Experience the Beauty and Traditions of the Mi'kmaq Culture

Government of Canada supports growth for Aboriginal tourism

With Government of Canada support announced today by Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, the Waycobah First Nation is looking to up the ante on Cape Breton’s tourism draw by developing experiential tourism products and services in their community. Waycobah is receiving a $186,269 non-repayable investment, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund, to develop a venue to house a tourism information kiosk, artisan shop and tour booking venue, as well as to develop experiential tourism experiences including trail enhancements, camping, canoeing (regatta), paddling, sport fishing and cooking traditional Mi'kmaq food.

Today’s announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for ACOA, and on behalf of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs.

In addition to improving tourism products and services, this project will also focus on growing the Waycobah First Nation brand and increasing awareness of a community that is ready for business. Waycobah is focused on creating authentic, educational experiences for visitors that will strengthen its tourism offerings, attract new business opportunities, and create a more sustainable community. 

Other funding partners for this project include: Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), $172,720; the Province of Nova Scotia through the Aboriginal Community Development Fund, $5,000; Waycobah First Nation, $69,438; and, Ulnooweg, $19,500. The First Nation community will utilize the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada's (ATAC) - Aboriginal Cultural Experiences National Guidelines to ensure that the products and services meet or exceed the expectations of visitors.

Tourism is an increasingly important revenue generator for Indigenous Peoples throughout the world. Next week ATAC will host the 2016 International Aboriginal Tourism Conference from December 12 to 14 in Membertou. The conference will provide learning and networking opportunities to international, national and Atlantic Canada First Nation communities who are looking to advance their tourism initiatives.

 

Quotes

“Waycobah, like other First Nations communities across the country, is interested in offering visitors rich experiences in the natural world, perspectives on environmental stewardship, and an appreciation of arts and history. The Government of Canada's support will assist Waycobah as it builds a foundation for experiential tourism that will resonate with visitors who value authentic cultural experiences.”

−      The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Growing Indigenous tourism is an important way develop new enterprises, increase revenue and create local jobs in communities. Waycobah First Nation’s tourism initiatives will ‎highlight a truly beautiful culture and region and at the same time benefit the community and region, as well as Canadian and international tourists alike.”

-     The Honourable Carolyn Bennett, M.D., P.C., M.P., Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs

“This project is just one example of how ACOA and INAC are working together to boost economic activity through infrastructure investments and community-based partnerships, while supporting the Government of Canada’s priorities to promote a vibrant economy and ensure a better future for Indigenous Peoples.”

−      Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso

“The Waycobah First Nation has been implementing a long-term strategic plan for the past two and half years. Today’s announcement will help us continue on our path to establishing new commercial enterprises, helping existing businesses grow, and increasing the economic activity in our region.”

−      Chief Rod Googoo, Waycobah First Nation

"Ulnooweg is pleased to be a part of the growing participation of Aboriginal businesses in this sector. Providing a bridge between culture and Business in strengthening and empowering Aboriginal communities."

−      Chris Googoo, General Manager, Ulnooweg

 

Associated Links

• Atlantic Growth Strategy
• Waycobah First Nation Website
• Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada Website
• International Aboriginal Tourism Conference
• Ulnooweg Website

 

Contacts

Alex Smith
Director of Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Phone: 902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
E-mail: alex.smith@canada.ca

Sabrina Williams
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett
613-697-8316

Media Relations
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160

Chief Rod Googoo
Waycobah First Nation
Phone: 902-295-0351
Email: rodgoogoo@waycobah.ca

Matthew Tapper
Business Development Manager
Ulnooweg
Phone: 888-766-2376
Email: mtapper@ulnooweg.ca

Backgrounder

Waycobah First Nation

The Waycobah First Nation is a growing Mi'kmaq community located along the Trans-Canada Highway 105. Situated along the shores of the Bras d'Or Lake, the community is home to 850 residents located on 828 acres   of land adjacent to the village of Whycocomagh. The community is governed by a Chief and eight councilors and employs more than 100 people. The band operates several businesses, and is optimistic that other economic opportunities can be capitalized on to create new wealth and new employment for its residents.

Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada

Originally formed as the Aboriginal Tourism Marketing Circle, in 2015 the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada (ATAC) was formally established as a national non-profit Aboriginal tourism industry organization. Today, ATAC includes representation from 15 Aboriginal tourism industry representatives and organizations. Through a unified Aboriginal tourism industry voice, ATAC focuses on marketing, product development support, and creating partnerships between associations, organizations, government departments and industry leaders from across Canada to support the growth of Aboriginal tourism in Canada and address the demand for development and marketing of authentic Aboriginal experiences.

Ulnooweg

Ulnooweg, pronounced [Ul-noo-wegg], is a Mi’kmaq word which broadly translated means: “to make indigenous or to adapt beliefs, customs, etc. of the Mi’kmaq”. In this context, Ulnooweg Development Group would translate to an “Indigenized” Development Group incorporating the beliefs, customs, values, etc. of the Mi’kmaq nation.  In this way, Ulnooweg operates as an extension of the communities, uniquely stewarding to their needs and supporting their business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Ulnooweg has been providing loans and business services to Aboriginal entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada since 1986. With representatives in New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador and Nova Scotia, they are able to offer convenient, personalized service.