This past week, President & CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), Keith Henry, was honoured to visit Queensland, Australia to represent Indigenous tourism in Canada. During his visit, Henry presented at the Destination IQ forum, sharing perspectives about growing Indigenous tourism in Canada and best practices. He also met with the Department of Innovation, Tourism Industry Development, and the Commonwealth Games.
“One key message I delivered, as I always do, is the importance of any provincial, territorial, state, and federal government creating an investment for Indigenous tourism and inclusive tourism policies for our sector with our meaningful participation. Tourism will not work if not led and partnered with the Indigenous industry and community leaders,” says Henry.
Keith Henry was honoured at the start of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council conference, where local Indigenous leaders (Kabi Kabi) welcomed him. Henry was gifted a traditional biri mundu (stick) used for the smoke ceremony by many of the Aboriginal communities in Australia.
It is important we continue to share our story with Indigenous partners throughout the world! There is no doubt Indigenous tourism is a high priority for Queensland as well.