Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC — The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s (ITAC) presence at the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s (TIAC) Tourism Congress in Vancouver on December 3 to 5, 2024, marked another crucial moment for the continued advancement of Indigenous tourism across Canada. As a platinum sponsor of the Tourism Congress, ITAC played a role in shaping the narrative of Indigenous tourism at the event. Additionally, ITAC sponsored the esteemed Indigenous Tourism Award for the Canadian Tourism Awards.

The 2024 Tourism Congress was an immersive conference experience that brought together tourism leaders, stakeholders, and innovators from across Canada and beyond. In a night filled with anticipation on Thursday, December 5, 2024, the annual Canadian Tourism Awards, presented by TIAC, saw Klahoose Wilderness Resort rise to prominence as the recipient of the ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award. This esteemed accolade, presented by ITAC, recognizes outstanding commitment to developing, promoting, and delivering an authentic, innovative, and enriched Indigenous tourism visitor experience.

Klahoose Wilderness Resort is British Columbia’s premier Indigenous cultural experience on the lands of the toq qaymɩxʷ (Klahoose) People. The resort is 100% owned by the Klahoose First Nation and is community-focused with land-based learning, which has created cultural revitalization for the Nation itself and its neighbors, including the ʔop qaymɩxʷ (Homalco) ,kwɑːkjʊtəl (Kwakiutl), and ɬəʔamɛn qaymɩxʷ (Tla’amin) Nations. Their dedication to showcasing Indigenous tourism is inspiring, and this award is well-deserved!

“We are incredibly proud of the outstanding achievements of our ITAC members at this year’s Canadian Tourism Awards. Congratulations to Klahoose Wilderness Resort for winning the Indigenous Tourism Award, Wild Loon Adventure Company for earning the Sustainable Tourism Award, and all the Indigenous-led businesses recognized for their excellence Seeing nominees such as Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions Ltd, Métis Crossing, and Indigenous Box is a testament to the remarkable contributions of Indigenous tourism to Canada’s industry. Witnessing this level of recognition for our members and their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and cultural sharing is inspiring.” 

– Keith Henry, President and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

Here are the key highlights of the 2024 edition of TIAC’s Tourism Congress:

1. Diverse Participation

With nearly 500 attendees from the tourism industry, the Tourism Congress is a gathering of Canada’s top tourism industry professionals sharing ideas and collaboration opportunities. Notably, Provincial and Territorial Partner Indigenous tourism partner Indigenous Tourism BC and several Indigenous tourism partners, including representatives from Indigenous Tourism Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association, and various ITAC members, including Indigenous Box, Dragonfly Spirit CreeAtions, Klahoose Wilderness Resort, Métis Crossing and Wild Loon Adventure Company, and the National Gathering of Elders were also present. 

2. Indigenous Content Centre Stage

Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC, brought his expertise and essential perspective to the national panel Strengthening Canada’s Global Position: A National Panel on Enhancing Competitiveness at the Tourism Congress. Representing ITAC, Keith highlighted the critical role Indigenous-led businesses play in strengthening Canada’s global tourism appeal. By emphasizing sustainability, cultural authenticity, and economic reconciliation, he advocates for innovative strategies to ensure Indigenous tourism remains a key driver of Canada’s competitive edge on the world stage. 

3. Recognition of ITAC’s Significance

Throughout the Tourism Congress, ITAC was rightfully recognized as the leading national Indigenous Tourism organization and a sponsor, highlighting its crucial role in shaping the future of tourism in Canada and advocating for Indigenous tourism operators and experiences.

Tourism is Reconciliation in Action

The highlight of ITAC’s presence at TIAC’s Tourism Congress was the opportunity to present their vision for reconciliation in the Canadian tourism sector. 

1. Participation in the Indigenous Tourism Destination Fund

ITAC aims to bolster support for sustainable and community-driven Indigenous tourism projects across the country by encouraging stakeholders to actively engage with the new Indigenous Tourism Destination Fund.

2. Registration for Truth2Action, ITAC’s Reconciliation Training Program

The  Truth2Action Training signifies a commitment to fostering understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders within the tourism industry.

3. Sponsorship and Registration for the 2025 International Indigenous Tourism Conference

Highlighting the upcoming International Indigenous Tourism Conference in February 2025, ITAC extended an invitation for sponsorship and participation. This conference serves as a crucial platform for sharing insights, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change within the Indigenous tourism landscape in Canada and beyond.

Here’s to an incredible 2024 Tourism Congress! As the tourism industry evolves, ITAC’s initiatives highlight the importance of collaboration, understanding, and respect in creating a more inclusive and thriving sector for all Canadians.