2024 International Indigenous Tourism Conference

Ottawa, ON

February 26-28, 2024

#2024IITC was held on the unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinabeg Territory in Ottawa, Ontario.

The conference theme, “Where Nations Meet,” symbolized the convergence of diverse Indigenous nations, cultures, and perspectives, creating a place for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration for Indigenous tourism.

Download the Press Release

The 2024 International 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.

Agenda & Presentations

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) carefully curated an enriching program that reflected the richness and uniqueness of Indigenous tourism experiences. The conference was a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration, empowering attendees to drive positive change and growth within the Indigenous tourism sector.

Download the full Agenda (PDF - 285.92 KB)

Day 2 - Tuesday, February 27th

Forging Pathways: Establishing a presence in American markets

Tamara Littlelight, Maureen Riley - View Presentation

Regeneration and Indigenous Tourism: Harmonizing Tourism Practices and Policies for a Thriving Tourism Industry in Canada

Genevieve Huneault - View Presentation

ITAC Keynote: Vision 2030

Sébastien Desnoyers, Keith Henry, Joe Hidayat, Tamara Littlelight, Cecilia Point, Teresa Ryder, Tara Saunders - View Presentation

Building the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)

Keith Henry - View Presentation

Day 3 - Wednesday, February 28th

The Original Original Accreditation Program: Navigating Excellence

Michelle Brown, Angela Ryder - View Presentation

Celebrating Northern Indigenous Women in Tourism: Announcing the Findings and Calls to Action from The Northern WE Research Stud

Dr. Sonya Graci, Genevieve Huneault - View Presentation

Indigenous Tourism Awards

The gala shined a spotlight on the transformative power of Indigenous tourism. This inspiring event not only acknowledged the accomplishments of local and national Indigenous tourism operators but also served as a platform to elevate and promote Indigenous culture, heritage, and economic development.