Alberta’s Indigenous tourism industry gets $1.3M funding boost from feds

Indigenous Tourism Alberta is receiving $843,000 for its five-year strategy and action plan to help Alberta's Indigenous tourism operators.

The federal government announced Wednesday it will invest $1.3 million to support Indigenous tourism organizations that showcase Alberta as a premier destination.

The commitment will see $843,000 go towards Indigenous Tourism Alberta‘s (ITA) five-year strategy and action plan to help Alberta’s Indigenous tourism operators. That money will develop a mentorship program, a resiliency partnership program and web development.

“COVID-19 hit Indigenous tourism operators particularly hard, but ITA was able to support Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities through the pandemic and position them to thrive as travellers return thanks to the support of the government of Canada,” said Shae Bird, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Alberta.

“From website modernizations to executive mentorships to tourism readiness programs and cultural awareness sessions for tourism-industry partners, ITA programs not only helped entrepreneurs navigate tough times, but also align with long-term strategies for growth.”

Indigenous Tourism Alberta expects the investment will create, maintain or expand 45 Indigenous businesses and 100 jobs.

Calgary’s TELUS Spark Centre will receive $500,000 to develop and launch “The Sacred Defenders of the Universe” experience.

The interactive digital exhibit will share Indigenous knowledge and tradition and hopes to attract domestic and international visitors.

TELUS Spark Centre expects its project to attract over 19,000 visitors by 2023.