Oct. 7, 2016, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) played a pivotal role in the 23rd annual conference of the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) held at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre in Whitehorse, YT.
ITAC CEO Keith Henry presented an update on the implementation on the association’s five-year plan at the annual conference, which this year focused on the theme of “Partnerships for Prosperity.” Henry’s presentation provided the more than 300 delegates with a snapshot overview of the role that ITAC is playing in national tourism development and marketing for Aboriginal people in Canada.
“I am very pleased to work with this national organization and their 23rd conference that brought together several hundred Aboriginal economic development experts from across the country,” says Keith Henry, CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. “Tourism was a theme throughout the conference as many communities and entrepreneurs are realizing the economic potential of Aboriginal tourism. It was a great opportunity to share our vision and offer ways ITAC can work together in the future. I hope to see many of the delegates attend our upcoming International Aboriginal Tourism Conference at Membertou in December.”
Cando is a federally registered, non-profit society that is Aboriginal controlled, community based, and membership driven. Cando is directed by a national regionally represented volunteer board of elected economic development officers (EDOs) representing every region of Canada. Cando has been instrumental in facilitating partnerships with EDOs, academics, Aboriginal leaders and senior corporate and government representatives. Cando is the only national organization that focuses on education and professional development for EDOs working in Aboriginal communities or organizations.
“The tourism industry provides an incredible opportunity for visitors to learn more about Canada’s Aboriginal people, and also allows our members to take pride in the world-class experiences that they offer,” says Henry.
To learn more about ATAC, visit www.indigenoustourism.ca.
About Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
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.
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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
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