manitoba indigenous tourism industry engagement regional … · 2018-02-07 · manitoba indigenous...
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Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Manitoba Indigenous Tourism
Industry Engagement Regional Sessions Summary
About
Travel Manitoba and Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding on September 25th, 2017, with a commitment to grow Manitoba’s Indigenous Tourism sector. The MOU Work Plan lists partnership activities aligned with ITAC’s Five-Year Strategy pillars. As part of building leadership capacity, the work plan outlines “hosting regional industry engagement sessions” as an important first step to Indigenous tourism development in Manitoba.
Funding support for this priority in the MOU Work Plan was provided by Indigenous and Northern Affairs – Manitoba Regional Office, Travel Manitoba and ITAC.
Goals
1. To activate a series of Indigenous tourism industry engagement forums across Manitoba including First Nation communities, regional Metis associations and Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs and businesses, as well as economic development organizations and partners who will support the growth of Indigenous tourism.
2. To host five regional sessions in collaboration with Travel Manitoba.
3. To use the forums to highlight information about the opportunities for Indigenous tourism development and the support available for communities and entrepreneurs.
4. Lay ground work for a Manitoba Indigenous Tourism Association
5. Gather research and feedback from forum participants to better understand: a. The support needed to grow tourism in Manitoba b. Level of interest to support a Manitoba Indigenous Tourism Association c. Concerns/challenges for participants to growing their Indigenous tourism businesses.
Deliverables
Host 5 Indigenous tourism industry engagement sessions
Summary report of key issues discussed/heard at sessions.
Updated list of Indigenous tourism operators in Manitoba
Identify tourism champions representing each region.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Logistics
ITAC in partnership with Travel Manitoba, worked to identify session locations and to develop invitation lists of Indigenous tourism businesses and entrepreneurs.
Target attendance at each session was 30 individuals.
Timeline for completion of the 5 sessions was October to November 2017
The five (5) Indigenous tourism industry engagement sessions were scheduled to be hosted in: Brokenhead First Nation, Dauphin, The Pas, Thompson and Winnipeg. Each of 63 First Nation communities and 7 regional Metis offices (affiliate offices of the Manitoba Metis Federation) were invited to participate in the regional sessions.
The locations were selected based on high community populations, common gathering places for Indigenous communities and in a variety of locations around the province. Initially ‘First Nation Tribal council’ affiliation was used to identify which community would attend which regional forum in the province based on Tribal Council meeting locations. The communities who are independent and not affiliated with a tribal council had been selected by geographical location and assumed convenience to the forum location. These locations were also selected with the understanding that communities with more complicated travel itineraries or more remote locations would choose the most convenient, not necessarily the one that was geographically closest.
Completed Regional Sessions Schedule
October 24th, 2017 Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Brokenhead Community Hall; 2 Bear Road
October 26th, 2017 Dauphin, Dauphin Friendship Centre, 210-1st. Ave. N.E.
October 30th, 2017 The Pas, Kikiwak Inn; Hwy 10
November 14th, 2017 Winnipeg, Indian & Metis Friendship Centre, 45 Robinson Street
Note: Thompson was identified for a session location in an initial list of 5 sessions and was scheduled November 2nd at the Mow We Tak Friendship Centre. However, due to low response to ITAC’s communications directly (phone and email) and indirectly (social media outreach) out to Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs and support organizations, the event was cancelled. Partners and participants at other forums indicated that this low level of response could be due to “planning exhaustion” as other tourism partners have been developing a northern Manitoba regional strategy and have reached out to these same contacts for engagement in recent months.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Engagement Plan
The intended audience were Indigenous entrepreneurs and Indigenous community representatives who are active in, or interested in, Indigenous tourism. In order to ensure attendance and engagement from First Nation & Metis community members invited to forums, information about the Industry engagement forum details was shared with band offices, Tribal Council Regional Offices, Political Territorial Organization such as: Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakinak Inc. (MKO), Southern Chiefs’ Organization, and emailed to unlimited individuals and organizations like: First Peoples Economic Growth Fund, Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba, Metis Economic Growth Fund, Louis Riel Capital Corp.
A simple registration form was used. The form collected general contact information, information about the community or business that the participant represented and information about the travel subsidies available. Travel subsidy was offered as priority to Indigenous tourism operators and Indigenous community representatives. Travel subsidy included road travel expense at 47 cents per kilometer, and a flight expense or hotel overnight where required. Those who required a night stay received an additional incidental per diem.
