Welcome

On behalf of Indigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick (ITANB) and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), we are pleased to welcome you to the 2019 Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Summit 2019. This Summit is held at the Crowne Plaza Downtown in Moncton, NB from May 7-9, 2019.

This Summit will give all interested parties the opportunity to gain knowledge of the Indigenous Tourism movement taking place in the New Brunswick, across the Atlantic Region and Nationally. As this is also the year of Indigenous Languages 2019, the ITANB wishes to honor Indigenous Languages by showcasing this through song and performances of the culturally rich and diverse languages of the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey and Passamaquoddy of New Brunswick.This first ever Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Summit will create opportunities to gain knowledge in an increasingly accelerating industry that has already exceeded the national growth strategy projections. Participate and build your knowledge of Indigenous Tourism, increase your capacity, create networking and partnership opportunities at this event.

We aim to bring together representatives of indigenous businesses and communities across the Atlantic Region with representation from other Provincial and National organizations with a connected tourism mandate. This summit is intended as the next phase in the continued development of Indigenous tourism in the Atlantic region and a follow up to the recommendations identified at the sold out 2016 International Aboriginal Tourism Conference held in Membertou, N.S. This will allow all those who are interested or working in tourism to learn from each other, discuss and exchange ideas and to support the growing indigenous tourism industry in the Atlantic Region.

Sincerely,

Patricia DunnettChairpersonIndigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick

Welcome

I want to start by acknowledging the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet and Passamaquoddy people from New Brunswick. This is an exciting time with the growth of Indigenous tourism across Canada reaching record results with significant international and domestic demands for authentic Indigenous experiences. Therefore the timing of the 2019 Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Summit is perfect and will share new insights about the current state of Indigenous tourism and provide another important forum to continue building Indigenous tourism throughout Atlantic Canada.

Indigenous tourism will only grow with the right combination of leadership, strategy and courage. Therefore the Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Summit is important to increase support with information to enhance experience development and marketing.

This is an exciting time for Indigenous tourism but we must plan proper execution of strategy to ensure future success. Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and key Atlantic Indigenous tourism industry partners have been already implementing a number of Atlantic tactics but there is much more to do if we want to ensure future success.

On behalf of our Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada board, staff, and members thank you for attending the 2019 Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Conference.

Together we will ensure future success to grow Indigenous tourism and ensure future financial and cultural sustainability.

Thank you,

Keith HenryPresident and CEOIndigenous Tourism Association of Canada

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Tuesday, May 7th, 2019

IndIgenous Marketplace setup Indigenous Businesses, Artists, Artisans

regIstratIon

VIp eVent: Invitation Only

receptIon

openIng cereMonY

Gala Dinner, Registration Closes

WelcoMePatricia Dunnett, ITANB Chairperson

IndIgenous cultural perforMances

keYnote: Keith Henry, ITAC President/CEO“Understanding the Opportunity”

oVerVIeW of scheduleRobert Bernard, ITAC Atlantic Coordinator

closIng perforMance Sisters of the Drum, Walistoq/Maliseet Nation

closIng cereMonY

netWorkIng and partnershIp BuIldIng

12:00pM

3:30pM

4:00pM

5:00pM

5:30pM

6:00pM

6:30pM

6:45pM

7:30pM

8:30pM

8:45pM

9:00pM

9:30pM

kent rooM

MaIn loBBY

kent rooM

Ball rooM

Ball rooM

Ball rooM

Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

Hot Buffet Breakfast

openIng cereMonY

oVerVIeW of agenda

7:30aM

8:30aM

8:45aM

Agenda

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Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

Thursday, May 9th, 2019

Itac atlantIc regIonal MeetIngGroup: Nova Scotia

Lunch

Itac atlantIc regIonal MeetIngGroup: New Brunswick

9:00aM

12:00pM

1:00pM

9:15aM

10:15aM

11:00aM

11:15aM

12:15pM

12:30pM

1:15pM

2:00pM

3:00pM

3:15pM

4:00pM

4:10pM

4:20pM

6:00pM

keYnote: Frank Antoine, ITBC / TOTA

Nutritional Break & IndIgenous Marketplace

reVIeW of Workshops (see page 6 and 7)

Breakout Workshops: round 1

Workshops end

Lunch with Performance

keYnote: Penny Polchies, Economic Development Manager (JEDI)

