MANITOULIN – The Ontario government is providing $300,000 to Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) through the Pan-Regional Fund to create jobs and support unique and authentic Indigenous experiences across the province.
This investment also supports a wide range of projects that unite communities — including cultural authenticity workshops, product development and itineraries, marketing and workforce development.
“By supporting Indigenous Tourism Ontario, our government is helping to provide meaningful opportunities for Indigenous communities throughout the province to showcase their deep-rooted, diverse cultures,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “This funding will support Indigenous arts, culture and tradition, while bringing people together, boosting the local economy and allowing visitors to celebrate our province’s broad cultural landscape through a wide variety of unique and inclusive programming.”
Thank you Chief Ogimma Kwe Rachel Manitowabi & Wiikwwemkoong Tourism for inviting me to Manitoulin Island!
Our government is working with Indigenous communities & entrepreneurs to promote & grow the Indigenous Tourism Industry. pic.twitter.com/mU5rK9VKdc
— Neil Lumsden (@NeilLumsdenMPP) October 3, 2022
“ITO is extremely thankful for the fantastic contributions provided by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport,” said Kevin Eshkawkogan, CEO and President of Indigenous Tourism Ontario. “We couldn’t continue our work to improve the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous people through tourism without support like this.”
This funding is part of a $1.65 million investment the government has provided to Indigenous Tourism Ontario since 2018 to create jobs and encourage more visits to Indigenous tourism operators and the businesses in their communities.
“Ontario’s robust tourism sector is complemented by many opportunities to visit Indigenous communities across the province,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and Minister of Northern Development. “I am proud that our government’s investment will create jobs for Indigenous people while expanding tourism offerings in Northern Ontario.”
Quick Facts
- ITO is Ontario’s only dedicated Indigenous tourism organization that focuses on uniting communities, Indigenous organizations and industry leaders to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Ontario.
- The Pan-Regional Fund is designed to support project-based initiatives related to tourism and destination development that benefit more than one region.
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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