SAULT STE. MARIE, October 20, 2005 -- A guide to developing community-
based tourism was released today during the Council for the Advancement of
Native Development Officers (CANDO) annual general meeting.
"Atiik Aski: Land of the Caribou is a result of a partnership among the
Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, First Nation and Métis," said
the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "Community-based
economic development is part of the new approach to economic development that
the government supports to enable First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities
and institutions to attain their economic development objectives."
"This project is a great example of federal, provincial and community
collaboration in support of a community economic development initiative," said
the Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "This partnership
with the province of Manitoba and the communities has resulted in an approach
to tourism development which may benefit other communities across Canada."
This guide is a case study of the Northwest Manitoba Regional Tourism
Strategy and identifies and describes eight best practices derived from a
community tourism development strategic planning process carried out over two
years by 13 communities - 12 located in northwestern Manitoba and one in
eastern Saskatchewan. Eleven of the communities are Aboriginal: two Dene First
Nations, six Cree First Nations and three Métis. The other two are Euro-
Canadian, representing a mix of cultural traditions and languages.
"Tourism today has many aspects," said Eric Robinson, Minister of
Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Province of Manitoba. "Tapping into the growing
market by establishing partnerships and developing sustainable,
environmentally sensitive tourism activities will empower Manitobans to seize
upon new economic opportunities."
Community and economic development practitioners undertaking community
tourism development may find that considering and/or adopting the practices
outlined in this publication in their planning processes can help stakeholders
ensure and enrich a successful outcome.
To obtain a copy, contact your local Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
office or contact the Indian Northern Affairs Canada Public Enquiries Contact Centre at 1-800-567-9604.
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For further information:
Gilbert Savard
Director, Regional Secretariat
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Manitoba Region
(204) 983-6195
Margot Geduld
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Media Relations
(819) 994-2044
