Tiohtià:ke Territory (Montreal, QC) – February 28, 2025 – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), along with the presenting partner of the awards, WestJet, have announced the winners of the 2025 ITAC Indigenous Tourism Awards at the 12th annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC) on February 27, 2025.

The annual awards gala recognizes the achievements of national Indigenous tourism operators who are at the top of their industry and acts as a platform to elevate and promote Indigenous culture, heritage and economic development. These awards celebrate this past year’s excellence in tourism, highlighting sustainability, women-owned businesses, and those who have shown outstanding work in leading the way in the industry.

ITAC continues to value its ongoing partnership with WestJet, proud sponsor of the 2025 Indigenous Tourism Awards. Their commitment to the excellence and growth of Indigenous tourism across the country plays an integral role in helping shape a stronger, more connected industry from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

“This year’s award recipients showcase the strength, innovation and cultural pride that define Indigenous tourism across the country,” said Keith Henry, CEO and president of ITAC. “Their dedication to authenticity, sustainability and community impact is truly inspiring. Each winner and finalist should take pride in their achievements as their work continues to pave the way for future generations and enrich the travel experiences for all.”

The winners of the national 2025 ITAC Indigenous Tourism Awards include:

Indigenous Tourism Quebec (ITQ) Best Enterprise of the Year

The ITQ Best Enterprise of the Year recognizes a member of ITQ for its achievements in leadership, marketing, partnership, development, sustainability and more. This award celebrates their growth, contribution and accomplishments in the Indigenous tourism industry and their communities.

Winner: Nibiischii Corporation

Nestled at the gateway of Eeyou Istchee, Nibiischii Corporation is a leader in ecotourism and sustainability, managing Quebec’s largest wildlife sanctuary. It focuses on integrating sustainable practices to protect the land, wildlife and fish stocks for future generations. With innovation at its core, it offers highly ecological, self-sufficient floating cabins and studios as guest accommodations and entertainment. The staff continuously strive to implement innovative practices and aim to deliver transformative and memorable experiences year after year.

Indigenous Culinary Tourism Award

The Indigenous Culinary Tourism Award recognizes a business or individual in the Indigenous culinary industry. Bridging traditional recipes with regionally based ingredients and creating exciting new experiences for guests, these trailblazers are rocking the culinary world with their flair and fusion.

Winner: Pollen Nation Farm

Pollen Nation Farm’s co-owners, Nathan Hornidge and Amanda Oake advocate for community collaborations, increased biodiversity and enhanced food security through their mission to celebrate the Newfoundland honeybee and its vital role in food sustainability. Fusing Indigenous food sovereignty with culinary tourism, Pollen Nation Farm offers visitors an authentic farm-to-table experience deeply rooted in land and tradition.

Exceptional Cultural Experience Award

The Exceptional Cultural Experience Award recognizes the outstanding delivery of cultural knowledge and guest experiences at Indigenous cultural centres, museums, galleries, retail stores, food establishments, entertainments centres and spa/retreats, outdoor adventure, wildlife viewing, and outdoor guided tours.

Winner: Onhwa’ Lumina (Tourisme Wendake)

Awarded for its exceptional cultural innovation, Onhwa’ Lumina blends ancestral Wendat stories with cutting-edge technology, creating an unforgettable multimedia night walk. This immersive experience has continued to grab the attention of visitors through their powerful storytelling while celebrating Wendat traditions and showcasing the magic of Indigenous wisdom.

Provincial or Territorial Association of the Year

This award recognizes a provincial or territorial Association that demonstrates excellence in all aspects of ITAC’s four pillars – leadership, partnership, development & marketing – to build a resilient Indigenous tourism industry. Celebrating the spirit of partnership, this provincial or territorial leader will demonstrate their connection to Indigenous and non-Indigenous industry through commitment and collaboration with local, provincial/territorial, national and/or international partners.

Winner: Indigenous Tourism Association of Prince Edward Island (ITAPEI)

ITAPEI has made a notable impact through outstanding leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to the growth of Indigenous tourism on Prince Edward Island. Over the past year, ITAPEI has significantly expanded their membership demonstrating their ability to engage and support a growing network of Indigenous artisans, entrepreneurs and tourism operators. Through strategic partnerships, community-driven initiatives, and a deep respect for Mi’kmaq culture and traditions, the organization has fostered sustainable tourism development while creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

The Original Original Industry Leadership Award

The Original Original Industry Leadership Award recognizes a business or organization leading the way in Indigenous tourism in Canada. By demonstrating excellence in all aspects of its business, such as marketing campaigns, Tripadvisor reviews, revenues generated, low staff turnover and repeat customers, this award celebrates outstanding Indigenous businesses that provide authentic experiences.

