2017 International Indigenous Tourism Conference

Calgary, AB

November 7th to 8th

The 2017 IATC was hosted at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino, located on the Tsuut’ina First Nation, just minutes from Calgary’s downtown core. The theme of the conference was “Raising Our Voices – Building economy through Indigenous tourism and community stories.”

Download the Press Release

The 2017 International Indigenous Tourism Conference Logo

The inspiration for the 2017 IATC conference logo is the Grey Eagle, a symbol that holds significant meaning to the Tsuut’ina People.

When the Grey Eagle Resort & Casino in Calgary was built in 2007, the Tsuut’ina Nation held a contest to come up with a name. Grey Eagle was chosen because of its close connection to the story of the local people.

Four Tsuut’ina Elders spoke about the powerful representation in the colours of the Eagle, which is born with white plumes on its head. When the Eagle transitions into adulthood, the plumes turn grey. At an older age, the Eagle’s plumes turn white again.

The Tsuut’ina Nation, explained the Elders, is like the Grey Eagle. In the early 1900s, the Nation went from a thriving community to near extinction from smallpox, but as the years went on the community persevered and today is now 2200 strong.

The Tsuut’ina people have not only survived, but have transitioned like the Eagle into a bold economic community.

Agenda & Presentations

The 2017 IATC conference agenda features amazing local cultural experiences, sessions and speakers – Including keynotes from ITAC President & CEO Keith Henry, Senator Murray Sinclair, Destination Canada President & CEO David Goldstein, Cowboy Smithx, founder of REDx Talks and Conrad Browne & Davis Henderson of k’awat’si Economic Development.

Download the full Agenda (PDF - 3.61 MB)