Canada's National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21st, 2021

Indigenous is a term used in Canada to refer to the descendants of the original inhabitants of the land and includes First Nation, Métis and Inuit People. While Indigenous is a term of preference to some people, it is always best practice to use the nation or home community. When in doubt, ask the person how they self-describe.

There are more than 60 distinct Indigenous languages spoken in Canada from 12 different language families, more than 630 First Nation communities, over 50 Inuit communities, and approximately 600,000 Metis People across Canada and around half of the Indigenous population in Canada live in cities.

There are approximately 2M Indigenous people in Canada today, about 5.3% of the Canadian population.

About Indigenous Tourism

Indigenous Tourism – all tourism businesses majority-owned (51%), operated and/ or controlled by First Nations, Métis or Inuit Peoples that can demonstrate a connection and responsibility to the local Indigenous community and traditional territory where the operation resides.

Indigenous Cultural Tourism – meets the Indigenous tourism criteria and in addition, a significant portion of the experience incorporates Indigenous culture in a manner that is appropriate, respectful and true to the Indigenous culture being portrayed. The authenticity is ensured through the active involvement of Indigenous people in the development and delivery of the experience.

There are tourism businesses that are neither majority-owned nor operated by Indigenous People who offer 'Indigenous tourism experiences'. Authentic Indigenous Cultural Tourism is by Indigenous People, not about Indigenous People.

Examples of Indigenous Tourism Experiences

Aurora Village 'ViTeepee' is the newest Indigenous Destination Canada Signature Experience. Located on the Ingraham Trail just outside of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Aurora Village is the perfect place to experience the magic of the Northern Lights, otherwise known as Aurora Borealis.

Haida House at Tllaal is unveiling twelve new oceanfront cabins, located within a short walk of the main lodge. This new adventure collection, available for reservations in the summer of 2020, embraces the spirit upon which Haida House was built, and will offer guests a private cabin experience along with access to a range of cultural excursions.

Ocean House, Haida Gwaii's only bespoke floating ecolodge, boasst a new land-based address since 2020. This intimate property, which is expanding from 12 to 22 rooms, will be moving from its current location in Stads K'uns GawGa Peel Inlet to a pristine, protected bay on Graham Island's northern tip; near the village of Gaw Tlagee Old Massett, Tlaga Gawtlaas - New Town. Easily accessible by regular scheduled commercial air, or BC Ferries, the new setting for the 22-room lodge is ideally located near the village of Old Massett. Ocean House will provide easy access to an abundance of Haida arts and cultural activities in nearby villages, as well as unlimited outdoor adventures in neighboring Naikoon Provincial Park which includes North Beach, a secluded 87-kilometer remote sand beach.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park was recently recognized by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) as the winner of the 2019 ITAC Indigenous Tourism Award. Located in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and currently undergoing a significant expansion, Wanuskewin Heritage Park works to advance the understanding and appreciation of the evolving cultures of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples. The Wanuskewin area contains some of the most exciting archaeological finds in North America, many of which pre-date the pyramids of Egypt. The archaeological resources of Wanuskewin are exceptional and among the finest examples of precontact occupation of the Great Plains of North America. In 1987, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II declared it a National Historic Site, and in 1992 the interpretive centre and trails were opened to the public. Wanuskewin Heritage Park has also been named to Canada's Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Indigenous Culinary of Associated

To find out more and pick up the  full Indigenous Tourism Press Pack in advance of June 21st  with more story ideas, images , videos, guidance on 12 Ways To Better Choose Our Words When We Write About Indigenous Peoples, and background information please go to : https://spark.adobe.com/page/twoC9gq1VvmSm/

For more media information please contact Ms. Nim Singh, Media and PR Manager, Destination Canada, singh.nim@destinationcanada.com  (not for publication)