2023 International Indigenous Tourism Conference

Winnipeg, Manitoba

March 8-10, 2023

The 2023 International Indigenous Tourism Conference was hosted in Treaty 1 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis.

The conference theme was ‘Adventure to Understanding’ representing the bringing together of Indigenous cultures.

The 2023 International Indigenous Tourism Conference Logo

The 2023 IITC conference logo was inspired by the Indigenous Tourism Manitoba logo. It represents the bringing together of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures and their unique stories. It features seven birds coming together to make one bird with inclusive paths to its centre.

Agenda & Presentations

The 2023 IITC conference agenda featured numerous panels, keynotes and breakouts as well as cultural tours and an Indigenous culinary event. Highlights were the keynotes from the Honourable Senator Murray Sinclair and Pania Tyson-Nathan of NZ Maori Tourism, and a powerful session on reconciliation inspired by the delegation that traveled to Rome to speak with the Pope.

Day 2 - Thursday, March 9th

Growing a Resilient Indigenous Workforce

5 Best Free Marketing Tools You can Implement Today to Grow Your Tourism Business

The Original Original- A Mark Of Excellence Worth Sharing!

Firecircle

Day 3 - Friday, March 10th

What's your Story?

  • Justin Kingsley, Kimberly Kaniehténhawe Cross, Emili Bellefleur - View Presentation

Northern Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

Indigenous Tourism Awards

Another highlight of the 2023 IITC was the awards gala, where exceptional Indigenous leaders and tourism experiences were recognized and celebrated. This year, both the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and Indigenous Tourism Manitoba (ITM) announced award winners and nominees, from across the country and the host province.

National Award Winners

Provincial or Territorial Association of the Year

Indigenous Tourism Alberta

Exceptional Industry Leader and The Original Original Star Award

Wikwemikong Tourism – Luke Wassegijig

Leading the Way in Sustainability Award

Métis Crossing

Extraordinary Female Entrepreneur Award

Josée Leblanc – Atikuss Canada

Business Innovation Award

Dakota Dunes Resort

Manitoba Award Winners

Leading the Way in Business Development (Community-based)

Opaskwayak Cree Nation

Outstanding Staff Person Award

Dennis Daniels – Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre Inc.

Exceptional Cultural Experience Award

Whiteshell Petroforms

New Operator, or Business that Launched a New Experience

Prairie Berry – Jen Turenne

Thank You to Our Partners & Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Parks Canada | Parcs Canada

Silver Sponsors

Airbnb