Minister Boissonnault announces federal investments in Indigenous tourism and economic development experiences in Manitoba and the Northwest Territories
News release
Over $1.4 million to support Indigenous tourism and economic development initiatives
March 10, 2023 – Winnipeg, Manitoba
Supporting Indigenous-led initiatives is vital to economic reconciliation and growing an inclusive economy that works for everyone. Tourism experiences, led by Indigenous Peoples further provide opportunities to share Indigenous history and culture. The Government of Canada remains a strong partner in working with Indigenous communities to create opportunities and jobs, and offer vital supports for economic development.
Today, at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference taking place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan, and Minister responsible for CanNor, announced over $1.4 million in federal funding. These investments support a wide range of Indigenous tourism and economic development initiatives. The following are examples of unique projects receiving support:
- Manitoba Indigenous Tourism Association is receiving $500,000 through the Tourism Relief Fund to provide business development supports to Indigenous tourism operators and to undertake ‘destination development’ activities to attract visitors.
- Winnipeg Art Gallery is receiving $421,700 through the Tourism Relief Fund to launch new, major Indigenous art exhibits; introduce a series of new museum tours; and create virtual tours to enhance visitor offerings at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
- Techi?Q Ltd. is receiving $384,000 through the Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) Program to assist with economic development initiative on behalf of the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government, to upgrade the Grey Goose Lodge in the Northwest Territories.
Quotes
“A strong Indigenous tourism industry creates jobs, economic opportunities, and attracts visitors. Our government is investing in Indigenous tourism operators in Manitoba, and the Délı̨nę Got’ı̨nę Government, so they can grow and share their rich cultural and unique travel experiences with visitors from around the world.”
–The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan, and Minister responsible for CanNor
“As we move past the acute phase of the pandemic, Canada’s tourism sector is showing strong signs of growth. The Government of Canada’s investments in tourism over the last two years focused on the survival of our visitor economy. As we move to revival and the growth, we continue to provide targeted support to tourism businesses so they can keep delivering unforgettable experiences. A robust Indigenous tourism sector is key for our economy and reconciliation, as well as our government’s ongoing work in building an inclusive economy that works for all Canadians.”
–The Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance
“Supporting sustainable Indigenous business development, diversifying the local economy, and creating good jobs are all important parts of reconciliation. Our government is continuing to work with Indigenous partners by investing in tourism infrastructure like the upgrades to the Grey Goose Lodge in Délı̨nę that helps promote the tourism sector in the Sahtu region of the NWT.”
–Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories
“With Indigenous Tourism Manitoba being in its infancy stages as an organization, the support through the Tourism Relief Fund has really allowed us to build a strong foundation in finance, marketing, product development and organizational development. The outcome of this funding will be long lasting and a great benefit to our Indigenous tourism operators across Manitoba.”
–Holly Courchene, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba
Quick facts
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The Tourism Relief Fund helps organizations in the tourism sector adapt operations to meet public health requirements, offer innovative products and services to visitors, and prepare to welcome travelers to Canada. PrairiesCan administers the Fund in the Prairie Provinces.
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Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) makes foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of Canada's innovation economy.
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Contacts
Kyle Allen
Press Secretary and Communication Advisor
Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Kyle.Allen@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
Chris Minaker
Director, Policy, Planning and External Relations
Prairies Economic Development Canada
Chris.Minaker@prairiescan.gc.ca
Barbara Abramchuk
Communications Advisor
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CANNOR)
Barbara.Abramchuk@cannor.gc.ca
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