YELLOWKNIFE (July 29, 2014) – The Aboriginal Tourism Champions Advisory Council (ATCAC) met July 16-17 to set priorities and discuss the future of Aboriginal tourism in the Northwest Territories. This year’s meeting took place at North Nahanni Naturalist Lodge on Cli Lake in the Dehcho Region.
Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) David Ramsay looks forward to the continued efforts to establish Aboriginal tourism. “Visitors from around the world are in search of authentic cultural experiences. The languages, traditions and values of our Aboriginal people provide just that. The GNWT is dedicated to supporting the success of our tourism industry and the development of Aboriginal tourism products,” the Minister said.
Meeting participants discussed ways to grow and develop Aboriginal tourism in the territory, including:
- Working with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to create tools and resources to grow Aboriginal tourism across all NWT communities, including PowerPoint presentations, brochures and an illustrated book that outlines the principles of tourism development. ATCAC would use and distribute these resources to people in the Aboriginal tourism industry.
- Further development of youth mentorship programs. For example, in Aklavik, there is interest in having summer students learn how to set nets and cut, smoke and store dried fish. This will not only promote a marketable Aboriginal product but also help to preserve culture by creating an environment where elders and youth work together.
- Encouraging participation in FirstHost, a tourism-specific customer service training program developed specifically for Aboriginal communities, was also identified as valuable to guides and instructors in NWT communities.
- Food safety courses, wilderness first aid, CPR training and traditional arts programs were also recommended.
Co-chairs of the Aboriginal Tourism Champions Advisory Council Ria Letcher and Jenni Bruce said the annual meeting was productive. “Through discussions we were able to finalize recommendations and a plan. We look forward to our next step, which is engaging the public. Establishing Aboriginal tourism in our communities and guaranteeing cultural authenticity is paramount,” said Ria Letcher.
The two-day meeting was hosted by the ATCAC and sponsored by the Department of ITI.
The support and development of Aboriginal tourism will help to strengthen and diversify the NWT economy and build a strong, sustainable future for our territory. These are key priorities for the 17th Legislative Assembly.
For more information:
Alayna Ward
Manager, Public Affairs and Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 920-8696
Email: Alayna_Ward@gov.nt.ca