On this special day, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples celebrate their rich and diverse cultures. 🦅🐢🪶 To commemorate this occasion, there will be celebrations across the country, showcasing the unique heritage of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples. Learn about the history of this day and find events happening from coast to coast to coast. Discover an event near you CanadianPowWows.ca #DestinationIndigenous | #ExploreCanada | #TheOriginalOriginal | #NIPD2024 | #NIPDCanada | #NIPD @IndigenousTourismBC | Indigenous Tourism Manitoba | Indigenous Tourism Alberta | @indigenousoturismontario | @indigenoustoursimnwt | @autochtoneqc | @indigenoustourismnl | @indigenoustourismpei | @explorezsansfin

Press Release: 2024 Summer Pow Wow Season Arrives in Canada The 2024 Summer Pow Wow season is officially here and Destination Indigenous is pleased to announce an impressive line-up of events from coast to coast. Open to all, these powerful gatherings bring together multiple generations in a celebration of food, cultural traditions, community building and spiritual healing in honour of Indigenous life, culture and traditions. Some celebrations include: British Columbia Join The Kamloopa Pow Wow Society to celebrate 3 days of vibrant Indigenous culture at the 43rd annual Kamloopa Pow Wow taking place June 28-30, 2024 at the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Special Events Facility (the Arbour) within Secwepemcúl’ecw. With an estimated 500 dancers and drummers from all across Canada and the United States, visitors will enjoy drumming and dancing, colourful regalia, delicious food, and shopping at the many artisan vendor booths. Alberta The best dancers and drummers from across Canada and the United States come together in a celebration of cultures at the 2024 Calgary Stampede Pow Wow, July 7-8, 2024. One of the country’s biggest Pow Wows, this extraordinary competition will highlight the diversity of First Nations dancing, singing, and drumming and is free with admission to Stampede Park. Ontario Experience the best in Indigenous culture and tradition at the annual Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, June 19-23. This five-day celebration is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that brings together Indigenous artists, performers, educators, students, and community members to share knowledge and celebrate Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures. Read the full press release - https://bit.ly/2024PowWow #DestinationIndigenous #TheOriginalOriginal #IndigenousTourism #IndigenousTourismTeamCanada #PowWows #ITAC