Provincial funding will help grow local Indigenous tourism
MANITOULIN ISLAND — The Ontario government is providing $260,000 to the Wikwemikong Development Commission (WDC) to help offset pressures caused by COVID-19, ensure the delivery of important community and economic development programs, and support the growth of Indigenous tourism in the community.
“For decades, the Wikwemikong Development Commission has delivered invaluable training and business programs that have empowered the Wiikwemkoong community,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “That’s why this operating funding is so important – it will provide the short-term stability needed to offset the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and help ensure the long-term growth and sustainability of local Indigenous tourism industries.”
Established in 1973, the WDC is a non-profit organization that acts as the economic development branch of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory. It supports the community with business and skills development programs, such as apprenticeship courses, wage subsidies, grants and loans for start-ups and business expansion. This funding will help maintain operations and secure the sustainability of its economic, workforce development, and training programs.
“As a leader in Indigenous tourism experiences in Ontario, Wikwemikong Tourism has been working with our partners to build a foundation for sustainable tourism development in Manitoulin Island and Killarney,” said Luke Wassegijig, Tourism Manager. “The Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory is grateful for the contribution from the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries and the advocacy from Minister MacLeod to support Indigenous tourism. This grant will assist our organization in reaching our goals to build capacity, strengthen product development and enhance our experiences to enable us to return to pre-pandemic growth levels and ultimately build back a better and stronger Indigenous tourism sector.”
More information about the WDC and the development programs available can be found on their website.
Quick Facts
- Since its founding, the WDC has made great progress in creating employment and supporting business development. In 1973, the community had five stores and now has 67 businesses offering a range of products and services.
- The WDC is also know by its Anishinaabe name “Enaadmaagehjik,” which it adopted in honour of 35 years of service and in cooperation with the Language Revitalization Strategy.
Source Province of Ontario
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