Treaty 6 Territory, home to many Nations including, Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Sioux and Métis People (Amiskwacîwâskahikan/Edmonton, AB) – The finalists for ITAC’s 2026 Indigenous Tourism Awards were announced today. This year’s awards will be presented by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (#2026IITC).
The Indigenous Tourism Awards recognize the best in the industry, including outstanding businesses, sustainability, women’s leadership, and thought leadership. The awards celebrate excellence in tourism from the past year. Presented on the final night of the International Indigenous Tourism Conference, the Indigenous Tourism Awards will showcase the flourishing and exceptional indigenous tourism industry in Canada.
“As we celebrate the 2026 Indigenous Tourism Awards finalists, we honour their unwavering commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and the growth of Indigenous tourism. These extraordinary operators showcase the richness and diversity of our industry, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of entrepreneurship in Indigenous tourism,” says Keith Henry, CEO and President of ITAC. “We look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements of Indigenous entrepreneurs from coast to coast to coast!”
More than 65 nominations were received this year, underscoring the growth and importance of Indigenous tourism experiences from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Each year, nominees must be majority Indigenous-owned/controlled and provide tourism experiences or tourism-related services.
The finalists for each category include:
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.
- Ungava Polar Eco-Tours (QC)
- Thrive Tours (ON)
- Pêmiska Tourism (SK)
Extraordinary Female Entrepreneur Award presented by RBC
Recognizes an empowered and strong Indigenous female entrepreneur within the tourism industry and across Canada, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting other women in her industry, embodying leadership within her business and/or community.
- Dominique Lalonde – Kîsisam Pâtisserie (QC)
- Florence Hamilton – Dene Routes (MB)
- Jen Shears – Natural Boutique / Gros Morne Wildlife Museum / Stay in Gros Morne (NL)
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.
- Scott Iserhoff – Bernadette’s / Pei Pei Chei Ow (AB)
- Chef Darren Peter Paul (NB)
- Six Nations Tourism (ON)
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 an social/cultural advancement through their community enterprises while also creating opportunities for entrepreneurship to flourish.
- Wanuskewin Heritage Park (SK)
- Minwashin (QC)
- Enoch Tourism (AB)
Provincial Indigenous Tourism Leadership Award – Alberta Only
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.
- Enoch Tourism (AB)
- Métis Crossing (AB)
- Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council (AB)
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.
- Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (QC)
- Spirit Bear Lodge (BC)
- Fishwheel Charter Services (YT)
New Operator or Business that Launched a New Experience
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.
- Dakota Dunes Resort (SK)
- Moon Gate Guest House (MB) Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions Ltd. (AB)
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.
- Thomas Wamiss – Coastal Rainforest Safaris (BC)
- Breanna Tait – Wanuskewin Heritage Park (SK)
- Amber Good – Bernadette’s / Pei Pei Chei Ow (AB)
Provincial or Territorial Association of the Year
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 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.
- Indigenous Tourism Manitoba (MB)
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, Trip Advisor 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 travelers next Canadian itinerary.
- Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre (NU)
- Under the Stump (NL)
- Ride in Style (NL)
Destination International Original Indigenous Tourism 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.
- Ma´u Henua Community
- WAITOC (Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council)
- REDTURI (Indigenous Tourism Network of Panama)
- Indigenous Tourism Network of Mexico (RITA)
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The association thanks everyone who submitted a nomination for ITAC’s 2026 Indigenous Tourism Awards!