2026 International Indigenous Tourism Conference (2026 IITC) wraps up, announcing Winnipeg, Manitoba as next year’s host city
Amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB) on Treaty 6 Territory – Last night brought the 13th annual International Indigenous Tourism Conference to a close, as the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), alongside presenting partner WestJet, announced the winners of the 2026 Indigenous Tourism Awards and revealed next year’s host city, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The annual awards gala recognizes the achievements of national Indigenous tourism operators from across Canada, highlighting outstanding businesses, sustainability, women’s leadership, and thought leadership. These awards celebrate excellence and national Indigenous operators who are at the top of their industry and are providing a platform to help elevate and promote Indigenous culture, heritage and economic development.
“This year’s winners highlight the creativity, resilience, and cultural richness that make Indigenous tourism across Canada truly exceptional,” said Keith Henry, president and CEO of ITAC. “Their dedication to authenticity, sustainability and positive community impact demonstrates leadership and innovation. All of our winners and nominees have achieved so much in the last year, and I look forward to celebrating their work as they continue to inspire and pave the way for future generations.”
ITAC is grateful to partner with WestJet for another year. As the official carrier of the 2026 IITC and a sponsor of ITAC’s 2026 Indigenous Tourism Awards, their support is a reflection of a shared commitment to celebrating and growing Indigenous tourism across Canada, from coast to coast to coast.
IITC will return to Winnipeg in 2027 where attendees can look forward to more engaging sessions, cultural experiences and opportunities to strengthen the future of Indigenous tourism. With its rich Indigenous heritage and vibrant tourism offerings, Winnipeg provides a great setting to connect industry leaders and partners from around the globe.
“We are thrilled to welcome the next International Indigenous Tourism Conference to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Under the theme ‘Heart of Turtle Island’, this conference will celebrate the growth and resilience of Indigenous tourism from coast to coast to coast,” said Holly Spence, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba. “Indigenous Tourism Manitoba is proud to host this signature event in partnership with Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism and Travel Manitoba, where stories, culture, and leadership come together to inspire collaboration and strengthen Indigenous communities.”
The winners of the 2026 Indigenous Tourism Awards include:
Exceptional Cultural Experience Award
The Exceptional Cultural Experience Award recognizes a business or attraction that has developed and delivers an exceptional Indigenous cultural and guest experience. Through storytelling, traditional and cultural knowledge, this awards celebrates the positive impact and power their experience has had on their visitors.
Winner: Ungava Polar Eco-Tours (QC)
Ungava Polar Eco-Tours is an Inuit-owned business offering immersive adventure tourism experiences in Gyrfalcon Islands, home to the world’s largest tides and tidal currents. Led by James May, an experienced tourism guide from Kuujjuaq now based in Tasiujaq, and Jonathan Grenier, a seasoned local fishing guide on the Koksoak River, this business delivers ethical polar bear viewing and Inuit-led cultural experiences.Through storytelling, traditional knowledge, and deep connections to the land, Ungava Polar Eco-Tours provides guests with authentic experiences that celebrate the preserve Inuit culture and the Arctic environment.
Extraordinary Female Entrepreneur Award presented by RBC
The Extraordinary Female Entrepreneur Award recognizes an empowered and strong Indigenous female entrepreneur within the tourism industry across Canada, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting other women in her industry, embodying leadership within her business and/or community.
Winner: Jen Shears – Natural Boutique / Gros Morne Wildlife Museum / Stay in Gros Morne (NL)
Newfoundland Mi’kmaw entrepreneur, conservationist and storyteller, Jen Shears, celebrates sustainable living, hunting culture and Indigenous heritage. Through her businesses, she provides immersive tourism experiences that connect visitors to the land, local traditions and wildlife. Jen is recognized for her leadership and ongoing dedication to uplifting women in the industry, exemplifying innovation and community within the industry.
Indigenous Culinary Tourism Award
The Indigenous Culinary Tourism Award recognizes a business or individual in the Indigenous culinary industry. Bridging traditional recipes with regional-based ingredients and creating exciting new experiences for guests, these trail blazers are rocking the culinary world with their flair and fusion.
