Learning & Events

The 2024-25 ITA Awards shone a spotlight on the exceptional contributions of individuals and organizations dedicated to Indigenous tourism in Alberta. The winners, carefully selected, demonstrated remarkable leadership, innovation, and collaboration in their respective categories. Their unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting Indigenous culture, traditions, and experiences has significantly enriched the tourism landscape of the province. The awards recognized the transformative power of Indigenous tourism in fostering cultural understanding and building bridges between communities. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding achievements and their dedication to elevating the Indigenous tourism industry in Alberta.

Partnership Award

The Partnership Award was presented jointly to an ITA Member and an ally business that have formed a successful partnership. Through mutual cooperation, shared leadership, and the pooling of resources, this collaboration has demonstrated a significant impact on Indigenous tourism. The partnership has led to meaningful growth, creating new opportunities and influencing the broader Indigenous tourism industry.

Girth Hitch Guiding and Zuc’min Guiding

This partnership led to the creation of a new Indigenous hike in the Nordegg region, offering guests a chance to learn about Indigenous culture while connecting with the beauty of the Rockies. Tim and Tim have also deepened their partnership by collaborating to help train a new generation of Indigenous mountain guides.

Member to Watch Award

This award recognizes an Indigenous tourism business or entrepreneur who has made remarkable progress over the past year in developing their tourism experience or enhancing their business operations. As a Member to Watch, the recipient has moved up in their market-status to Market- or Export-Ready, positioning themselves as an innovator in Indigenous tourism.

Pine Creek Retreats

Pine Creek Retreats seem to be constantly learning and adjusting in order to improve and grow. After a successful first season, the company kept tweaking to hone its business and target market, while remaining open to collaboration with partners and deeply committed to regenerative tourism.

Best New Experience Award

This award recognizes an Indigenous tourism business that has successfully developed and launched a new, unique experience within the past two years. The experience showcases innovation, creativity, and a deep connection to Indigenous culture, offering visitors a truly memorable and authentic encounter. This new experience has made a positive impact on the growth of Indigenous tourism in the region.

Zuc’min Guiding and Warrior Women

Two veteran operators came together to create a new experience that blends education, relationship building and the outdoors in a unique urban environment that teaches guests about the vibrancy and enduring creativity of Indigenous arts and culture. 

Artistic Impact Award

This award celebrates an Indigenous artist who has made significant strides in gaining recognition and exposure for their work. Acknowledged by peers and arts professionals as an emerging talent, this artist’s contributions enrich Alberta’s cultural landscape by creating vibrant spaces that attract tourists. Their work, currently or previously on public display, has garnered recognition from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses. Beyond their own success, this artist actively champions the arts community and creatively integrates art with tourism, enhancing the cultural experience for visitors.

Native Diva Creations

Melrene Saloy is a powerhouse of creativity and entrepreneurship as an artist, craftsperson, jewelry maker, fashion designer and community mobilizer whose work has been showcased in as far as Milan, Paris, and New York City, where she has captivated audiences with her innovative designs that celebrate Indigenous identity. 

Leadership Award

The Leadership Award honours an individual representing an Indigenous business or organization who embodies cultural pride and leadership. This person inspires others by exemplifying how to represent their culture to visitors, while also offering mentorship and guidance to those striving to share their own cultural stories with guests. They are a true leader within their community, helping others on their journey towards success in Indigenous tourism.

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council

Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council, led by the tireless Kimmy Houle, has shown remarkable commitment, growth and leadership to tourism in recent years, bringing together Indigenous nations across an international colonial border to create Destination Blackfoot, a tool of inspiration, travel planning and opportunity that is a clear sign of the potential of Indigenous tourism when it’s rooted in community and authenticity.

Indigenous tourism Excellence Award

Celebrating excellence in Indigenous tourism, this award recognizes outstanding achievements in serving international visitors while honouring and preserving Indigenous cultures. It highlights those who set the industry standard with exceptional, culturally immersive experiences that reflect the richness and heritage of Indigenous communities.

The Woods Experience

The Woods Experience has shown remarkable growth in a remarkably short period of time thanks to its commitment to always offering a high-quality experience. By blending Metis Culture with modern wellness and accommodation, The Woods has quickly earned a reputation for innovation and commitment while never forgetting to provide warmth and a feeling of family to every guest.