Indigenous tourism provides a platform for Indigenous communities to share their stories and preserve their cultures, languages and traditions. As Holly Courchene, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba, states, “Indigenous tourism offers the potential to change perspectives and empower Indigenous communities to lead economic development.” This empowerment fosters pride and cultural revitalization within communities, who can shape their own narratives.

Tourism brings visitors who contribute financially to local economies, reversing the trend of money leaving Indigenous communities. Courchene emphasizes that many community members often travel to neighbouring towns for shopping, leading to lost revenue. With tourism, visitors spend money at local businesses, hotels and restaurants, creating jobs and injecting essential funds into the community.

The growth of Indigenous tourism has significant economic implications, supporting employment opportunities for community members. A 2023 Conference Board of Canada report highlights that Indigenous tourism contributes nearly $91 million to Manitoba’s GDP and supports 1,682 full-time employees. As the number of Indigenous-owned businesses has doubled in recent years, this sector continues to provide valuable career paths for Indigenous peoples.

By offering authentic experiences, Indigenous tourism offers all Manitobans and visitors an opportunity to gain insight into Indigenous cultures and histories. This fosters a deeper understanding and respect for the diverse backgrounds that shape our province. As these experiences become more recognized as iconic Canadian tourism products, they attract visitors from around the world, amplifying the message of reconciliation.

Learn more about Indigenous Tourism Manitoba here.