TREATY 6, MÉTIS REGION 4, EDMONTON, Alta. — Representatives of Alberta’s Indigenous tourism industry will highlight why they’re poised to lead the way in economic growth for the province during National Tourism Week, which runs May 29 to June 4.
The theme for this year’s National Tourism Week is Travel Now: For Work, Life and Play. Across Canada, tourism partners will come together to promote Canada’s destinations, tourism businesses and employees.
Specifically, Indigenous Tourism Alberta’s (ITA) member operators, such as Mahikan Trails, Painted Warriors and Hideaway Adventure Grounds, recognize sustainability is key for tourism growth. Additionally, Métis Crossing, Alberta’s first major Métis cultural interpretive destination, strengthened its offerings and programs during the pandemic because of increased interest. Métis entered into a joint venture with Visions, Hopes and Dreams to re-introduce bison and heritage species to the newly established Visions, Hopes and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Park. It also recently opened Lodge at Métis Crossing, a 40-room boutique luxury lodge.
Across the province, ITA members, such as Warrior Women, Talking Rock Tours and Buffalo Stone Woman, are also playing a role in reconciliation and contributing to the collective understanding of Indigenous viewpoints, history and future by getting visitors connected through education, Indigenous traditions and hands-on training.
“There is still a lot of work to be done, but one thing has been made clear over this past year: the Indigenous tourism industry is in growth mode,” says Shae Bird, CEO of ITA. “With summer quickly approaching, our Indigenous operators across the province are excited and ready to welcome guests to engage in a wide variety of activities.”
