The Manitoba government is providing more than $450,000 to Indigenous Tourism Manitoba through the Indigenous Reconciliation Initiatives Fund in support of economic reconciliation, Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan announced Thursday, March 9 in a media release.
“Investing in Indigenous tourism helps Indigenous-owned businesses create jobs and build capacity to ensure Indigenous Peoples benefit directly,” said Khan. “The Indigenous Reconciliation Initiatives Fund is an example of reconciliation in action, and our government looks forward to the further growth of the Indigenous tourism industry, and the economic and cultural opportunities it will create for Indigenous Peoples.”
The minister noted the new funding will support:
– one-on-one coaching, training and guidance;
– a Manitoba Indigenous Tourism Conference to bring together operators, industry and allies of Indigenous tourism;
– development support and assistance with training; and
– marketing and promotion.
“Experiencing Indigenous tourism firsthand is an important way for non-Indigenous Canadians and visitors to better understand the history of Canada,” said Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke. “Our government is pleased to support this opportunity to educate visitors about the lands, traditions and ways of life of Indigenous Peoples, while at the same time supporting economic advancement for Indigenous businesses.”
Established in 2021, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba is the first Indigenous-led, non-profit organization to lead advocacy and development of the Indigenous tourism sector in Manitoba. The organization provides leadership and resources to strengthen the Indigenous tourism economy in Manitoba.
“We are so pleased to receive this funding that will aid our Indigenous tourism businesses here in Manitoba with developing their experiences and ultimately assist our business to share those experiences with the world,” said Holly Courchene, CEO, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba.
The ministers noted the investment aligns with the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to fully adopt and implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This initiative addresses UNDRIP articles 3, 20, 21 and 23 by affecting change in economic opportunities for Indigenous Peoples.
The innovative approach to supporting the development of Indigenous-led tourism businesses also advances progress on the principles of respect, engagement, understanding and action as outlined in Manitoba’s Path to Reconciliation Act, the ministers said.
