Mi’kmaq Territory– The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has announced the winners of the Aboriginal Tourism Awards at the fifth International Aboriginal Tourism Conference (IATC) in Membertou, Nova Scotia.

Each of the national award-winners were selected for their ongoing dedication to increasing the profile of Aboriginal tourism experiences throughout Canada. As well, regional organizations from Atlantic Canada were honoured including Torngat Mountains Base Camp (NL), Membertou Heritage Park (NS), Northern Lights Dog Sledding (NL), and artist Joe John Sanipas (NB).

The awards were emceed by ITAC President & CEO Keith Henry and Jeff Ward, general manager of the Membertou Heritage Park. “It was an honour to join Jeff on stage to highlight and recognize the work and accomplishments of these dynamic and innovative members of our sector. Our industry continues to grow as a force for positive change across Canada,” says Keith Henry.

The winners of the 2016 Aboriginal Tourism Awards include:

ITAC National Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Award
(presented at the 2016 Canadian Tourism Awards on November 30, 2016)
Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon, SK

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Authority is a non-for-profit organization in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with a mission to advance the understanding and appreciation of the evolving cultures of the Northern Plains Indigenous peoples. Wanuskewin is also home of Canada’s longest-running archaeological dig.

Best Cultural Ambassador – National Award
Stephanie Sarazin, Aboriginal Experiences from Ottawa, ON

From Pikwaknagan, Ontario, Stephanie Sarazin loves to share her culture with visitors from around the world. Sarazin is currently the Bookings and Client Relations Manager for Aboriginal Experiences in Ottawa. She works directly with clients from domestic and international markets and managing the team to create a memorable Aboriginal experience.

Best Marketing Program – National Award
Skwachàys Lodge Hotel & Gallery in Vancouver, BC

Skwachàys Lodge is a social enterprise in Vancouver, BC, which includes a gallery, an art and culture boutique hotel, and 24 residential units for local artists.

Most Improved Business – National Award
Tundra North Tours in Inuvik, NT

Tundra North Tours is an Inuit-owned company based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories, with a mission to provide visitors from all over the world with an authentic experience of the unique atmosphere and culture of Canada’s North.

Best Lodging/Accommodations – Regional Award (Atlantic Canada)
Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station St John’s Harbour in Saglek Bay, Northern Labrador, NL

Located some 200 km north of Labrador’s most northerly community (Nain), Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station is an Inuit-run research station, camp and entry point for visitors to the Torngat Mountains National Park. The camp comes alive with activity during the summer months, hosting international researchers, Inuit elders and youth, as well as visitors from all over the world.

Best Indoor Cultural Experience – Regional Award (Atlantic Canada)
Membertou Heritage Park and Gift Shop in Membertou, NS

The Membertou Heritage Park consists of a five-acre site that offers a living history of the Mi’kmaq community of Membertou, Nova Scotia. It includes a large indoor exhibit and program area that offer the visitor full immersion to an ancient culture.

Best Outdoor Cultural Experience – Regional Award (Atlantic Canada)
Northern Lights Dog Sledding in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL

For the last six years, Scott Hudson has dedicated his time and energy into reviving the Labrador Husky breed and incorporating it into a full-fledged business, Northern Lights Dog Sledding in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland & Labrador. He offers packages where the customer can camp out under a Labrador sky in a Labrador tent, and give them the full ‘Big Land’ experience.

Best Artist or Event – Regional Award (Atlantic Canada)
Joe John Sanipas, basket-maker, artist, and elder of the Elsipogtog First Nation, NB

Joe John Sanipas is an elder and artisan from Elsipogtog First Nation, New Brunswick, and he has been making baskets for 70 years. He has also held numerous workshops where participants learn the basic techniques of the art. He has his own sweat lodge and hosts those who are striving for greater meaning in life through this very spiritual tradition.

The three-day conference at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre brought together delegates from First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities, as well as representatives from global Indigenous tourism organizations to discuss the theme of, “Building Effective Partnerships for Indigenous Tourism.” The conference focused on strategies for building relationships and partnerships with non-government and government organizations, tourism marketing organizations, other tourism operators, and industry leaders.

Conference attendees included Destination Canada, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Parks Canada, and Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Event supporters included the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance, Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Speakers included representatives from the Tourism Industry Associations of Nova Scotia, PEI & Nova Scotia; Destination Canada; Tourism HR Canada; the Legacy Tourism Group; and ITAC. Invited Indigenous groups globally include representatives from across Canada, US, New Zealand, and Australia.

For more information on the 2016 International Aboriginal Tourism Conference, visit iatc-canada.ca.

About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Originally formed as the Aboriginal Tourism Marketing Circle, in 2015 the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) was formally established as a national non-profit Aboriginal tourism industry organization. Today, ITAC includes representation from 15 Aboriginal tourism industry representatives and organizations. Through a unified Aboriginal tourism industry voice, ITAC focuses on creating partnerships between associations, organizations, government departments and industry leaders from across Canada to support the growth of Aboriginal tourism in Canada. For more information, visit www.indigenoustourism.ca.

-30-

Media contacts:
Brian Cant, Tartan Group: 250-592-3838, 250-888-8729 (cell) or brian@tartangroup.ca
Keith Henry, ITAC: 604-639-4408 or k.henry@aboriginalcanada.ca

[su_button url=”https://indigenoustourism.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ATAC-IATC-Award-Winners.pdf” target=”blank” style=”flat” background=”#323232″ size=”5″ radius=”8″]Download this page as a PDF[/su_button]