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Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) is proud to announce the return of its fourth annual conference bringing together the people, stories and ideas that are building Indigenous tourism into a key component of the visitor economy, the reconciliation journey of all Canadians and an inspiring part of Indigenous lives.
This year’s Indigenous Tourism Alberta Gathering will be held on Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Region 4 hosted on Enoch Cree Nation at the River Cree Resort and Casino from December 5-7, 2022. To better reflect the renewed energy and spirit of the industry, the event has rebranded from the Alberta Indigenous Tourism Summit to the Indigenous Tourism Alberta Gathering. Most importantly, the 2022 theme of Kindness shines a spotlight on Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, working together to enrich the tourism economy through sharing of culture, understanding and true allyship.
“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,” said 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.”
The event provides an opportunity for attendees to commit to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action, specifically action 92, which addresses business and reconciliation. It’s also a way to walk alongside ITA to build meaningful relationships with more than 300 delegates. These include Indigenous tourism leaders, tourism operators, travel trade, media, and other key organizations to share their collective knowledge and contribute to the success of Alberta’s rapidly growing Indigenous tourism industry.
ITA invites delegates to participate in 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 to help stakeholders develop more economic opportunities in the industry sector.
Keynote speakers include Susan Aglukark, Juno Award winning Inuit music recording artist; Theresa Ryder, Director of Partnerships for Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada; 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 will emcee for the event.
ITA Gathering participants will celebrate the growth of the industry and each individual operation over the last year during the fourth annual awards gala. The CITE Awards Gala allows the opportunity to recognize Indigenous tourism excellency and honour the trailblazers in the industry including awards for the following: Most Improved Business, Most Improved Marketing Initiatives, the Leadership Award and the Allyship Award.
For more information on the Indigenous Tourism Alberta Gathering visit: https://indigenoustourismalberta.ca/industry/ita-gathering/
Land Acknowledgment
Indigenous Tourism Alberta acknowledges that we are on traditional territories, meeting grounds, gathering places, and traveling routes that are home to many First Nations, Metis. and Inuit. We acknowledge with respect the traditional territories of Treaty 4, 6, 7, 8, and 10. We also acknowledge the homelands of the Métis, including the eight Métis Settlements, and the six Métis Regions. We are grateful for the traditional knowledge keepers and elders that are still with us today.
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.