August 14, 2019, Unceded Syilx Territory (Kelowna, BC) – Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuk player in the National Hockey League (NHL), and founder of The Team Tootoo Foundation, will be speaking at the upcoming International Indigenous Tourism Conference, hosted by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
This year, the Conference theme is, “Inspire. Transform. Unite. Accelerating Indigenous tourism growth.” Indigenous tourism has the power to change perspectives, preserve culture, language, and community and provide Indigenous relatives with a platform to be the leading voice in reclaiming Indigenous space in history — both ancient and modern.
Tootoo is the first-ever Inuk NHL player, and through the Team Tootoo Foundation, and his bestselling memoir All the Way: My Life on Ice, he shows his passion for giving back to Indigenous communities across Canada.
“Being an Indigenous leader, I believe it’s important to open up the dialogue surrounding the various issues Indigenous communities are dealing and offer support in any way that I can,” says Tootoo. “I’m excited to be a part of a conference like IITC, that is working to inspire Indigenous people and their communities.”
The eighth annual IITC will bring together delegates from the Canadian tourism industry, First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities, as well as representatives from global Indigenous tourism organizations to discuss Indigenous tourism topics, barriers, opportunities and trends across Canada and the world.
“Over three days, participants will take part in workshops, panel discussions, and learn about how to support the growing demand for Indigenous tourism,” says Keith Henry, CEO and president ITAC. “Jordin will be a fantastic asset to the conference, and we’re confident he will inspire our delegates.”
For more information on the 2019 International Indigenous Tourism Conference, and to register, visit the website.
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 territories 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.
ITAC also just released their brand-new experience guide, detailing Indigenous experiences across Canada, in which visitors can learn about the values of the respect, honour and integrity that guides our communities while discovering the traditional territories, history, people and culture that has been a part of our country for centuries. To download the full guide to Indigenous Tourism in Canada, click here. The ITAC Board is made up of Indigenous tourism industry representatives from each of the provinces and territories. For more information, visit IndigenousTourism.ca.
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Media contacts:
Deirdre Campbell, Beattie Tartan: 250-592-3838, 250-882-9199(cell) or Deirdre.Campbell@BeattieGroup.com
Keith Henry, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: 604-639-4408 or Keith@IndigenousTourism.ca
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