Annual Alberta Indigenous Tourism Summit Brings Together Indigenous Entrepreneurs and Tourism Leaders From Across Alberta

Treaty 6, Mtis Region 4, Edmonton, Alberta (November 16, 2021)- Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA), is pleased to announce its third annual Alberta Indigenous Tourism Summit (AITS 2021) held at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, located on the Tsuut'ina Nation in Calgary, Alberta on November 24-26, 2021.

AITS brings together up to 300 Indigenous tourism operators, entrepreneurs and industry partners to learn and share their collective knowledge to contribute to the success of Alberta's rapidly growing Indigenous tourism industry.

"Over the last year, we have seen a significant interest in travellers looking to further expand their knowledge of Indigenous cultures through authentic learning experiences,"saidShae Bird, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Alberta. "This conference brings together our members to celebrate the triumphs of the last year as well as collaborate on the years ahead to further develop each respective business as well as the industry overall."

In partnership with industry leaders, ITA has organized two full days of keynote speakers, panel discussions, and learning sessions to help Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs discover pathways to success in Indigenous tourism in Alberta. Keynote speakers include Canada's first First Nations national women's hockey team member Brigette Lacquette, Chief Executive of the first Indigenous-woman-owned airlineIskwew Air, Teara Fraser, Travel Alberta's CEO David Goldstein and Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Director of Development Teresa Ryder.

AITS participants will learn about significant economic opportunities while celebrating the growth of the industry and each individual operation over the last year. Success stories will be recognized at the first annual Awards Gala including awards for Most Improved Business, Most Improved Marketing Initiatives, the Leadership Award and the Allyship Award.

Registration is $200 and includes evening cultural experiences, conference breakout sessions and keynotes, Indigenous culinary Taste of Alberta experience and the Gala Awards Dinner.For more information visithere.

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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, ITAs 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.

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Land Acknowledgment

In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge Mohkinstsis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the yxe Nakoda and Tsuutina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Mtis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Mtis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play and help us steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.

This sacred gathering place provides us with an opportunity to engage in and demonstrate leadership on reconciliation. Thank you for your enthusiasm and commitment to join our team on the lands of Treaty 7 territory