Ottawa – With Tourism Week underway, Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services, announces the renewal of the Quebec Indigenous Tourism Initiative. The Department supports this strategic partnership initiative, which is specifically designed to support Indigenous communities in the early stages of developing their tourism sector and to promote Indigenous tourism in the Quebec and Canadian markets, with a contribution of $2.25 million over two years.
The initiative supports the development of an eco-responsible tourism offering that promotes closer ties between Nations. As the Indigenous tourism sector is a bridging tool, the initiative also aims to advance reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples through the sharing of cultures and traditions.
For example, thanks to the financial support and advice of various partners, including Indigenous Services Canada and the Quebec Indigenous Tourism Initiative, Tourisme Winipeukut Nature, an organization of the Unamen Shipu community, has completed a series of projects that allow it to structure and develop the visitor experience. The main attraction is a stay at a typical Innu camp and a demonstration of traditional lobster fishing.
The dynamic created by this emerging tourism industry has sparked entrepreneurial enthusiasm in the community. A number of accommodation and service businesses were thus established, such as an inn and a travel agency. These projects are all the more important and promising as they enable young people in the community to live proudly with their Innu culture.
The Quebec Indigenous Tourism Initiative aims to help Indigenous communities secure business opportunities, generate wealth for First Nations and Inuit communities, and create quality jobs for their members. The renewal of this initiative will facilitate partnerships between Indigenous communities and public and private sector market participants, while helping Indigenous communities continue their economic recovery.
“When we strengthen the Indigenous economy, we all benefit. This is a great reason to celebrate the renewal of the Quebec Indigenous Tourism Initiative. Sharing First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture and showcasing Indigenous communities enrich the tourism experience, and Indigenous Services Canada is proud to support this work.” -Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services