Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – From September 12 to 16, 2023, Keith Henry, CEO and President of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), embarked on a remarkable journey across Japan in collaboration with Destination Canada. Why? To promote The Original Original mark of excellence and Indigenous tourism from coast to coast to coast, fostering global connections.
“This journey to Japan has not only strengthened ties between Indigenous communities across the globe but has also opened doors for cultural exchange and collaboration that will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and enrichment of Indigenous tourism in Canada and beyond. Moreover, this trip helps move Canada forward to become the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030.” – Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Here is a glimpse into this groundbreaking partnership trip:
September 13 – Cultural Exchanges at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park in Hokkaido
On September 13, a pivotal event unfolded at the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park, Shiraoi, Hokkaido. The day was dedicated to cultural exchanges between the Ainu people. It began with discussions centered on learning and sharing insights about Indigenous tourism, followed by an immersive tour of the National Ainu Museum.
The experience was enriching, offering insights into the Ainu Indigenous people’s culture and their world-class cultural centre in Japan. This was an invaluable opportunity to connect with global Indigenous destinations. Meeting the Ainu representatives was an honour, and it allowed them to share cultural gifts on behalf of Indigenous tourism in Canada, further fostering international ties.
September 14 – International Symposium in Sapporo
Moving on to September 14, Keith took center stage for his keynote speech on The Significance and Future of Indigenous Tourism in Canada at the International Indigenous Tourism Symposium: A journey to break new ground in indigenous tourism at Hokkaido University in Sapporo.
His presentation delved into the solidarity among Indigenous peoples throughout Canada, a driving force behind the growing tourism trend. He shed light on current Indigenous tourism initiatives, ITAC’s vision to make Canada the global leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030, and the significance of The Original Original mark of excellence. And sharing Indigenous peoples journey over the last 30 years in the Indigenous tourism industry was an inspiring story to the evolution of this sector in Canada.
September 15 and 16 – Exploring Indigenous Art in Osaka
The journey continued with an exhibition of “Screen Prints of Canada’s Northwest Coast Peoples” at the National Museum of Ethnology and a Symposium on the Historical Development and Current Status of Indigenous Art of the Northwest Coast Peoples in Canada. This event was part of the 48th meeting of the Japanese Association for Canadian Studies in Osaka.
ITAC thanks its partners at Destination Canada. Together, both organizations have worked tirelessly to showcase a unique, globally leading partnership to benefit Indigenous tourism in Canada.