Winner: Scott Iserhoff – Bernadette’s (Pei Pei Chei Ow) (AB)
Bernadette’s, founded by Edmonton-based Chef Scott Jonathan Isherhoff, is an Indigenous restaurant honouring all grandmothers, in tribute to his own. The menu highlights seasonal and traditional inspired dishes that evoke comfort, memory and connection, creating dining experiences that feel like home. Chef Scott grew up between Timmins and the Attawapiskat First Nation, bringing his deep heritage and culinary expertise from his catering business, Pei Pei Chei Ow, to every thoughtfully curated dish.
Indigenous Destination Development Award
The Indigenous Destination Development Award recognizes a thriving community in tourism business development at an inspirational rate. This award will go to a community who has created economic development and social/cultural advancement through their community enterprises while also creating opportunities for entrepreneurship to flourish.
Winner: Enoch Tourism (AB)
Founded in 2020, Enoch Tourism, has been dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich culture and traditions of the Enoch community. Through cultural experiences, events and the development of spaces like the Cultural Interpretive Centre and Traditional Grounds, the department empowers community members to connect with their heritage and share with visitors. Their work continues to prioritize social, economic, environmental and cultural benefits, ensuring tourism strengthens the community while honouring their ancestors.
Alberta Provincial Indigenous Tourism Leadership Award
The Alberta Provincial Indigenous Tourism Leadership Award recognizes an Indigenous community within Alberta that is excelling in using tourism as a vehicle for community well-being, cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
Winner: Métis Crossing (AB)
Métis Crossing, a cultural destination celebrating Métis heritage through storytelling, continues to lead the way in immersive experiences where visitors explore the traditional practices, take part in several hands-on workshops and learn about the rich history and contemporary life of the Métis Nation. By fostering understanding and pride in Métis traditions, Métis Crossing offers experiences that uplift the spirit and leave a lasting and meaningful impact.
Leading the Way in Sustainability Award
The Leading the Way in Sustainability Award recognizes a business that is not only committed to fostering a sustainable future for their business and community, but has made significant and measurable impacts on one or all of the following areas: Social sustainability, cultural sustainability, and environmental sustainability.
Winner: Spirit Bear Lodge (BC)
Known for their immersive wildlife and cultural experiences on the remote coast of British Columbia, Spirit Bear Lodge is truly a leader in the sustainability tourism sector. Guided by local Indigenous knowledge, visitors can ethically observe wildlife, connect with nature and learn about Indigenous traditions and stewardship. The lodge combines adventure and education while supporting conservation and local communities.
New Operator or Business that Launched a New Experience
This award recognizes the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of a new business or experience that opened to visitors between January 2025 and January 2026. This accolade celebrates and commends the vision, dedication and effort of opening a new business and/or adding a new experience. This award recognizes a venture that not only provides an exceptional experience for visitors but also respects and honours Indigenous traditions, stories, and values. The recipient will have demonstrated creativity, commitment to cultural authenticity, and a positive impact on their community and the broader tourism landscape.
Winner: Dakota Dunes Resort (SK)
Located in Saskatoon, Dakota Dunes Resort is the only full-service resort in the region, with 155 guest rooms that incorporate Indigenous heritage through thoughtfully curated interior designs. More recently, the resort opened its Cosmic Dome, an 8-metre geodesic dome for an immersive journey through the stars. The Cosmic Dome experience blends the wonders of the night sky with rich Indigenous storytelling, guided by ancestral knowledge and brought to life through modern projection technology. Dakota Dunes Resort continues to provide exceptional new experiences that honour Indigenous traditions while setting a standard for innovation in Indigenous tourism.
Outstanding Staff Person Award
The Outstanding Staff Person Award recognizes an outstanding Indigenous tourism employee who has brought a high level of excellence to their organization, company or business through their pride, dedication and professionalism in the preservation and sharing of their culture and traditions that enhances visitor experience.
Winner: Thomas Wamiss Jr. – Coastal Rainforest Safaris (BC)
Thomas Wamiss Jr. comes from the Dzawa̱’da̱’enux̱w and G̱usgi’mukw Nations amongst the Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw people. He’s been mentored by community leaders and Elders in history, language, songs, stories, and art and has spent several years as a language and culture educator in schools and adult programs before becoming a guide and skipper. He now brings his experience and knowledge to Coastal Rainforest Safaris, where he sets the standard for culturally grounded Indigenous tourism, mentoring his colleagues and has developed interpretive tools that enhance guest experiences. Guests often note their appreciation of his knowledge and the warmth of his guidance, highlighting Thomas as an extraordinary team member whose work enriches both visitors and his community.
