Treaty 7 Territory, Alberta, Canada (June 1, 2020) – Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) is excited to announce the hiring of their new Project Manager Mackenzie Brown.

Brown is a First Nations Cree Woman from the Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation and currently resides in Amiskwaciwaskahikan, Edmonton. Brown has a background as a performer, drummer, tourism entrepreneur, philanthropist and advocate for at-risk youth in the Edmonton area in addition to her past roles in Indigenous Tourism Development with both the Government of Alberta and Edmonton Tourism.

“We’re excited to welcome Mackenzie to the Indigenous Tourism Alberta family and excited about the leadership and background she’ll bring to our vision,” said Indigenous Tourism Alberta Executive Director, Shae Bird.

Brown is well known across Alberta for performing with her mom as “Warrior Women.” Together they drum and teach around Alberta for the Northern Alberta Teachers Conference, the annual Jasper Dark Skies Festival, Youth Dream Catchers Conference, Canada Day, Aboriginal Day festivities and more.

In addition to drumming, Brown is also an avid acrylic artist and traditional First Nations crafts artisan. Her art has been featured in the Pump House Gallery, the Edson Gallery Museum, the Gray Gallery Grant MacEwan, recognized for the Alberta Indian Arts and Crafts Award of 2017, featured for the Alberta Business Competition 2017 and sold to people travelling worldwide at Jasper Park Lodge.

Brown has also been awarded the 2019 Esquao Award for Children’s Future, the 2019 Indigenous Woman of the year award from the Alberta Assembly of First Nations and the Top 30 under 30 from the Alberta Corporation for Global Cooperation 2020.

“Mackenzie is incredibly talented in a diverse range of areas. That diversity, coupled with her passion and enthusiasm for Indigenous culture in Alberta will be a valuable asset for us and all of our members,” said Bird.

About Indigenous Tourism Alberta

Incorporated in 2018 as a not-for-profit society, Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) provides leadership in the development and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism experiences across Alberta through innovative partnerships. The ITA board consists of six board members representing Indigenous tourism businesses from across Alberta. Indigenous tourism currently generates $130 million in spending in Alberta, providing jobs and supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and communities. For more information, visit www.indigenoustourismalberta.ca.

To set up an interview with Project Manager Mackenzie Brown or Executive Director, Shae Bird, please contact:

Jessica Harcombe Fleming
Beattie Tartan
403.614.6175
jessica.harcombefleming@beattiegroup.com