Canada Invests $6M in Indigenous Tourism

The federal government is investing an additional $6 million in Indigenous tourism, backing a new round of projects to expand visitor experiences rooted in Indigenous cultures, lands and languages across Canada.

The funding, delivered through the Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES), was announced at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre in Mi'kma'ki. The program is administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) in partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and builds on a pilot launched in 2024.

Seven projects across Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and the Northwest Territories will receive support in this latest round.

"Building a strong Canadian economy in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples is a key government priority outlined in Budget 2025," said The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism).

"I am proud to highlight the added investment for the Indigenous Tourism Fund's Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream as one of our commitments to advancing economic reconciliation and Indigenous self-determination. Together with NACCA, this stream continues to create economic opportunities in local communities and showcase inspiring, authentic Indigenous tourism experiences on the world stage."

Among the funded initiatives is the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre in Nova Scotia, which will receive $1.1 million to support the construction of an access road.

"The road construction in Debert is symbolic of the pathways we're building toward shared prosperity through Indigenous tourism," said Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of NACCA. 

"Building on the success of the first round of SITES funding, this additional investment will expand that impact to more regions across Canada, supporting Indigenous tourism operators to create meaningful experiences, strengthen local economies, and celebrate the richness of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures from coast to coast to coast."

Tim Bernard, Executive Director of the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, said the funding will help move a long-term vision forward.

"This support helps us keep moving forward with the vision for Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre," he said. 

"Our Elders have created a place where people can come together, spend time on the land, and learn about Mi'kmaw history and culture directly from Mi'kmaw voices. Projects like this take many partners, and this investment helps us continue the work of building a space that will welcome students, families and visitors from across Mi'kma'ki and beyond. In the years ahead, Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre will be a place where we welcome visitors to deepen their understanding of Mi'kmaw history and culture, and our 13,000 years of connection to this land."

Additional projects funded in this round reflect a mix of infrastructure, culinary tourism and wellness development.
In Quebec, Restaurant Sagamité will expand its Indigenous dining concept into Québec City’s airport.

Ontario’s Six Nations of the Grand River will build a new welcome centre aimed at increasing visitor capacity and promoting cultural sites. 

In Alberta, Enoch Cree Nation is moving forward with plans for a thermal spa at River Cree Resort and Casino, while two projects in British Columbia focus on expanding cultural facilities and adding new wellness and glamping accommodations.

Indigenous tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments of Canada’s visitor economy, generating billions in annual revenue and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. 

Early results from the program’s first phase point to significant impact. The initial $9.5 million investment supported 11 projects across seven provinces and territories and is estimated to have generated more than $78 million in revenue.

With the additional funding announced this week, the second round of SITES is expected to create 126 new jobs and drive more than 650,000 additional visits across participating destinations.

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