TREATY 6, MÉTIS REGION 4 (EDMONTON) — Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) will be holding its fourth annual conference on Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Region 4, hosted on Enoch Cree Nation at the River Cree Resort and Casino from Dec. 5 to 7, 2022. The event has re-branded from the Alberta Indigenous Tourism Summit to the Indigenous Tourism Alberta Gathering. This year’s theme of Kindness will spotlight Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities working together to enrich the tourism economy through sharing of culture, understanding and true allyship.

The conference will provide an opportunity for attendees to commit to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action, specifically action 92, which address business and reconciliation. It’s also a way to walk alongside ITA to build meaningful relationships with more than 300 delegates, including Indigenous tourism leaders, tourism operators, travel trade, media and other key organizations.

The conference will offer keynote presentations, panel discussions and inspiring sessions with Indigenous thought-leaders, community Elders, Indigenous and non-Indigenous industry experts, economic development officers and other visionary voices. Keynote speakers include Susan Aglukark, Juno Award winning Inuit music recording artist; Theresa Ryder, director of Partnerships for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC); David Goldstein, CEO of Travel Alberta; Marilyn Jensen, Indigenous artist, advocate, speaker, educator and consultant; and Lance Cardinal ᐊᐧᒐᐢᐠ, First Nations artist, designer and entrepreneur.

The event will be followed by the CITE Awards Gala for Most Improved Business, Most Improved Marketing Initiatives, the Leadership Award and the Allyship Award.

“Over the last year, we have seen a significant interest of industry partners looking to further expand their knowledge of Indigenous cultures through authentic learning experiences,” says Shae Bird, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Alberta. “This year’s conference brings a lineup of members who are not only committed to excellence in their own respective businesses, but are also passionate about educating partners, allies and the industry as a whole.”

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