Indigenous-Owned Businesses Are All Over Canada & They Just Got A Major Funding Boost
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Wineries, parks, museums and so much more! Indigenous tourism in Canada is in every province and territory and there are so many businesses you can support. Plus, the industry just got major funding from the federal government.
All across the country, there are so many Indigenous-owned and run businesses.
They are in the spotlight especially now that the federal government has put forward $16 million of funding for the industry.
If you want to support the tourism industry, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada makes it so easy.
Online you can use the interactive map to explore Indigenous events and experiences across the country or you can just explore things to do by the region you're in.
In Yellowknife, Aurora Village is an authentic Indigenous experience where you can see the northern lights from heated outdoor 360-degree swivel seats inspired by traditional sleighs.
If you're in Winnipeg, there's a bistro that serves modern dishes that are rooted in traditional Indigenous ingredients. It's the first of its kind in Manitoba.
You can support B.C.'s first fully Indigenous-owned winery.
At Indigenous World Winery there's Rosé, Hee-Hee-Tel-Kin, Gewurztraminer and so many more varieties to choose from.
At the Musée des Abénakis in Quebec, you can learn all about the Abenaki First Nation. It's the first of its kind in the province.
Point Grondine Park is a First Nation-owned and operated recreational park in Ontario where you can sleep under the stars.
There are more than 18,000 acres of natural landscapes, river vistas and six interior lakes for you to explore.
On June 11, Justin Trudeau announced $133 million to support indigenous businesses, protect jobs and help communities get through the pandemic.
"For many indigenous businesses, the last few months have been extremely difficult," he said.
The $16 million set aside for the tourism industry will go towards helping businesses in the sector.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada will oversee the funding.
It'll support more than 600 Indigenous tourism businesses with up to $25,000 in non-repayable grants.