Winner: Talking Rock Tours

Led by Indigenous geologist, Keith Diakiw, Talking Rock Tours offers a unique perspective on the deep connections between geology, culture and Indigenous storytelling, redefining adventure tourism. Going beyond conventional tourism, visitors get to immerse themselves in authentic experiences that showcase Indigenous worldviews, oral histories and spiritual connections to the environment. Talking Rock Tours heightens global awareness and appreciation for First Nations culture, leading the way in Indigenous tourism in Canada.

Outstanding Staff Person

The Outstanding Staff Person Award recognizes a youth ambassador or Elder for their extraordinary dedication and exceptional performance while bringing passion for their culture and history and commitment to achieving excellence for the business.

Winner: Lilyrose Meyers, Métis Crossing

Born and raised on a traditional Métis farm, Lilyrose Meyers is a proud kokum whose deep connection to Métis heritage shines in everything she does. She has proven to not only be the cornerstone of Métis Crossing – she is its heart and soul. Her profound connection to Métis culture, combined with her innate ability to share stories and traditions, makes her an invaluable ambassador for the organization.

Indigenous Destination Development Award

The Destination Development Award recognizes a community-based company thriving in tourism business development at an inspiring rate. This company demonstrates the implementation of proper protocol, from community consultation to community buy-in.

Winner: Pêmiska Tourism

Pêmiska Tourism has successfully built a thriving Indigenous tourism hub, fostered economic growth and cultural revitalization while creating meaningful opportunities for its community. In just over a year, Pêmiska Tourism has catalyzed economic, social and cultural growth in the region, setting a national example of sustainable and inclusive Indigenous tourism. Their efforts have turned into economic growth, including job creation for local community members and increased revenue for businesses.

New Operator or Business that Launched a New Experience

This award recognizes a new operator or business that launched a new Indigenous tourism experience and established itself as an authentic and successful Indigenous business.

Winner: Mamattuk

Mamattuk officially opened its doors in 2025 as part of the Royal Inn + Suites, right in the heart of Labrador, offering a contemporary dining experience that celebrates the timeless beauty of the land, people and culture of Labrador. They have collaborated with local artists and craftspeople to incorporate elements of The Big Land into the architecture and decor of their restaurant. With nods to their Labrador heritage, combined with the hospitality their region is known for, Mamattuk has been recognized for its authentic immersive culinary experience unlike any other.

Leading the Way in Sustainability

This award recognizes a business that is not only committed to fostering a sustainable future for their business and community but has also made significant and measurable impacts on one or all the following areas: social sustainability, cultural sustainability and environmental sustainability.

Winner: Thrive Tours

Thrive Tours is an undeniable trailblazer in sustainability within the Indigenous tourism sector, making a significant impact locally, nationally and globally. They’ve made significant strides, that have made an impact in social sustainability by empowering communities and fostering reconciliation through education and collaboration. Committed to environmental sustainability, Thrive Tours has incorporated low-impact tourism by ensuring all experiences adhere to eco-friendly practices, making them a true leader and changemaker in Indigenous-led eco-tourism.

Extraordinary Female Entrepreneur Award

The Extraordinary Female Entrepreneur Award recognizes an empowered and strong Indigenous female entrepreneur within the tourism industry and across Canada and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting other women in their industry, embodying leadership within her business and/or community.

Winner: Raphaëlle Langevin, Matsheshu Créations

Originally from New Brunswick, Raphaëlle Langevin moved to Montréal to pursue her career as a designer. Passionate about merging traditional and contemporary artistry, she showcases Indigenous craftsmanship while empowering women in the tourism industry. Raphaëlle is also a strong advocate for mental health and aims to help normalize the need for support to ensure entrepreneurs like herself prevent burnout. Her natural ability to
entrepreneurs in the tourism sector shines through her work, uplifting other women and embodying leadership within her business and community.

For a full list of finalists for the 2025 Awards Gala, please click here.

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About the International Indigenous Tourism Conference

The largest Indigenous tourism conference in the world, the annual IITC brings together delegates from the Canadian tourism industry, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, as well as representatives from global Indigenous tourism organizations for three days of inspiration and learning about Indigenous tourism issues and topics. For more information on the 2025 IITC, visit IndigenousTourismConference.com

About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a national non-profit Indigenous tourism industry organization established in 2015. ITAC is the lead organization tasked with growing and promoting the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with groups and regions with similar mandates to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism businesses in a respectful protocol.

For more information, interviews, b-roll or images, please contact:

English

Jovily Martone
tartanbond, on behalf of ITAC
416-319-8296
jovily.martone@tartanbond.com

Bojana Duric
tartanbond, on behalf of ITAC
647-271-2274
bojana.duric@tartanbond.com

French

Jeneviève Dulude-LeBlanc
tartanbond on behalf of ITAC
403-707-7549
jen.leblanc@tartanbond.com