b'indigenous tourismEvent planners can make a differenceby supporting Indigenous businesses. - Paula Amos, Chief Marketing and Development Officer, Indigenous Tourism BCto create awareness about the diverseAmos echoes Henrys thoughtsfeaturing dine in, take out or catering richness of Indigenous cultures.on the breadth of opportunities,options from a beautiful menu, Its a nice, gentle way for people toindicating that there is truly somethingincluding vegan options. Wherever explore, says Amos, and points tofor everyone. Indigenous tourismyour event may be, theres an many experiences across the countryexperiences include art and culture,Indigenous cuisine scene to explore.as examples.wildlife viewing, outdoor adventuresIndigenous cultures are organically One such example is the Squamishand culinary and wellness, she says.based in sustainability practices, Lilwat Cultural Centre in Whistler,Accommodations range from hotelsthinking seven generations and B.C., a world-class venue featuringand resorts to cabins and camping. more ahead. Most practices are also artisan experiences in a large space.Indigenous Peoples are alsoregion specific, which aligns with The centre offers both walking toursshaking things up in urban centres.current trends in the tourism industry. and special event bookings.Toronto is home to the IndigenousThere is a huge trend for [buying There are also rich culturalFashion Arts Festival, a week-longand eating] local, which is great and experiences available in the far northevent aimed at bringing Indigenousfits in with Indigenous values to be through Arctic Bay Adventures inartists from across Turtle Island (Northsustainable and think about how Baffin Bay, Nunavut. Here, peopleAmerica) together to showcaseyou are supporting people and the can learn about Inuit culture incontemporary fashion design steepedenvironment with your actions,comfortable accommodations as wellin Indigenous cultural values andAmos explains.as enjoy outdoor adventures.highlight fashion performances. ThereThe benefits of Indigenous Moving into Alberta, a Mtis- are also about five Indigenous-ownedtourism have a far reach beyond owned business, Mahikan Trails,restaurants in the city, located oneconomics, concludes Amos. Some offers visitors something a littletraditional territory of the Mississaugasare not easily measured, and these different, with medicine walks toof the Credit. The restaurants featureare the reasons why I love the industry learn about local plants along withmenus including a French spin onand why I have been in my role for medicine-making opportunities Cree food, fare that can typically beover 20 years. I see the benefits of on site.found at a pow wow and Anishnawbebringing Elders and youth together, And if polar bears, whales and dogcomfort dishes showcasing elk andlearning about our stories, getting sledding are on your bucket list, thenvenison meats. out onto the land and educating Wapask Adventures in Churchill,More modern twists on Indigenousthe visitors about who we are as Man. might be for you. The award- food can also be found in WinnipegIndigenous people. It is the reconcili-winning company offers a number(Treaty 1 territory). Feast Caf Bistroaction that we are all looking for and of outdoor adventures and tourcomes highly recommended,speaking about.packages to pick from, including atrip to prime Aurora Borealisviewing locations.Henry adds there are over 700 unique business and Indigenous communities across Canada, which means theres a lot to choose from. All of those experiences and more serve to crush the long-standing stereotypes and clichs about Indigenous Peoplesthe tourism experiences, food and fashion of Indigenous Peoples areall contemporary.Moccasin Trails, Kamloops, BC. Photo courtesy of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.Fall/Winter 2022CORPORATE MEETINGS & EVENTS 33'