Minister Valdez announces federal funding to boost Indigenous tourism

The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism) — and Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament, Cumberland–Colchester, alongside Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) — highlighted the Budget 2025 investment of $6 million in additional funding for the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES).

Minister Valdez also announced the seven projects selected to benefit from the investment. This announcement was made at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre, home of the Millbrook First Nation, in Mi’kma’ki.

The Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream aims to support key experiences that anchor tourism destinations in Indigenous communities and help develop the infrastructure and services needed for tourism.

Building on the success of the first round of funding, this additional $6 million in funding will scale up significant, export-ready, market-sustainable and community-supported Indigenous experiences and tourism destinations.

Partnering to grow Indigenous tourism is essential for Canada to realize the full potential of the visitor economy, and to position Canada as a top global destination.

This new funding will support:

• The Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (Nova Scotia) is receiving federal funding to support the construction of the new Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. It will enable the community to share Mi’kmaw history and culture with students of all ages and visitors from Nova Scotia, Canada and around the world.
• Restaurant Sagamité YQB S.E.N.C. (Quebec) is receiving federal funding to enable the “Restaurant La Sagamité” franchise to expand its authentic Indigenous cuisine offerings to the Québec City airport.
• The Six Nations of the Grand River (Ontario) is receiving federal funding to support the construction of a new welcome centre at Six Nations. The new centre will support Indigenous tourism experiences to enhance the visitor capacity and experience, promoting the community as well as its historic sites.
• Enoch Cree Nation (Alberta) is receiving federal funding to support the construction of a new River Cree Thermal Spa on Enoch Cree Nation lands, which will become a world-class wellness destination once completed in 2028.
• The Spo7ez Cultural Centre and Community Society (British Columbia) is receiving federal funding to support the expansion of its cultural centre, which will now house a commercial kitchen to operate a café and offer catering services, along with a larger gift shop.
• The Tla-o-qui-aht Development Corporation (British Columbia) is receiving federal funding to expand resort infrastructure, including the construction of a new spa space and 12 camping units.

In making the announcement, Minister Valdez said: “Our new federal government is working in partnership with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples to build Canada strong. A key part of that work is supporting Indigenous tourism across the country.”

The Minister continued: “Indigenous Peoples are the original storytellers of this land, and Indigenous tourism gives visitors the chance to experience those stories, cultures, and traditions firsthand. Through investments like the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream, we are creating jobs, growing local economies, and helping Indigenous communities share their stories with Canada and the world.”

Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester, said that: “The Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre will be an incredible destination here in Cumberland–Colchester, welcoming visitors from across Canada and around the world to learn about Mi’kmaw history, culture and deep connection to this land.”

Shannin Metatawabin, CEO, National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, said that: “The road construction in Debert is symbolic of the pathways we’re building toward shared prosperity through Indigenous tourism. Building on the success of the first round of SITES funding, this additional investment will expand this impact to more regions across Canada, supporting Indigenous tourism operators to create meaningful experiences, strengthen local economies, and celebrate the richness of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures from coast to coast to coast.”

Tim Bernard, Executive Director, Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, said that: “This support helps us keep moving forward with the vision for Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. Our Elders have created a place where people can come together, spend time on the land, and learn about Mi’kmaw history and culture directly from Mi’kmaw voices. Projects like this take many partners, and this investment helps us continue the work of building a space that will welcome students, families, and visitors from across Mi’kma’kik and beyond.”

And Bernard concluded:”In the years ahead, Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre will be a place where we will welcome visitors to deepen their understanding of Mi’kmaw history, culture, and understand our 13,000 years of connection to this land.”

This investment highlighted today is in addition to the more than $50 million in Government of Canada programming supporting Indigenous tourism over the last three years, through initiatives such as the Indigenous Tourism Fund and the Tourism Growth Program. As outlined in Budget 2025, this additional investment highlights the federal government’s commitment to building a strong Canadian economy in partnership with Indigenous Peoples.