‘Authentic and enriching' tourism showcase

Winnipeg Free Press

a day ago

People seeking tourism opportunities in Manitoba have a new resource.
Indigenous Tourism Manitoba and The Forks North Portage Partnership celebrated the grand opening on Friday of Explore Indigenous, a new space that aims to build awareness and understanding of Indigenous-led tourism experiences in the keystone province.
Located at The Forks Market, the downtown Winnipeg discovery centre offers self-guided learning tools and interpretative displays that introduce visitors to Indigenous Tourism Manitoba's network of operators — who they are, where they're located and what types of experiences they offer.
BROOK JONES/FREE PRESS
Indigenous Tourism Manitoba CEO Holly Spence in the new tourism discovery space Explore Indigenous at The Forks Market in Winnipeg on Friday.
A curated product showcase features artisans who have been accredited through the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada's Original Original program, which highlights businesses and experiences that are at least 51 per cent Indigenous-owned.
Rotating displays and videos help tell the stories of Indigenous tourism operators in Manitoba and staff are on hand to answer questions.
The space is also home to Turtle Tours, a new Indigenous-owned and led tourism company that offers guided walking tours and cultural experiences that invite participants to learn about the land, hear the stories that have shaped Indigenous Peoples and connect with their stories.
'Indigenous tourism plays a vital role in sharing culture, history and community perspectives in a way that's both authentic and enriching,' said Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Nellie Kennedy.
She added in 2023, Indigenous tourism contributed nearly $91 million to Manitoba's GDP, supported more than 1,600 full-time equivalent jobs and generated $39 million in potential tax revenue.
'These numbers speak to not only (Indigenous tourism's) economic strength but also to the growing interest in experiences that are led by Indigenous communities and grounded in their stories,' Kennedy said. 'Indigenous tourism is a cornerstone of our tourism sector.'
Even with all the work that's been done to grow Indigenous tourism in recent years, many people are still unaware of who operators are and where to find them, said Holly Spence, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba.
'Our hope is by creating this (Explore Indigenous) awareness and creating an avenue for consumers to book experiences that it'll drive business (and) create economic development, jobs and revenue for our industry and for our Indigenous people from Manitoba,' Spence said.
Ashley Smith had that same goal in mind when she started Turtle Tours.
The 42-year-old entrepreneur also owns and operates Turtle Village, a tourist destination in Riding Mountain National Park in southwest Manitoba. She runs the businesses with her husband, Jason, and their three children, Jaylee, Keeson and Dawnjae.
Turtle Tours' first offering is a one-hour walking tour of The Forks that includes stops at long-established landmarks like the Oodena Celebration Circle and new features like the Woven Relations garden.
'We really notice that people don't know the actual history here of Winnipeg and The Forks and the importance of it, pre- and post-contact,' Smith said. 'So, that's the foundation that we want to lay.'
Celebrating the grand opening of the discovery centre and Turtle Tours was surreal, Smith said, adding she felt honoured to be present with Indigenous Tourism Manitoba and other operators from the province.
Alongside the opening of the space, Indigenous Tourism Manitoba launched its new guidebook, Adventure to Understanding, which highlights Original Original-accredited operators across the province.
Explore Indigenous is now open Fridays to Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Spence said, adding the centre's operating hours will expand 'in the near future.'
Travel Manitoba is proud to support the initiative, said Angela Cassie, chief operating officer.
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'When we take time to listen to — and learn from — Indigenous voices, and work to provide space to grow and develop Indigenous tourism, we're also supporting economic reconciliation, cultural revitalization and a stronger, more inclusive tourism industry for all,' Cassie said.
The presence of Explore Indigenous is an important part of The Forks' commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone, said Jessica Floresco, chief operating officer of The Forks North Portage Partnership.
Indigenous Tourism Manitoba and Turtle Tours are creating opportunities for visitors to engage and learn, Floresco added.
'These experiences highlight stories that are often left untold and we believe they are essential in moving forward together in a good way,' she said.
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Aaron EppReporter
Aaron Epp reports on business for the Free Press. After freelancing for the paper for a decade, he joined the staff full-time in 2024. He was previously the associate editor at Canadian Mennonite. Read more about Aaron.
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