Communications
A Manitoba contact list was compiled during ITAC’s 2015 National Research project. This list was used in addition to a preliminary search of Indigenous businesses in Manitoba. This document has been updated to add new businesses and to eliminate those that are not longer active.
A Facebook group was created from the Indigenous Tourism of Canada Facebook page. Individual ‘events’ were made for each forum date and location. Group members were able to share the group with their networks and encourage others to attend.
A poster was created for marketing the event and was shared via email and social media. The online registration ‘Google form’ was included on the poster for people to register ahead of the event.
Other Engagement
The MKO Chiefs organization invited ITAC and Travel Manitoba to present during their Education Gathering on October 10, 2017. The event included more than 50 Chiefs as well as councillors and economic development officers. The presentation highlighted not only the upcoming regional sessions but also shared the importance of the other tactics listed in the MOU.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Information Session Outcomes
Four forums completed in Manitoba with 89 participant feedback forms from October 24th to
November 14th, 2017. Despite best efforts, not every participant completed a feedback form. Some
businesses who sent more than one representative only completed one form.
Sessions opened with 30-minute networking sessions with morning refreshments. Lunch was provided
for all participants
Forum agenda included round table introductions, presentations from ITAC, Travel Manitoba, local
DMO’s, First Peoples Economic Growth Fund and Community Futures. Please see attached an example
of a regional session agenda.
The regional sessions assisted in achieving the following:
Identification of Indigenous tourism stakeholders and supporters who actively participated and
supported the project
o Travel Manitoba representatives
o Indigenous and Northern Relations
o University College of the North
o Brandon Urban Aboriginal Peoples Council
o Parks Canada – Riding Mountain National Park
o Anishinaabe Agowidiwinan
o Anishinaabe Youth Culture Camp
Identification of Indigenous tourism businesses, entrepreneurs and community representatives
interested in learning more about the opportunity of Indigenous tourism. These identified
businesses, organizations and individuals have been collected and recorded for future outreach
and communications regarding future events, projects and programs.
Active discussion with the participants identified key issues, concerns, opportunities and
support needs
A feedback form for the participants allowed for more specific and comparable data to be
collected
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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General Themes by Session – Opportunities & Challenges
The regional session locations were researched and primarily selected to demonstrate outreach and industry engagement into the various geographic regions of the province. Going out into several more remote communities in Manitoba also allowed ITAC to better understand, record and review regional issues, topics and opportunities. Below is a summary of the feedback themes listed separately by regional engagement session.
Brokenhead, MB – October 24, 2017 - Brokenhead Community Hall
Opportunities
Outdoor Adventures: use of traplines, creating tours
Etiquette: Teaching guests about Indigenous events (example: 10 things to know about pow wow)
Education: true histories about Indigenous people; incorporation of language where possible.
Challenges
Lack of local leadership in industry
Technical support: training & guidance
Protection of culture & authenticity: control of product (limit appropriation)
Dauphin, MB – October 26, 2017 - Dauphin Friendship Centre
Opportunities Provide education on Treaty Engage youth Maintain positive open relationships to
create partnerships in Industry Evaluate community skills inventory Use “traditional” knowledge in
developing programming Awareness, reconciliation Create protocols in place for how to
work with partners Challenges Technical support: Financial literacy,
here/how to access capital, business training & guidance
Bringing together community to make tourism a priority
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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The Pas – October 30, 2017 - Kikiwak Inn Opportunities
Outdoor Adventure
Events, cultural performances, festivals
Engage youth
Build on existing experiences (lakes, caves, fishing, birding, trails)
Create better access to existing services, experiences
Challenges
Technical support: financial literacy, where/how to access capital, business training & guidance
Bringing together community to make tourism a priority
Market-Ready Products
Supports message to leaders/community
Marketing: ‘how to’ and ‘what’ to market; how to tell a story related to culture, how to bring product to market
Winnipeg – November 14, 2017 - Indian & Metis Friendship Centre
Opportunities
Outdoor Adventure
Museum
Workshops in cultural training
Retail
Live events
Challenges
Need to be aware of business opportunities in parks, such as
Recreational hiking, mountain biking, community garden
Virtual Tourism, Territory tours
Marketing, ‘how to’ and ‘what’ to market; how to tell authentic story, how to bring to marketing, learn about success stories
Technical support: financial literacy, where/how to access capital, business training & guidance
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Summary of Data and Information Collected (by feedback forms)
Data Collected by session participant feedback forms received (89 total combined responses from 4 sessions)
Priorities identified for kinds of supported needed to grow Indigenous Tourism in Manitoba (Participants were asked to choose up to 2 boxes – top 5 in BOLD)
Marketing Support (39) 43.8%
Product Development (33) 37.1% Access to Finance (32) 36.0% Technical Support (23) 25.8% Tourism Service Training Skills (20) 22.5% Tourism Research (18) 20.2% Support from industry and Political Leadership (11) 12.4% Communications (2) 2.2% Need Provincial permission to enter bush (1) 1.1% Communications (internet) (1) 1.1% Business environment of bands/land use (1) 1.1% Networking/connections (1) 1.1% Development of cultural Indigenous Hotel (1) 1.1% Business skills/financial training (1) 1.1% Province Support (1) 1.1% Community Planning (1) 1.1%
12%
16%
16%
56%
NUMBER OF RESPONSES BY SESSION
Brokenhead - October 24,2017
Dauphin - October 26, 2017
The Pas - October 30, 2017
Winnipeg - November 14,2017
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Respondent opinion on kinds of tourism development that has the strongest potential for success (Participants were asked to choose up to 3 boxes – top 5 in BOLD)
Respondent opinion on issues to be better understood for growth in Indigenous Tourism (Participants were asked to choose up to 4 boxes)
Outdoor Adventure (69) 78.4% Workshops & Cultural Training (48) 54.5% Live events, festivals (34) 38.6% Lodging/Accommodations (28) 31.8% Wildlife Viewing (23) 26.1% Campground (20) 22.7% Museum or Cultural Centre (17) 19.3% Cultural experiences & immersion (8) 9.1% Retail, Gift Shop (7) 8.0% Restaurant, café, catering (6) 6.8% Casino, gaming (4) 4.5% Golf and/or Spa (2) 2.3% Real estate/land sovereignty (1) 1.1% Cultural Camps (1) 1.1% Land Based Cultural Education (1) 1.1% Immersion in culture, knowledge, ceremony (1) 1.1% FN Tribal Parks (1) 1.1% All-encompassing food, culture, storytelling (1) 1.1% Virtual Tourism (1) 1.1% Transportation (1) 1.1%
Access to business capital (31) 37.3% Lack of community infrastructure (27) 32.5% Indigenous youth career opportunity (27) 32.5% Understanding tourism (26) 31.3% Business plan, start up assistance (26) 31.3% Lack of Indigenous Cultural experiences (26) 31.3% Tourism training and capacity development (25) 30.1% Support from community leadership (19) 22.9% Indigenous leadership for industry (19) 22.9% Importance of partnerships (19) 22.9% Commitment to authenticity and protocol (17) 20.5% Growing and maintaining reputation in industry (11) 13.3% Indigenous staff, retention (7) 8.4% Opportunities for information on tourism (6) 7.2% Ideas being exhausted in communities (1) 1.2% Land based videos (1) 1.2% Public perception of FN (1) 1.2% Lack of awareness of cultural events (1) 1.2%
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Regional Session Participant Breakdown (by type of attendee)
Participants by Tourism Region Four sessions were delivered based on the geography of Manitoba, participants were given the option to attend a session that was most convenient (access to the meeting, weather restrictions etc).
29%
29%
18%
11%
8%5%
PARTICIPANTS BY MB TOURISM REGION
Winnipeg
North of 53
Eastern
Interlake
Western
Parkland
45%
25%
12%
9%
9%
TYPE OF PARTICIPANT
Indigenous Community
Indigenous Entrepreneurs
Non-Indigenous TourismOperators
Economic DevelopmentAgency
Government
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Other Key Feedback Takeaways
Project Expenditures
This project was supported with funds from Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Travel Manitoba and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. Total actual costs of the regional sessions: $58,837.69.
97.6%
of participants indicated they would support the development of an
Indigenous-led, industry focused Indigenous tourism
association of Manitoba.
85% of the respondents rated the overall content of the
forum as 8 out of 10 or higher
100%
of the respondents indicated that they
recommend ITAC & TM Indigenous tourism sessions to others
Approved Travel Manitoba ITAC INAC Line Total
Regional Forum Participant Travel $53,000.00 $14,051.79 $2,185.83 $14,988.58 $31,226.21
Regional Forum Meeting Elders $3,000.00 $225.00 $35.00 $240.00 $500.00
Regional Forum Meetings - Facilities & Meals $7,900.00 $1,976.17 $307.40 $2,107.91 $4,391.48
Regional Forum Communications $4,000.00 $1,800.00 $280.00 $1,920.00 $4,000.00
Regional Coordinator $15,000.00 $5,147.04 $9,852.96 $15,000.00
Administration $12,435.00 $1,800.00 $1,920.00 $3,720.00
TOTAL $95,335.00 $25,000.00 $12,661.20 $21,176.49 $58,837.69
TOTAL Everything $58,837.69
*Note: Reconciled as of December 6, 2017
DRAFT - Expenses ITAC MB Regional Tourism Engagement Sessions*
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Next Steps
The regional sessions were the first of several tactics outlined in the MOU between ITAC and Travel Manitoba until 2020. Manitoba has an opportunity to further organize their support.
Steps towards a provincial Indigenous tourism organization for Manitoba: 1. Identify an advisory committee or working group who can drive the process forward and
perform as provincial organizational leaders
2. Complete necessary legal and administrative responsibilities
3. Develop a strategic plan for organization in alignment with ITAC’s Five-Year Strategy
4. Identify and confirm funding available.
5. Begin developing a business/operational plan for the organization
Summarized below are the next steps and key milestones to grow and support Indigenous tourism development in Manitoba.
Date Activity / Milestone
December, 2017 Recommendations reviewed for MB Advisory Committee members
January, 2018 Planning meeting Travel Manitoba / ITAC
February, 2018 Inaugural working group meeting in Winnipeg
May, 2018 Manitoba Summit – Indigenous Tourism in MB, The Path Forward
Spring to Fall 2018 International Marketing Programs – Guidebook, Packaging, Itineraries
Spring 2018 Training and Capacity Development Programs
Fall 2018 Product Development Micro-Grant Funding Program
Summer-Fall 2018 Manitoba Indigenous Tourism Assoc. Strategic Plan & Business Plan
Fall-Winter 2018 Preliminary planning for 2019 Int’l Indigenous Tourism Conference
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) Industry Engagement Regional Sessions
November 14, 2017 Winnipeg, Manitoba
9:00 am Coffee, Meet & Greet
9:30 am Welcome – Jessica Dumas – Regional Coordinator, ITAC
Opening Prayer – Community Representative Elder
Housekeeping, Review Agenda, Intros – Jessica Dumas
10:00 am Manitoba Context – Jeff Provost – ITAC Director Manitoba
Aboriginal Tourism Assoc. of Canada – Keith Henry - CEO ITAC
Feedback, Thoughts, Questions
11:00 am Break
11:20 Travel Manitoba - Colin Ferguson – CEO Travel Manitoba
Feedback, Thoughts, Questions
12:00-1:00 pm Lunch - Indigenous Tourism Business Operators
1:00 pm Group Discussion: Feedback form #13: What types of Indigenous tourism
opportunities are in demand and considered for growth in Manitoba?
1:15pm Group Discussion: Feedback form #14: What are the most significant forms of support needed to grow Indigenous tourism in Manitoba?
1:30 pm First Peoples Economic Growth Fund - Tom Thordarson, Senior Loans Manager
Indigenous Business Development Services – Deborah Smith, Coordinator, Community Futures
World Trade Centre Winnipeg – Derek Earl, Vice President
2:00 PM Feedback form #15: What are some issues, challenges in order to move forward in growing Indigenous tourism?
2:15-3:30 pm Questions, last comments, Closing
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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List of Participants
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation
Name of participant Organization/Business name
Aaron Rose SigFusson, BBE, Kiewit
Angela Retrash Brokenhead Ojibway Nation Gov't
Armand Jerome Jerome Cartwork
Brenda Morrisseau Sagkeeng Government
Carl Smith Sky Wind Tours
Donna Marion Boreal Shores Art Tour
Donna Sais Sagkeeng Anicinabe Government
Dwight Swampy local Trapper, fishermen, hunter
Eugene Wood St. Theresa Point First Nation
Jenny Dupas Eastman Tourism
Kelly Jerome Jerome Cartworks
Ken Alexander Sagkeeng Anicinabe (Fort Alexander)
Lindsey Otto Community Futures Winnipeg River
Tanis Thomas Boreal Workshop
Dauphin - List of Participants
Name of participant Organization/Business name
Jason Gobeil Brandon Urban Aboriginal People's Council
Dillon Shingler Indigenous & Northern Relations
Brett Smith Parks Canada - Riding Mountain National Park
Jimmy Chartrand Skownan First Nation
Boh Kubrakovich Anishinaabe Agowidiwinan
Desmond Mentuck Riding Mountain National Park
Herman Mentudc Anishinaabe Youth Culture Camp
Les Campbell Parks Canada
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Vernin Catcheway Skownan First Nation
Dwayne Blackbird Riding Mountain Area
Lisa Noctor Brandon Tourism / Brandon Riverbank Inc.
The Pas – List of Participants
Name of participant Organization/Business name
Jania Seto University College of the North (UCN)
Tyrone Caribou University College of the North (UCN)
Mary Caribou Mathias Colomb First Nation
Nicole Hartman The City of Flin Flon
Karen Mackinnon City of Flin Flon
Benjamin Grey Kikiwak Inn
Sheldon Bourassa Chemawawin
Alan Mclauchlan Rocky Lake Birchworks
Krystte Robinson University College of the North
Toby Bear University College of the North
Terry Bear University College of the North
Edna Nabess Cree Ations + Artist Showcase
Rhonda Head The Pas - Community member
Kim Ballantyne Destination Marketing Visitor's Centre
Winnipeg – List of Participants
Name of participant Organization/Business name
Shirley Castel Mathias Colomb Band
Judy Wilson Churchill Northern Studies Centre
Edward (Sonny) Albert The Manitoba Aboriginal Sports + Recreation Council
Sylvie Foidart CDEM
Nicole Verin Assiniboine Park Conservancy
Jennifer Ford Canadian Ecotourism Services (CES)
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Eric J. Bear Cochrane Bear Consulting Inc.
Larry Whiteway Beaver River First Nation
Morden Everett B.R.F.N
Joe Lanceley Tipi Joe Creations
Tom Thordarson First Peoples Economic Growth Fund
Heather Hinam Second Nature Adventures in Discovery
Lori Slobodian Red River College
Fred Muskego Molson Lake Lodge
Sarah Ferrari Tourism Winnipeg
Graham Harvey Brandon First
Sharon Pelletier Manitoba Indian Education Association Inc.
Daryl Red Sky Kekekoziibii Development Corporation
Lindsay Bunn Birdtail Sioux First Nation
Helgi Einarsson Einarssons Guide Service & Cabins
Kim Milne Frontiers North Adventures
Jamie Harper St. Theresa Point First Nation
Lon Moodie NCN Cree Nation
Gail McDonald Interlake Tourism Assoc. / Hospitality Plus Tourism Training
Ed Vyatrcil Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Edward Primrose Nelson House Fisherman's Association / Nelson House Trappers Association
Devon Ballantyne Misipawistik Cree Nation
Amanda Karst TNC Canada
Vania Gagnon Le Musée de St. Boniface Museum
Adam N. Nepon 7412207 MB Ltd
Cindy Desroches Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum
Georges Beaudry Oroseau: The rapids / Les rapides
Chris Maxfield Indigenous Travel Intl
Adrian Alphonso Manitoba Cycling Association / Coaching
Randy Councillor Peguis Development Corporation
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
300-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC, V5R 5W2 1-604-639-4408 | [email protected] | www.indigenoustourism.ca
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Juanita Neawit Peguis Development Corp
Patrick Mckay Peguis Development Corp
Katie Daman Community Futures Manitoba
Norman Meade U of M Fort Garry
Thelma Meade Aboriginal Senior Resource Centre
Marilyn Tanner Teekca's Boutique
Patty Sinclair Pinaymootang First Nation
Ramona Cook Birdtail Sioux First Nation
Tara Stefansson Lazy Bear Expeditions
Catherine Linklater Pukatawagan
Robert Caribou MCCNC
Leona McIntyre MB Growth, Enterprise + Trade
Laura Finlay North Central Development
Anthony Niiganii North End Youth / North End Community Renewal Corporation
Joshua Sinclair Bay River Inn & Suites