Published on
January 18, 2026
In a significant step toward promoting Indigenous awareness within Canada’s tourism sector, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has launched a new training program aimed at providing tourism businesses with essential knowledge about Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives. The Certificate in Reconciliation for the Tourism Industry program is designed to create a welcoming and inclusive learning space for non‑Indigenous businesses, helping them better understand their role in reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples.
This program is a response to Call to Action #92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report, which urges the Canadian business community to engage in meaningful consultation with Indigenous communities, ensure respectful relationships, and secure consent before undertaking economic development projects that affect Indigenous lands and peoples. This initiative highlights the importance of equitable access to jobs, education, and training for Indigenous peoples within Canada’s corporate sector, focusing on a long-term commitment to reconciliation.
A National Initiative with Broad Support
ITAC, the national body that promotes and develops Indigenous tourism experiences, has received widespread support across the country. With over 1,300 Indigenous tourism businesses and organizations as members, the association plays a crucial role in advocating for Indigenous tourism and creating pathways for its growth. The launch of this new training program builds on ITAC’s ongoing efforts to integrate Indigenous culture into Canada’s tourism industry in a way that is both respectful and sustainable.
In 2023, the Indigenous tourism sector in Canada contributed a significant $3.7 billion in revenue, with approximately 34,700 jobs supported across the country. According to ITAC, this sector contributed $1.6 billion to Canada’s GDP and continues to grow, becoming an increasingly vital part of the Canadian economy. As Indigenous tourism grows, it is essential for tourism providers to understand their role in reconciliation and respectful cultural representation.
A Program Built on Reconciliation
The newly introduced training program is aimed at non-Indigenous tourism providers across Canada who are looking to understand their role in promoting and supporting Indigenous reconciliation. It also provides an opportunity for businesses to learn about Indigenous cultures and perspectives, ensuring a deeper, more meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities and experiences.
The program, which is delivered in partnership with Legacy Bowes, a business advisory firm, will be offered in a three-phase hybrid model. This model combines in-person workshops with self-paced online learning, allowing participants to engage at their own convenience. This approach ensures accessibility for a broad range of tourism providers, from small businesses to larger corporations, who want to contribute to reconciliation efforts.
ITAC’s initiative goes beyond simply offering training; it encourages active participation in reconciliation and provides the tools and knowledge necessary for businesses to implement respectful, inclusive, and culturally sensitive practices within their operations. This training program is designed to empower tourism businesses, guiding them on how to approach Indigenous communities with the respect and consent necessary to ensure their efforts align with the values of Truth and Reconciliation.
Key Elements of the Training Program
The Certificate in Reconciliation for the Tourism Industry program covers a wide range of key topics, including:
- Understanding Indigenous histories and cultural practices: The program explores the historical contexts that have shaped modern Indigenous communities, giving participants a deep understanding of their diverse cultures and traditions.
- Building respectful relationships: The course teaches tourism providers how to engage in meaningful and respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities, ensuring that their business practices align with the principles of reconciliation.
- Supporting equitable access to opportunities: The training highlights the need for equal opportunities in employment, education, and business for Indigenous peoples, helping tourism businesses implement practices that support these goals.
By completing the training, participants will gain practical insights into how they can contribute to reconciliation efforts, not only through their business practices but also by creating meaningful experiences that help to raise awareness about Indigenous cultures.
The Growing Importance of Indigenous Tourism
The Indigenous tourism sector in Canada has experienced substantial growth over recent years, and it is expected to continue to expand as more people seek authentic experiences that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities. According to ITAC, the sector has grown significantly, with Indigenous tourism businesses generating billions in revenue and contributing to local economies.
As this sector continues to thrive, it is essential for tourism providers to engage in culturally appropriate practices and actively support Indigenous businesses. By implementing respectful, knowledgeable approaches to Indigenous engagement, tourism businesses can provide visitors with opportunities to experience and learn about Indigenous cultures in a way that is beneficial for both the community and the tourists.
The launch of this training program marks a critical step in ensuring that Indigenous tourism remains a force for positive cultural exchange while also being a source of economic growth. By providing tourism businesses with the tools to engage in meaningful reconciliation, ITAC hopes to continue to elevate Indigenous tourism and ensure its place as a key pillar of Canada’s tourism sector.
Support for Canada’s Commitment to Reconciliation
This training program is more than just an educational opportunity for tourism providers; it is part of Canada’s broader commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #92 specifically calls upon the corporate community to take a more active role in supporting Indigenous communities, and ITAC’s training program is a direct response to that call.
As tourism continues to evolve in Canada, reconciliation will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the industry. ITAC’s program provides a framework for businesses to ensure that they are not only engaging with Indigenous communities in a way that is respectful but also contributing to building a more inclusive and equitable tourism sector.
Conclusion
The launch of the Certificate in Reconciliation for the Tourism Industry training program is a critical step in advancing Indigenous tourism and reconciliation in Canada. By educating non-Indigenous tourism businesses about Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and histories, ITAC is ensuring that the tourism industry plays an active role in the process of reconciliation. This training program, combined with the growing recognition of Indigenous cultural heritage, will help to strengthen Canada’s tourism industry, benefiting both Indigenous communities and the broader tourism sector.