Breakout Workshops: round 2

Nutritional Break

panel presentatIon (see page 8)“Partnering for Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Growth”

reVIeW of suMMIt daYRobert Bernard, ITAC Atlantic Coordinator

closIng coMMentsPatricia Dunnett, ITANB Chairperson

closIng praYer and song

Itac atlantIc regIonal MeetIngGroup: Newfoundland/Labrador

Ball rooM

9th floor

Ball rooM

9th floor

Ball rooM

Agenda

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Wednesday, May 8th, 2019: All Workshops on 9th Floor

11:15aM #1 acadIan rooMGrowing Indigenous Tourism in Atlantic Canada (ITAC) Robert Bernard, ITAC Atlantic Region Coordinator

Developing sustainable regional Indigenous tourism organizations requires building many relationships and creating ongoing mutually beneficial partnerships. This workshop will explore the successes, challenges and opportunities in the Atlantic Indigenous tourism movement as part of ITAC’s Path Forward National Strategy.

#2 executIVe rooMMarketing - A New Path Forward (ITAC)Sebastien Desnoyers, ITAC Director of Marketing

Exploring ITAC’s journey in the digital world while promoting Indigenous cultural products and experiences around the world, what is working and what challenges are being faced by different levels of Indigenous business owners and organizations such as ITAC. This workshop will also explore the importance of knowing your “digital world” as an Indigenous business owner in terms of how you can really boost your business in the mainstream market place with certain investments, training and partnerships.

#3 charlotte rooMMarket & Export Ready Tourism Industry (Tourism NB) Rita Godbout, Tourism NB Product Development Coordinator

This workshop will highlight some of the current projects and work being done by the Province of New Brunswick’s Tourism Department involving businesses that are involved in the Market & Export Ready Tourism Industry. It will also discuss some ways in which they have invested into Indigenous tourism products, experiences and training and why it is important to their strategic plan going forward in New Brunswick’s future tourism goals.

Workshops: Round 1

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Wednesday, May 8th, 2019: All Workshops on 9th Floor

2:00pM #1 acadIan rooMIndigenous Community Tourism Development (ITANB)Patricia Dunnett, Indigenous Tourism Association of NB This workshop will explore the journey of a local Indigenous tourism association in New Brunswick and highlight some of their goals, their current initiatives and how important it is to work with local business owners, future entrepreneurs, students in school systems, leadership in community and more – all towards growing the Indigenous tourism economy in New Brunswick. They will highlight some of the current successes and some upcoming initiatives for the region.

#2 executIVe rooMIndigenous Tourism Capacity Development Teresa Ryder, Director of Business Development (ITAC)

What is happening with Indigenous tourism across Canada? Well, we will hear from ITAC’s Director of Business Development, Ms. Teresa Ryder! Teresa will share some of these key developments in different regions and why capacity development is such a key investment when it comes to the overall growth of Indigenous tourism businesses, jobs and contribution to the greater Canadian economy!

#3 charlotte rooMAuthentic Experiences for Travellers (Tourism NS)Heather Yule, Tourism NS Manager, Experience Development

What types of travellers are seeking authentic cultural tourism experiences? How are experiences developed for visitors to connect with local culture through storytellers, landscapes and flavours? This session introduces information and tools to create authentic travel experiences, and explores options to promote your experience to visitors regionally and globally.

Workshops: Round 2

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Wednesday, May 8th, 2019

3:15pM partnerIng for atlantIc IndIgenous tourIsM groWthTourism NB / Tourism NS / Hospitality NL / ACOA

Panelists

Rita Godbout, Tourism New Brunswick

Heather Yule, Tourism Nova Scotia Craig Foley, President/CEO (Hospitality Nfld/Labrador)

Kent MacDonald, Director of Tourism (ACOA)

Carol Alderdice, Chairperson (ITANB)

Panel Discussion

Moderator

Keith HenryPresident/CEO

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)

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Aduksis Jewellery DesignsOakleaves Native Creations / Standing OakSoul Flower HerbalsLennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural CenterEagle Spirit Arts & CraftsBaby Barn FabricsMi’kmaq Art ExperienceWolastoq Maple Products Inc.1725 Trading Post

Indigenous MarketPlace

Standing Stone SilverEva Nicholas: Wabanaki CreationsThe Raven and The RoseWabanaki MapleNorth Shore AdventuresAmu’Jij BeekeepingJoint Economic Development InitiativeMicmac Native ArtsMelissa Peter-Paul

