Treaty 6 Territory, home to many Nations including, Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Sioux and Métis People (Amiskwacîwâskahikan, Edmonton, AB) – Nominations are now open for the 2026 Indigenous Tourism Awards on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (#2026IITC).
The Indigenous Tourism Awards are presented by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and recognize the best in the industry, including outstanding businesses, sustainability, women’s leadership, and thought leadership. The awards celebrate excellence in tourism from the past year. Presented on the final night of the International Indigenous Tourism Conference, the Indigenous Tourism Award will showcase the flourishing and exceptional indigenous tourism industry in Canada.
Nominees must be at least 51% Indigenous-owned/controlled and provide tourism experiences or tourism-related services within Canada. Businesses are allowed to self-nominate.
For 2026, ITAC National Awards and Provincial Awards include:
- Exceptional Cultural Experience Award
- Extraordinary Female Entrepreneur Award presented by RBC
- Indigenous Culinary Tourism Award
- Indigenous Destination Development Award
- Provincial Indigenous Tourism Leadership Award – Alberta Only
- Leading the Way in Sustainability Award
- New Operator or Business that Launched a New Experience Award
- Outstanding Staff Person Award
- Provincial or Territorial Association of the Year
- The Original Original Industry Leadership Award
Nominations can be made here and will close on Monday, December 8, 2025.