For Immediate Release

Treaty 6, Métis Region 4, Edmonton, Alberta (November 16, 2021) – Indigenous Tourism Alberta is preparing to host its third annual Indigenous tourism summit hosted at The Grey Eagle Resort & Casino on Tsuut’ina First Nation on Treaty 7 Territory in Calgary on November 24-26, 2021.

Indigenous tourism in Alberta provides jobs and supports entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities. Pre-COVID, Indigenous tourism was one of Canada’s and Alberta’s largest and fastest-growing tourism niche sectors worth an estimated $166.2 million¹.

With funding support from Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), the Summit will host two full days of keynote speakers, panel discussions and inspiring sessions to help attendees discover pathways to success in Indigenous tourism development. 

In partnership with industry leaders, the summit will provide opportunities for community members, entrepreneurs, and industry allies to connect, collaborate and discover ways to continue to grow Indigenous tourism across the province.

“Prairies Economic Development Canada’s support of our annual summit will help continue to grow Indigenous tourism by supporting Indigenous tourism businesses in the province and showcases the key role Indigenous tourism plays in our economic recovery,” said Shae Bird, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Alberta.

ITA’s mandate is to see the Indigenous Peoples of Alberta thrive through a financially sustainable Indigenous tourism economy, sharing culture and stories. ITA helps to grow and promote authentic, sustainable and culturally rich Indigenous tourism experiences showcasing Alberta as a premier Indigenous tourism destination in Canada. 

For more information on ITA visit IndigenousTourismAlberta.ca

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About Indigenous Tourism Alberta

Driven by the Indigenous Tourism Alberta Strategy 2020-2024, Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) encourages and promotes authentic Indigenous tourism that showcases the unique and immersive experiences offered by its members throughout Alberta. This strategy is industry-driven, industry-lead and directed by Indigenous People. Through a unified industry voice, Indigenous Tourism Alberta focuses on creating and nurturing partnerships between associations, organizations, governments and industry leaders from across Alberta to support the stability and growth of Indigenous tourism. Further to this, ITA’s goal is to create a resilient Indigenous tourism industry that can weather future economic instability while also enhancing economic viability and further supporting Indigenous people throughout the province by sharing stories, culture and experiences with a global audience. To learn more, visit www.indigenoustourismalberta.ca. Indigenous Tourism Alberta Media Kit here.

To set up an interview with Indigenous Tourism Alberta Executive Director, Shae Bird, please contact:

Erica Richardson

Beattie Tartan

403.975.0187

erica.richardson@tartanbond.com

  ¹Fiser, Adam, and Greg Hermus. Canada’s Indigenous Tourism Sector: Insights and Economic Impacts. Ottawa: The Conference Board of Canada, 2019.