KENT ROOMRAMP RAMP

MAIN ENTRANCE

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18VIP RECEPTION AND

ENTERTAINMENT AREA

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Aduksis Jewellery DesignsOakleaves Native Creations / Standing OakSoul Flower HerbalsLennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural CenterEagle Spirit Arts & CraftsBaby Barn FabricsMi’kmaq Art ExperienceWolastoq Maple Products Inc.1725 Trading Post

Standing Stone SilverEva Nicholas: Wabanaki CreationsThe Raven and The RoseWabanaki MapleNorth Shore AdventuresAmu’Jij BeekeepingJoint Economic Development InitiativeMicmac Native ArtsMelissa Peter-Paul

FOOD SECTION

2019 AITS INDIGENOUS MARKETPLACE

AT L A NT I C I N D I G E N O U S TO U R I S M S U M M I T

I N D I G E N O U SM A R K E T P L A C EV E N D O R S M A P

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Keith Henry keYnote speakerPresident and CEO, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

Mr. Keith Henry is a Métis person that was born in Thompson, Manitoba and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. He has been spearheading the growth of authentic Aboriginal tourism in Canada as he worked to redevelop the national Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. In October 2015 Mr. Henry took the full time role as the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s CEO.

In Canada, Keith continues to be recognized across the country as one of the leaders in Aboriginal tourism and has led many new initiatives including the national strategy titled The Path Forward 2016-2021, contributions to the development of national standards on market readiness and authenticity, cruise industry opportunities and the national Aboriginal tourism research project on the economic value of Aboriginal cultural tourism.

Mr. Henry was instrumental in the development of the national Aboriginal tourism strategy The Path Forward 2016-2021 which focuses on increasing Aboriginal market readiness, increasing jobs, and increasing revenues. He has been invited to numerous international locations and travels around the world to help support Aboriginal tourism strategies.

Frank Antoine keYnote speakerCo-chair, Indigenous Tourism BC/ Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association

Frank has been working at the Quaaout lodge for 10 seasons. He started as a golf professional and then moved into guest service department. He is currently working in the cultural and marketing at sales department.

Frank’s passion for learning his native grassroots and sharing that with guests of the lodge has been a great start for his new position. Marketing and sales has helped support his vision with the culture. He is currently working on expanding with other stakeholders of Indigenous Tourism in British Columbia.

Penny Polchies keYnote speakerEconomic Development Manager, Joint Economic Development Initiative

Millicent (Penny) Polchies is a member of the Wolastoqiyik Nation, and resides on the St. Mary’s Indigenous Community in Fredericton NB. Penny has been working on Indigenous economic and labour market initiatives for the past 25 years and is currently employed with the Joint Economic Development Initiative as the manager of the economic development department. Previous to this position she has also worked as the Provincial Aboriginal Employment Coordinator.

Penny sits on various working committees such as the New Brunswick Career Development Action Group, Indigenous Works, the NB Indigenous Economic Development Working Group, the AFN/NB Planning committee and served as the chair for the Aboriginal Employment Services Initiative.

Biographies

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Robert Bernard WorkshopAtlantic Regional Coordinator, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

Robert Bernard is a Mi’kmaw business owner of a capacity building firm called Diversity Management Group (DMG) based out of We’koqma’q First Nation in beautiful Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

As the Atlantic Partnerships Liaison in the Development department of ITAC, Robert communicates with communities, entrepreneurs and partner organizations across Atlantic Canada, coordinates training and certification programs, and develops relationships which benefit and grow Indigenous tourism business. Robert is an active community volunteer and dedicated family man to his beautiful wife Kelly and their four wonderful children Jordynn, Kaylyn, Kassidy & Karmin.

Sebastien Desnoyers WorkshopDirector of Marketing, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

After spending 10 years serving the Quebec Aboriginal tourism industry, first with Tourism Wendake and then with Quebec Aboriginal Tourism, Sebastien Desnoyers-Picard joined ITAC as the Sales and Marketing Manager. Through out his career, Sebastien has developed many strong partnerships and relationships with industry leaders across the globe. As a member of the Huron-Wendat Nation and French speaking Indigenous person, Sebastien is a strong member of the ITAC marketing team working to achieve all the targets in the 5-year plan – A path forward.

Sebastien has a diploma in Business, a degree in Sales and Marketing, and has completed an Indigenous studies program at Laval University. Born and raised in Wendake where he still lives and works, Sebastien takes great pride in defending Indigenous interest throughout all aspects of his life and career and focusses on bringing solutions to bring communities and the Indigenous tourism industry forward.

