Business and Economic Contributions Made by Indigenous Businesses to Canada's Economy

Honourable senators, I rise to speak to Senator Klyne’s inquiry on the subject of Indigenous businesses and the value they bring to Canada. It has been inspiring to learn about different examples of Indigenous entrepreneurship, and I thank Senator Klyne for initiating this inquiry. I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on a topic I’ve taken a deep interest in: Indigenous tourism.

Indigenous tourism is as diverse as the First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities that make up this country. It encompasses everything from interpretive centres at historic sites, to major events like powwows, music festivals and athletic competitions, which attract participants from around the world.

Indigenous tourism businesses offer outdoor adventures like hunting, fishing and dogsledding; agritourism experiences like Madahòkì Farm here in Ottawa; and incredible performances, food and artworks.

Many Indigenous artists in Canada have received international recognition and acclaim. Audiences come from all around to see concerts by musicians like Tanya Tagaq, the Halluci Nation and William Prince; plays and readings by Cliff Cardinal and Tomson Highway; and the stunning art of Kent Monkman and Jason Carter.

Chefs at Indigenous-owned restaurants like Pei Pei Chei Ow in Edmonton or Feast Café in Winnipeg craft stunning contemporary dishes out of traditional, locally harvested ingredients.

And tourists continue to seek out handmade pieces by Indigenous artisans, including elaborate beaded jewellery; carvings from local materials; dolls, purses and fashion made from fur and sealskin. Indigenous-owned shops like Adaawewigamig in Ottawa’s Byward Market, and the Treaty Truckhouse on the Halifax waterfront give Indigenous crafters space to sell their creations, act as vital community hubs and are incredibly popular with visitors from all around the world.

Indigenous tourism, of course, creates jobs and economic opportunity in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, advancing the goal of prosperity and self-determination. The visitors these operations attract have a positive spillover effect on surrounding communities.

These regional benefits are particularly significant considering over 60% of Indigenous tourism businesses in Canada operate in rural and remote areas. The presence of these tourism operations promotes economic development and investment where it is most needed, while giving local businesses a boost.

As an example of how this works, this summer’s North American Indigenous Games brought athletes, vendors and spectators from across the continent to Halifax. In addition to showcasing the very best in Indigenous athleticism, art and culture, participants in the games stayed at local hotels, patronized local shops and restaurants and experienced the beauty of Canada’s East Coast — many for the first time. I’m sure many of those people fell in love with Nova Scotia and will likely go back.

That’s why I was delighted to learn that next year’s games will be held in Calgary, Alberta, and that the organizers are aiming for a strong focus on artistic and cultural activities in addition to sports. I look forward to seeing what they do and how they showcase the vibrant cultures of the Blackfoot, Tsuut’ina, Stoney Nakoda and Métis peoples of the region.

But the benefits of Indigenous tourism go far beyond the economic.

The Indigenous tourism industry is a vital driver of cultural revitalization for Indigenous peoples, supporting storytellers, artists and knowledge keepers as they pass on their traditions to future generations, including, it must be said, customs that were nearly lost to colonialism and forced assimilation.

Additionally, this sector plays a much-needed role in educating non-Indigenous people about the history of this country and all the people who call it home. Learning about the vibrant heritage of Indigenous peoples — including their spirituality, beautiful arts and storytelling and sustainable way of life — advances mutual respect and understanding. This is the “truth” aspect of Truth and Reconciliation.

Since being appointed to the Senate, I’ve had a chance to visit historical sites across Canada, including Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site and Blackfoot Crossing Historical Park in southern Alberta, Métis Crossing in Smoky Lake, the Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park and the Mi’kmaw Interpretive Centre at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site in Nova Scotia. Many of these centres are operated by Indigenous people. For instance, the superintendent at Fortress of Louisbourg was proud to inform me that every staff member in the interpretive centre was Indigenous. These workers are on the front lines of reconciliation education and are trained to deal with everything from uncomfortable questions to insensitive behaviour and even, unfortunately, outright abuse.

Serving on the Indigenous Peoples Committee, we often talk about the issue of genocide denialism. I find it infuriating, and I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to contend with that every day as part of your job when you have a personal connection to that painful history. I applaud the dedication of these tourism workers, and I can attest that those efforts aren’t in vain. More and more Canadians are opening their eyes to the ongoing impacts of colonialism and discrimination, and these people are seeking out reputable, first-hand sources to help them better understand.

A few years ago, I took my mother, then in her eighties, to visit Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump where we learned about the history of the Blackfoot people in Alberta and the hardships they suffered due to colonization. My mother was born in 1930, 10 years after residential school attendance was made mandatory for Indigenous children. She was 21 when Canada lifted its bans on traditional Indigenous ceremonies, and she was 78 when she watched prime minister Stephen Harper deliver Canada’s official apology for the government’s role in residential schools. Her generation was not taught about the harms inflicted by these policies.

I can tell you that my mother was incredibly moved by what she learned while visiting this historical site and speaking to the Indigenous guides, and she spent days after reflecting on Canada’s shameful history. Learning and now knowing the truth had a huge impact on her. That’s what Indigenous tourism does.

Because so much Indigenous tourism is based on storytelling, it’s a perfect medium for telling the truth as we work toward reconciliation. I’m not just talking about the difficult moments — although that’s essential — but also the day-to-day lives of Indigenous peoples before and after European contact. It’s incredibly impactful to hear Indigenous interpreters share their legends and creation stories, explain the significance of ribbon skirts and other regalia, tell the stories behind traditional songs and dances and recount how their ancestors hunted, fished, farmed, raised their children, built their communities and adapted to times of change.

There is a strong interest in learning about and experiencing Indigenous culture, not just among Canadians, but internationally. A 2021 survey by Destination Canada found that one in three international tourists want to take part in Indigenous experiences while in Canada. The Canadian government’s recently released Federal Tourism Growth Strategy lists “authentic Indigenous tourism experiences” as an integral part of Canada’s international brand alongside natural spaces, environmental stewardship and Canada’s values of safety, inclusivity and human rights.

Promoting and supporting the continued growth of this sector is good strategically, as Canada seeks to attract visitors and grow our tourism industry. Indigenous tourism, like the rest of the sector, took a serious blow during the COVID-19 pandemic. As co-chair of the Parliamentary Tourism Caucus, I can tell you that tourism was the first and hardest hit by travel and gathering restrictions, and the industry still hasn’t recovered to pre‑pandemic levels. That’s why we’ve been advocating for strong action to support this sector and help it not just survive, but thrive.

I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to work with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, or ITAC, and other organizations to ensure Canada doesn’t lose out on the limitless opportunities this sector has to offer. ITAC is an incredibly strong voice for this industry, and it’s overwhelming how much they have done to keep Indigenous tourism on the agenda.

The sector also benefits from the work of provincial and territorial organizations like Indigenous Tourism Alberta, Indigenous Destinations Saskatchewan, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba, Indigenous Tourism Ontario, Yukon First Nations Culture & Tourism Association, Indigenous Tourism Quebec, Indigenous Tourism Association PEI, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network, Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association and Indigenous Tourism BC.

Government investment in Indigenous tourism must continue, as it helps communities flourish, stimulates economic development and creates jobs and careers for Indigenous people. It also promotes environmental conservation, economic self‑determination and cultural revitalization. It helps us learn about our history and allows people from different walks of life to connect and build relationships based on trust and respect.

I’d like to close off today by encouraging everyone to seek out authentic Indigenous experiences in their home provinces and territories. You will not be disappointed.