August 7, 2018, Mi’kma’ki (Halifax, Nova Scotia) – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITEN) have signed a memorandum of understanding to further the development and growth of authentic Indigenous tourism businesses across Nova Scotia.
The three-year agreement will advance the important work that NSITEN has done as a leader and pioneer in Indigenous tourism awareness, development, and marketing in Nova Scotia. ITAC recognizes NSITEN as its key partner in Nova Scotia for growing the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada with growth in revenues, jobs, and successful businesses.
ITAC is committed to providing NSITEN annual organizational development support funding to build and strengthen the development of NSITEN’s industry-led, not-for-profit provincial Indigenous tourism association.
“This MOU demonstrates the strong and exciting growth of Indigenous tourism across Canada and signals that our national priorities are in alignment with growth at the provincial level,” says Keith Henry, President & CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. “I am incredibly proud of this agreement and look forward to working with the NSITEN board and team.”
During the next three years, NSITEN will align with ITAC through its strategic planning, marketing and branding, organizational policies and by-laws, business development approach, research efforts, industry partnership opportunities, and organizational leadership overseeing an Indigenous-controlled, industry-led, not-for-profit Indigenous tourism association.
“This is a great beginning to work together to benefit our people and communities throughout Nova Scotia. Creating employment opportunities for Elders and youth are paramount for our collective success.” Cathy Martin, NSITEN Chair.
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About the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network
The Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITEN) is a volunteer based, not for profit cultural tourism organization that will work towards supporting the growth of authentic and cultural tourism businesses and community enterprises in Nova Scotia. This will be done through the development of specific project based training and development initiatives aimed at growing the capacity of individuals, businesses and community lead tourism initiatives.
The acronym NSITEN is also a Mi’kmaw word meaning “Understand” and our new organization is focused on sharing the right path towards the process of creating “Understanding” through the cultural knowledge transition we see possible through tourism. For more information, visit www.nsiten.com
About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) works to improve the socio-economic condition of Indigenous peoples through the provisions of economic development advisory services, tourism conferences, capacity development training and workshops, industry research and information for Indigenous tourism operators and communities within the 13 regions; 10 provinces and three terrNSITENries of Canada. ITAC develops relationships with other groups and regions with similar mandates, uniting the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada and works to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism businesses in a respectful protocol. The ITAC Board is made up of Indigenous tourism industry representatives from each of the provinces and terrNSITENries. For more information, visit www.IndigenousTourism.ca.
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Media contacts:
Deirdre Campbell, Beattie Tartan: 250-800-1547, 250-882-9199 (cell) or Deirdre.campbell@onlybeattie.com
Keith Henry, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: 604-639-4408 or keith@indigenoustourism.ca
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