Government of Canada launches new initiative to support Indigenous tourism
Government of Canada launches new initiative to support ... Canada.ca
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New funding stream will offer direct support to Indigenous tourism businesses
November 17, 2023 – Vancouver, British Columbia
The growth of Indigenous tourism is both an important element of reconciliation and a major opportunity for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Indigenous People have a rich tapestry of stories, traditions and landscapes to share with visitors, who are increasingly looking for authentic tourism experiences, sustainable practices and eco-tourism offerings. To help support the small businesses at the heart of the industry, the Government of Canada created the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF) announced in Budget 2022.
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, today announced the launch of the ITF’s Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS). The $10 million MSBS, which will be rolled out in partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations, will offer direct support to small businesses.
The ITF’s MSBS will support Indigenous tourism in several key areas. First and foremost, it will provide financial assistance to Indigenous tourism operators. Authenticity is at the heart of Indigenous tourism, and the MSBS will help ITAC deliver and promote The Original Original Accreditation Program, which provides a mark of excellence for businesses offering high-quality authentic experiences. Finally, the MSBS will leverage the expertise of provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations to maximize its positive impact on Indigenous communities and the tourism industry.
The MSBS will be rolled out in partnership with ITAC and provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations, except in Ontario, where details regarding the administration of the program will be announced shortly. Through this Indigenous-led approach, qualifying micro and small Indigenous tourism businesses and organizations will have access to non-repayable contributions of up to $25,000.
Indigenous tourism creates jobs and opportunities across the country, which is why the government is working with leaders and communities to encourage its growth in a way that is culturally appropriate and socially responsible. Supporting Indigenous tourism is also a central part of the government’s broader work to help Canadian tourism grow and thrive, and it is among the key priorities of the new Federal Tourism Growth Strategy. Most importantly, Indigenous tourism plays an important role in accelerating self-determination for communities and advancing reconciliation.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article addresses the growth of Indigenous tourism as an opportunity for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. This aligns with SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The article mentions that visitors are increasingly looking for authentic tourism experiences, sustainable practices, and eco-tourism offerings. This relates to SDG 12, which focuses on promoting responsible consumption and production patterns.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article highlights partnerships between the Government of Canada, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), and provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations to support Indigenous tourism. This aligns with SDG 17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products
The article mentions that the Government of Canada created the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF) to support small businesses in the Indigenous tourism industry. This fund aims to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature
The article highlights the increasing demand for authentic tourism experiences, sustainable practices, and eco-tourism offerings. This indicates a growing awareness and interest in sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships
The article mentions partnerships between the Government of Canada, ITAC, and provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations to support Indigenous tourism. This demonstrates the promotion of effective partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Unfortunately, the article does not mention any specific indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, potential indicators could include the number of Indigenous tourism businesses supported, the increase in jobs created in the Indigenous tourism industry, and the adoption of sustainable practices by Indigenous tourism operators.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships | Indicator not mentioned in the article |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: canada.ca
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