Over $1.3 million in federal funding will help Indigenous tourism organizations build resiliency, increase safety for visitors and develop new experiences to showcase Alberta as a premier Indigenous tourism destination

March 9, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta – Prairies Economic Development Canada

As Canadians start making new travel plans, the Government of Canada is investing in Alberta’s Indigenous tourism sector. These investments will build resiliency, and help businesses adapt and develop unique experiences that will attract domestic and international visitors to the province, positioning the growing sector for continued success in the long-term.

Today, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, announced a combined investment of over $1.3 million to strengthen the resiliency of the Indigenous tourism sector and continue to showcase Alberta as a premier tourism destination in Canada.

Funding by the Government of Canada is supporting the following organizations:

• A federal investment of $843,000 supports Indigenous Tourism Alberta’s five-year strategy and action plan to assist Alberta’s Indigenous tourism operators adapt to market changes. Key resiliency activities under this initiative include the development of a mentorship program, a resiliency partnership program and web development to showcase Indigenous tourism operators and experiences.
• Calgary’s TELUS Spark Centre is receiving $500,000 to develop and launch The Sacred Defenders of the Universe experience. This immersive digital experience will attract domestic and international visitors to the world-renowned science centre. The exhibit will share Indigenous knowledge and tradition to a growing audience using the Centre’s state-of-the-art Digital Immersion Gallery.

With these investments, Indigenous Tourism Alberta expects to help create, maintain, or expand 45 Indigenous businesses and 100 jobs, while TELUS Spark Centre expects its project to attract over 19,000 visitors by 2023.