Ontario funding supports Indigenous tourism, cultural experiences
The Ontario government is providing $300,000 in funding to an organization based on Manitoulin Island to create jobs and support unique and authentic Indigenous experiences across the province.
Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) is headquartered in Aundeck Omni Kanig First Nation -- formerly known as the Ojibways of Sucker Creek – near Little Current.
Neil Lumsden, the minister of tourism, culture and sport, made the announcement on the island at 4:30 p.m. Monday.
"By supporting Indigenous Tourism Ontario, our government is helping to provide meaningful
opportunities for Indigenous communities throughout the province to showcase their deep-rooted, diverse cultures," Lumsden said.
"This funding will support Indigenous arts, culture and tradition, while bringing people together, boosting the local economy and allowing visitors to celebrate our province’s broad cultural landscape through a wide variety of unique and inclusive programming."
The projects that will receive support include cultural authenticity workshops, product development and itineraries, marketing and workforce development.
"We couldn’t continue our work to improve the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous people through tourism without support like this," said Kevin Eshkawkogan, the CEO and president of ITO.
The Pan-Regional Fund supports project-based initiatives related to tourism and destination development that benefits more than one region.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
Stormy Daniels took the witness stand Tuesday at Donald Trump's hush money trial, describing for jurors a sexual encounter the porn actor says she had with him in 2006 that resulted in her being paid off to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.
Former homicide detective explains how police will investigate shooting outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion
Footage from dozens of security cameras in the area of Drake’s Bridle Path mansion could be the key to identifying the suspect responsible for shooting and seriously injuring a security guard outside the rapper’s sprawling home early Tuesday morning, a former Toronto homicide detective says.
Jeremy Skibicki has 'uphill battle' to prove he's not criminally responsible in Winnipeg killings: legal analysts
Accused killer Jeremy Skibicki could have a challenging time convincing a judge that he is not criminally responsible for the deaths of four Indigenous women, a legal analyst says.
Bye-bye bag fee: Calgary repeals single-use bylaw
A Calgary bylaw requiring businesses to charge a minimum bag fee and only provide single-use items when requested has officially been tossed.
Air France flight from Paris to Seattle lands in Iqaluit after heat smell in cabin
A plane travelling from Paris to Seattle was forced to make an emergency landing in Iqaluit after there was a heat smell in the cabin during the flight.
CFL suspends Argos QB Chad Kelly at least nine games following investigation
The CFL suspended Toronto Argonauts quarterback Chad Kelly for at least nine regular-season games Tuesday following its investigation into a lawsuit filed by a former strength-and-conditioning coach against both the player and club.
Boy Scouts of America changing name for first time in 114 years, aiming for inclusivity
The Boy Scouts of America is changing its name for the first time in its 114-year history and will become Scouting America. It's a significant shift as the organization emerges from bankruptcy following a flood of sexual abuse claims and seeks to focus on inclusion.
RCMP not investigating possible foreign interference cases related to Chiu, Dong: Duheme
Canada's federal police force is not investigating any possible instances of foreign interference in the cases of former Conservative MP Kenny Chiu and Liberal-turned-Independent MP Han Dong, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme says.
Federal government grants B.C.'s request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces
The federal government is granting British Columbia's request to recriminalize hard drugs in public spaces, nearly two weeks after the province asked to end its pilot project early over concerns of public drug use.