Provincial or Territorial Association of the Year
This award recognizes a Provincial or Territorial Association that has demonstrated excellence in all aspects of ITAC’s 4 Pillars, Leadership, Partnership, Development & Marketing to build a resilient Indigenous tourism sector. 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 Manitoba
Indigenous Tourism Manitoba is the only organization in Manitoba that unites communities, Indigenous groups, and industry leaders to create authentic Indigenous tourism experiences. Their goal is to support Indigenous businesses and their communities, and they are committed to promoting and growing Indigenous tourism demonstrates excellence in all aspects of ITAC’s four pillars, leadership, partnership, development and marketing, helping build resilience in the industry.
The Original Original Industry Leadership Award
The Original Original Industry Leadership award recognizes a business or organization leading the way in Canadian Indigenous tourism. By demonstrating excellence in all aspects of its business, such as marketing campaigns, TripAdvisor reviews, revenues generated, low staff turnover and repeat customers. This includes businesses who applied for The Original Original Accreditation Program and received a high score across the board in being an authentic Indigenous business, providing an outstanding and authentic Indigenous experience not to be missed on a traveller’s next Canadian itinerary.
Winner: Under the Stump (NL)
Under the Stump is a family-run Indigenous business located in Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s recognized for delivering outstanding, authentic Indigenous experiences that resonate with visitors. With excellence across its operations, from compelling storytelling and strong visitor engagement to repeat customers and industry recognition, Under the Stump sets a high standard for Indigenous-led tourism.
Destination Original Indigenous Tourism International Award
The Destination Original Indigenous Tourism International Award recognizes excellence in Indigenous-led tourism worldwide. The award honours Indigenous Peoples, communities, organizations, and enterprises that demonstrate strong leadership in tourism initiatives that are owned, governed, and led by Indigenous Peoples, and that generate meaningful cultural, social, environmental, and economic benefits.
Winner: Indigenous Tourism Network of Mexico (RITA – Red Indígena de Turismo de México).
The Indigenous Tourism Network of Mexico (RITA) is a natural Indigenous-led association supporting community-based tourism initiatives through capacity building, governance, and collection representation. By leading regional initiatives like the 1st Latin America and Caribbean Indigenous Tourism Summit (CTILAC 2025), RITA promotes culturally grounded, environmentally responsible tourism as a driver of Indigenous self-determination, economic development and cultural continuity.
A word from ITAC’s award partners and supporters:
“Fostering the growth of Indigenous business is critical to advancing economic reconciliation and the long-term competitiveness of the Canadian economy,” says Chinyere Eni, Head, RBC Origins. “We’re proud to celebrate the excellence of Indigenous women entrepreneurs who are driving the tourism industry forward. Congratulations to Jen Shears and all the Indigenous Tourism Award winners.”
“On behalf of Indigenous Tourism Alberta, congratulations to the Métis Crossing team on receiving the Alberta Provincial Indigenous Tourism Leadership Award,” said Chelsey Quirk, Chief Executive Officer, Indigenous Tourism Alberta. “Through a strong community-led vision, deep respect for culture and a commitment to long-term sustainability, Métis Crossing is creating transformative experiences while strengthening the Indigenous tourism landscape in Alberta. Their work is an inspiring example of how tourism can support thriving, resilient communities when Indigenous leadership is at the forefront.”
“We are proud to congratulate the Indigenous Tourism Network of Mexico on receiving the Destination Original Indigenous Tourism International Award,” said Sébastien Desnoyers-Picard, President & CEO, Destination Original Indigenous Tourism. “This recognition celebrates Indigenous excellence on the global stage, and the Indigenous Tourism Network of Mexico exemplifies what is possible when tourism is grounded in culture, community leadership, and Indigenous values. Their leadership not only elevates Indigenous tourism internationally—it inspires economic reconciliation and sets a powerful standard for Indigenous-led tourism worldwide.”
For a full list of finalists for the 2026 Awards Gala please click here. For photography click here.
-30-
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 2026 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
Bojana Duric
tartanbond, on behalf of ITAC
647-271-2274
bojana.duric@tartanbond.com
Jovily Martone
tartanbond, on behalf of ITAC
416-319-8296
jovily.martone@tartanbond.com