Indigenous tourism has the power to advance self-determination and reconciliation, while creating jobs and opportunities across Turtle Island. That’s why supporting its growth is one of the Government of Canada’s top priorities, in close partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Most significantly, the government is working with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada to roll out the $10 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF,) which offers direct financial support to Indigenous tourism businesses.
The Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, Michael McLeod, today announced that K’ıyelı Tourism Services in Fort Simpson has received $25,000 in funding from the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s (ITF) Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS.) Administered by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), in collaboration with provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations, the ITF MSBS is part of the $20 million ITF announced in Budget 2022. This $10 million initiative supports the Indigenous tourism industry towards long-term, sustainable growth. Today’s announcement underscores the government's commitment Indigenous tourism.
K’ıyelı Services is owned and operated by Mary Jane and Gilbert Cazon, both Dene Indigenous who were born and raised in the Dehcho region of the NWT. Rooted in the Fort Simpson community, K’ıyelı Services has a rich history tied to Nahanni National Park, the Sambaa Deh (Trout River) area and the Łıı́d́lii Kų́ę́ First Nation. Mary Jane and Gilbert trace their heritage to generations of Indigenous guides along the Mackenzie River. K’ıyelı Ecotourism initially offered interpretation and cultural education services. Presently, K’ıyelı aims to further its offerings by becoming the principal provider of Dene cultural tourism offerings in the Dehcho. The company is leveraging its cultural expertise and community ties to diversify its services. K’ıyelı Services fills a crucial gap in regional tourism services by providing a suite of experiences deeply rooted in Dehcho Dene values and community connections.
A key requirement for MSBS funding is an initial assessment under ITAC's The Original Original (TOO) Accreditation Program, which helps identify barriers to 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 helps Indigenous tourism grow and thrive, supports Indigenous communities and further positions Canada as a top global destination.
About the ITF-MSBS:
Budget 2022 allocated $20 million over two years to establish the ITF, aimed at facilitating the Indigenous tourism industry's progression towards long-term, sustainable growth. The ITF-MSBS was officially launched on November 17, 2023, in Vancouver, BC, marking a significant step forward in this initiative. It focuses on financial support, promoting the TOO Accreditation Program, and working with provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations to ensure equitable distribution of funding across the country. This initiative reflects a commitment to Indigenous self-determination and reconciliation, aiming to integrate authentic Indigenous experiences into Canada's tourism landscape. It is aligned with the Federal Tourism Growth Strategy "Canada 365: Welcoming the World. Every Day", shaped by consultations with tourism stakeholders and Indigenous groups, underscoring the critical role of Indigenous tourism in Canada's tourism strategy.
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“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 this 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 Fort Simpson.
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