October 9, 2019, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, Wendake, QC, Matricia Brown, Jasper, AB, and Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Saskatoon, SK have all been selected as the finalists for the 2019 Canadian Tourism Awards, presented during the annual Tourism Congress in Ottawa.

The Canadian Tourism Awards are presented annually by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) to recognize excellence in Canada’s tourism industry.  Successful and innovative people, places, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond to offer a superior tourism experience to travelers in Canada are recognized each year during Tourism Congress, which is being held November 19-20, 2019.

“Congratulations to our finalists for this award which is celebrated among our peers in the tourism industry,” says Keith Henry, CEO and President of ITAC.  “Each of these finalists are leaders within our industry and deserve this recognition for their hard work and dedication as Indigenous tourism grows across the country.”

The Indigenous Tourism Award, sponsored by ITAC, recognizes an Indigenous tourism business that demonstrates a commitment to the development, promotion and delivery of an authentic, innovative and enriching Indigenous cultural tourism visitor experience. The recipient will be committed to promoting tourism growth within their region through authentic Indigenous cultural tourism. Winners and finalists are judged on a series of categories including adherence to ITAC’s National Guidelines; employment, economic, social and cultural benefits to local Indigenous peoples; innovation and sustainability.

More about the Indigenous Tourism Award Finalists:

Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations – Guests to this hotel may also visit the only Huron-Wendat museum in North America along with a traditional longhouse. Indigenous experiences are celebrated throughout the property including in the warm hospitality, architecture, spa services and cuisine.

Matricia Brown – Matrcia Brown is a singer, songwriter, musician, drummer and an artist. Matricia has had the privilege of sharing her culture over the last 20 years to schools throughout the Yellowhead Region. She has won the Aboriginal Women’s Day award from the Edson Friendship Centre where she has served as an active Board Member and volunteer since 2004.  She is also a member of the drumming group “Warrior Women” and has performed throughout Alberta teaching youth her songs and culture.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park works to advance the understanding and appreciation of the evolving cultures of the Northern Plains indigenous peoples. It is a living reminder of the peoples’ sacred relationship with the land. Wanuskewin Heritage Park has also been named to Canada’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The archaeological resources at Wanuskewin are among the finest examples of Pre-Contact occupation of the Great Plains of North America and are an exceptional testament to traditional human settlement on the Northern Plains.

About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is the lead organization tasked with growing 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 other groups and regions with similar mandates. By uniting the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada, ITAC works to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism businesses in a respectful protocol. With Indigenous tourism outpacing Canadian tourism activity overall, and international demand for Indigenous experiences at an all-time high, ITAC recently updated its five-year plan. To view packages and experiences available visit www.IndigenousCanada.Travel. For more information on ITAC visit www.IndigenousTourism.ca

Media contacts:
Jenna Hickman, Beattie Tartan:

Keith Henry, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada:

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