Minister Vandal announces investment of over $1.2 million for Indigenous tourism projects in the Northwest Territories

Today, the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, announced that the Government of Canada is investing over $1.2 million towards three Indigenous tourism projects to support upgrades and improvements to lodges in small communities and more remote regions of the NWT.

This investment by the Government of Canada will support the NWT’s Indigenous tourism businesses, organizations and communities so they are well positioned for sustainable growth and success moving forward, as a strong tourism industry is a key component of NWT’s economy.

CanNor’s investment supports three Indigenous tourism projects in the Northwest Territories

Undah Gogah Corporation - Telemia Lodge Upgrades and Marketing

• $799,998 from CanNor has been approved to support a two-year project by Undah Gogah Corporation, the economic development arm of the Deh Gah Got'ie First Nation, to upgrade the Telemia Lodge, develop a new website, and create marketing products. The project will include upgrades, renovations and furnishings for the older cabins, the building of two new cabins and an office, installing new kitchen equipment and adding solar energy solutions, and implementing a marketing campaign to promote the lodge. The lodge, located near Fort Providence, will also provide a venue for large community and cultural gatherings. This project is anticipated to maintain five jobs, create eight new jobs, and eventually further expand to create ten additional jobs.

Tourism Tulita Incorporated - Tulita Chalets

• $380,000 from CanNor is supporting a two-year project by Tourism Tulita Incorporated (TTI), a subsidiary of an Indigenous development corporation owned by the community of Tulita, to complete the construction of five biomass heated chalets in Tulita. CanNor funding will support contract and professional fees, the purchase of materials and freight costs, and assist with the hiring of local Indigenous employees to complete work on the chalets. This project will provide the community with much-needed facilities to accommodate and serve tourists and business travelers.

North Nahanni Naturalist Lodge Upgrades

• $85,500 from CanNor and additional investments from the Government of the Northwest Territories and the applicant is supporting upgrades and improvements at the North Nahanni Naturalist Lodge. CanNor funding is helping fund major renovations needed to update and modernize the six-room main lodge and guest cabins. The total cost of the project is $171,000. The goal is to better position the lodge which has capacity for 24 guests as a destination of choice for visitors to Fort Simpson and the greater Nahanni region.