Patricia Dunnett WorkshopChairpersonIndigenous Tourism Association of New Brunswick

Patricia Dunnett of Metepenagiag First Nation, NB is married for 26 years and has four grown children. For the past 20 years, Patricia has always worked the front line of delivering an authentic indigenous tourism product that has grown and evolved over the years.

Patricia sits on the board of directors of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. Patricia also sits on the Miramichi River Tourism Association, Culture Plus; a cultural human resource council of New Brunswick. Patricia is now a part of the newly formed Indigenous Tourism Association New Brunswick.

Biographies

14 Biographies

Teresa Ryder WorkshopDirector of Business DevelopmentIndigenous Tourism Association of Canada

Teresa Ryder works as the Director of Business Development at ITAC. Teresa is of Musqueam descent, born in the Lower Mainland and raised on Vancouver Island. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Criminology from Simon Fraser University.

Before joining the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Teresa worked for the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC, as well as in various roles throughout the hospitality industry. Her passion for working with people and joy in learning from and about other Indigenous communities has led her to her career in tourism and community development.

Rita Godbout Workshop and panelIstProduct Development CoordinatorTourism New Brunswick

Responsible for Culture with a focus on Indigenous tourism with the product innovation team of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, Rita draws her professional inspiration through her career where she has invested herself in helping business owners reach milestones, growth and align them for long term goals. Her travel interests are normally with friends and family where she can enjoy fun times such as enjoying concerts, music, great food and also really appreciates hunting & fishing in a vey nice relaxing setup with her husband. When she’s not at her desk, you can find Rita enjoying her kids and grand kids in what she calls simplicity but very entertaining Kitchen party, as she goes out of her way to make music happen.

Heather Yule Workshop and panelIstExperience Development ManagerTourism Nova Scotia

With over 15 years of marketing, communications and tourism development experience, Heather nurtures strategic opportunities with industry and business partners to grow Nova Scotia’s tourism economy. Initiating and influencing the development of authentic, differentiating and compelling tourism experiences, Heather works with existing and emerging product areas and diverse stakeholders across the province. Heather is co-author of Experience Nova Scotia: A Toolkit developed for industry to create world class experiences aligned with Nova Scotia’s tourism brand.

Currently leading the Experience Development team, Heather’s been with Tourism Nova Scotia since 2007. Previously she worked on marketing and communications initiatives with the Nova Scotia Museum’s heritage promotions team, and holds a Public Relations Degree from Mount Saint Vincent University. Heather’s adventures with her two daughters and husband often include great places to eat and bicycle!

15 Biographies

Craig Foley panelIstChief Executive OfficerHospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

Craig Foley has been working within Newfoundland and Labrador’s tourism industry for more than fifteen years.Having held numerous positions on industry boards and committees, Craig believes collaborative partnerships are the best approach to advance the tourism industry and the operations of those working within it.

Recognizing the potential of tourism to positively impact the economy and way of life for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, and with extensive experience in strategic planning, development and implementation, Craig works tirelessly to ensure sustainable industry development and growth.

Carol Alderdice panelIstPresident and Chief Executive OfficerTourism Industry Association of New Brunswick

Présidente et Directrice GénéraleAssociation de L’industrie Touristique du Nouveau-Brunswick

Carol Alderdice is the President and CEO for the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick. Prior to this, she worked for the Department of Tourism, Heritage and Culture in Fredericton for 14 years as Manager, Web Technology and Industry Communications.

Carol is fluently bilingual and has a varied background in Marketing and Communications with a little IT added to the mix. She worked at Nortel Networks, Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario for 20 years in a variety of Corporate and Marketing positions. For her last 10 years at Nortel Networks, Carol was Senior Manager (C level), responsible for Sales, Product Line Management, Marketing, Training and Implementation of Nortel’s 9-1-1 integrated desktop solution across North America.

Kent MacDonald panelIstDirector of Tourism Policy and ProgramsAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Kent MacDonald has worked in the tourism industry for over 20 years. He has been with Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) for 12 years, and is currently the Director of Tourism Policy and Programs with Tourism Atlantic. Tourism Atlantic acts as a Secretariat to ACOA offices in each of the Atlantic provinces, providing information, advice and direction on all matters tourism. Tourism Atlantic also engages regularly with all levels of government and industry in the Atlantic region to provide a strategic and regional approach to tourism development.

16 Notes