ITAC and Parks Canada Renew Three-Year Agreement to Grow Indigenous Tourism Industry

Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) (VANCOUVER, B.C.) — The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has renewed a three-year contribution agreement with Parks Canada with the goal of enhancing and growing authentic Indigenous experiences in regions across the country. The contribution agreement continues to build on a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Parks Canada in 2016 and renewed in 2022.

The agreement provides a framework for the growth of Indigenous tourism at Parks Canada administered places through the development, support and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism experiences. An investment of $500,000 has been committed over the next three years.

“The renewal of this partnership with Parks Canada enables important work to continue building a strong future for Indigenous tourism,” says Keith Henry, president & CEO of ITAC. “Moreover, ITAC’s role is to ensure that any agreement between the association and Parks Canada is rooted in reconciliation for Indigenous people and that Indigenous culture and identity is authentically represented in ongoing marketing efforts.”

“As we move past the acute phase of the pandemic, Canada’s tourism sector is showing strong signs of growth. We are honoured to be a partner with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to help advance Indigenous tourism and to share authentic Indigenous experiences with millions of visitors from across Canada and around the world,” says the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada. “As we look to revival and growth of the sector, we continue to provide targeted support to tourism businesses and partners – including Indigenous tourism operators – and work together with Parks Canada, so we can keep delivering unforgettable experiences. A fully recovered and robust Indigenous tourism sector is key to reconciliation, and to our government’s ongoing work in building an economy that works for everyone.”