Announcement reflects progress on, and ongoing commitment to, Indigenous tourism in Canada
St. John’s – Indigenous tourism helps advance reconciliation while creating jobs in communities nationwide. That’s why supporting its growth, in close partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, is one of the Government of Canada’s top priorities. Most significantly, the government is working with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) to roll out the $10 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF) Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS), which offers direct financial support to Indigenous tourism businesses.
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, with the support of Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC, today announced the first businesses to receive financial support under the ITF-MSBS. A total of 13 Indigenous tourism businesses from across Newfoundland and Labrador have been granted $325,000 in federal funding, delivered by ITAC. Minister Martinez Ferrada made the announcement during her keynote address at the 2024 Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Annual Conference and Trade Show.
The following Newfoundland and Labrador businesses have either received or will receive a $25,000 grant from the ITF-MSBS:
- Gros Morne Adventures, in Norris Point
- Komatik Support Services Inc. (Royal Inn + Suites), in Goose Bay
- Mountain Waters Resort (Ledonis Ltd), in Portland Creek
- Pirate’s Haven Resort, in Robinsons
- Secret Cove Brewing Company, in Port au Port East
- The Bay of Islands Inn (The Olde Brake House Museum), in Meadows
- Wild Gros Morne Outdoor Experience Incorporated, in Shoal Brook
- Big Land Fishing Lodge and Tours, in Corner Brook
- Saltbox and Everoutdoor Adventures, in Corner Brook
- Under the Stump, in Rocky Harbour
- Pollen Nation Farm, in Little Rapids
- Serenity Salon Limited, in Pasadena
- A Place To Stay / The Lilly Pads, in Conne River
The $10 million MSBS was launched by Minister Martinez Ferrada in November 2023. It is administered by ITAC in collaboration with provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations and is part of the $20 million ITF announced in Budget 2022. The MSBS is focused on supporting the Indigenous tourism industry and guiding it toward long-term, sustainable growth. This announcement underscores the government’s commitment to supporting Indigenous tourism.
A key requirement for MSBS funding is an initial assessment under ITAC’s The Original Original (TOO) Accreditation Program, which evaluates business, visitor and export readiness. This prerequisite ensures applicants will be able to use the fund effectively. By providing non-repayable contributions of up to $25,000 for qualifying businesses, the MSBS will help Indigenous tourism grow and thrive, support Indigenous communities, and further position Canada as a top global destination.
“Indigenous tourism has the power to create opportunities, transform Canadian tourism and advance reconciliation. That’s why helping it grow and thrive is one of our top priorities. Through an Indigenous-led process, we are supporting communities in making their own decisions and developing tourism at their own pace. I look forward to seeing the difference that this funding makes in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.” – Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec