The 2024 International Indigenous Tourism Conference will be held in Ottawa, Ontario, from February 26 to 28, 2024.
Kwe, Tansi and Boozhoo/Aaniin, welcome to the official website of the 2024 International Indigenous Tourism Conference!
#2024IITC is thrilled to invite you to the unceded Algonquin Anishinabeg Territory in Ottawa, Ontario, from February 26 to 28, 2024, for the world’s largest Indigenous Tourism Conference. IITC is a gathering of industry professionals, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners dedicated to promoting and celebrating the vibrant world of Indigenous tourism. The purpose is to showcase the diverse cultures, traditions, and tourism experiences offered by Indigenous communities in Canada and beyond.
Three Days of Inspiration
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is carefully curating an enriching program that reflects the richness and uniqueness of Indigenous tourism experiences. The conference will be a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration, empowering attendees to drive positive change and growth within the Indigenous tourism sector.
Local Indigenous Cultural Tours
Cultural tours will provide immersive experiences, enabling delegates to explore the rich heritage, traditions, and customs of Indigenous communities. Led by knowledgeable Indigenous tourism operators, delegates have the opportunity to engage in interactive activities, hear captivating stories and more.
Indigenous Tourism Awards Gala
The gala shines a spotlight on the transformative power of Indigenous tourism. And every year, this inspiring event not only acknowledges the accomplishments of local and national Indigenous tourism operators but also serves as a platform to elevate and promote Indigenous culture, heritage, and economic development.
Welcome to Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario, is located in the unceded Algonquin Anishinabeg Territory, and we invite you to immerse yourself in the captivating blend of Indigenous heritage, dynamic arts scene, and culinary delights that Ottawa has to offer. This year’s conference will be hosted at the Shaw Centre overlooking the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa.
Where Nations Meet
The conference theme, “Where Nations Meet,” symbolizes the convergence of diverse Indigenous nations, cultures, and perspectives, creating a place for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration for Indigenous tourism. “Where Nations Meet” is your invitation to experience Indigenous tourism in Ottawa.
Breakout Sessions
Each session delves into unique aspects of Indigenous tourism, inspiring delegates through sessions that are impactful for Indigenous led-businesses and partners and allies who support Indigenous tourism in Canada and beyond.
The agenda will be released at a later date.
The Indigenous Tourism Conference Logo
The conference logo is skillfully crafted by Jennifer Brunet-Rentechem, with Akinasi Partridge and Isaac Partridge, who creatively incorporated themes that came up in discussion from the Assembly of Seven Generations, who partook in a brainstorming session around this IITC logo. At its heart, a splendid Trillium flower blooms, paying homage to Ontario’s provincial emblem. The logo’s true essence emerges as two human figures stand hand in hand, symbolizing the harmony among the First Nations Peoples in Ottawa, reminiscent of the significance embodied in wampum belts within shared territories.
Embracing inclusivity, the logo embraces the Inuit People with the warm embrace of katimavik (Inuit syllabics for meeting place), extending a heartfelt “welcome.” The elegant chevron patterns gracefully honour the Métis sash, underscoring the importance of their heritage. Finally, the convergence of arrows, deeply rooted in traditional birch bark biting art, aptly captures the essence of the logo’s theme: “Where Nations Meet,” celebrating the harmonious coming together of diverse cultures in a single, unifying vision.