Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association

15/04/2024

April 15th – 19th is National Tourism Week across Turtle Island! It is a time to acknowledge all of the beautiful places (big and small, near and far) that offer unique experiences and cultural exchanges, and to celebrate the people that create opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

To show them some love, tag a community, Indigenous owned business, or awesome individual that contributes to the industry in the comments below!



Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association
Indigenous Tourism Canada
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Tourism Nunatsiavut
Experience Qalipu
Innu Parks
Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association - NLOA
Destination Labrador
Destination St. John's
Adventure Central Newfoundland
Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland
Go Western Newfoundland
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi
NunatuKavut Business Centre
Labrador North Chamber of Commerce
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

20/12/2023

May your holidays be merry and bright, and may the new year bring you happiness & success!

21/07/2023

ITAC is currently accepting Original Original Accreditation Program applications, applying is FREE.

This is a great opportunity to take right now! Their goal is to give a mark of excellence to your business. This ensures tourist of a quality, Indigenous product or service across the nation.

These standards are set by Indigenous tourism operators for Indigenous tourism operators and this program enables ITAC to apply consistent and fair criteria to any Indigenous business seeking formal recognition as being “Market-Ready”.

Some benefits of this program include:
• Once accredited, a business can promote themselves as The Original Original and use the mark to demonstrate that they meet all of the requirements of a Market Ready authentic Indigenous owned business.
• As part of the program businesses will be given preferences in select marketing campaigns and initiatives and have special access to other resources and support from ITAC.
• Every listing accredited will have The Original Original icon on ITAC’s Destination Indigenous listing.
• The accredited businesses will receive preferential treatment in sales and promotion campaigns such as itineraries, magazines, website listings, media and sales newsletters/media communiques, SEO-CRM-Website.
• Special pricing for future ITAC events
• Opportunity to be featured in program promotional material, including video, at major events such as the International Indigenous Tourism Conference.
• Exclusive access to select development and marketing initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming accredited though this program and need assistance in doing so, NLITA staff are here to help. There are also some self assessment tools available once you create an account on ITAC’s website.

If you have any questions about this process and requirements of this program, feel free to reach out to any of our staff members.

Caroline Swan – [email protected]
Desirea Goodyear – [email protected]
Barbara Young – [email protected]
Rob Thomas – [email protected]

Or you can email ITAC directly at [email protected]

https://indigenoustourism.ca/programs-services/the-original-original-accreditation-program/

21/07/2023

Become a member of Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association today! Membership is FREE for 2023.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association is an Indigenous-led group of dedicated people passionate about the Indigenous tourism growth potential in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a new organization, we aim to grow Indigenous tourism across the province by assisting and promoting Indigenous businesses.

Please take the time to sign up as a NLITA member today! It is a quick and easy process; https://nlita.ca/industry/membership/

Becoming a member will help you:
1) Connect with our staff that are happy to help assist you with your business needs
2) Promote your business on our website and social media pages
3) Connect & network with other businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to one of our staff members:
Caroline Swan – Executive Director - [email protected]
Desirea Goodyear – Office Assistant - [email protected]
Barbara Young – Marketing Coordinator - [email protected]
Rob Thomas – Experiences Coordinator - [email protected]

We look forward to working with you in the future!

When you join NLITA, you’ll become part of a group dedicated to promoting the unique and growing Indigenous Tourism Industry.

13/07/2023

Check out the Ktaqmkuk Mi'Kmaq Historical Museum & Craft Store in St. Georges on the South West coast of Newfoundland.



Go Western Newfoundland
Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism
Experience Qalipu
Indigenous Tourism Canada
Tourism Southwest
Bay St. George Mi'kmaq Cultural Revival Committee
St. George's, Newfoundland and Labrador

30/05/2023

Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Colleen Lambert, Miawpukek Tourism, Culture, and Recreation Director, as the 2023-2024 Chairperson.

Having been involved in the development of the organization since the first Indigenous Tourism Forum in February 2018 and serving as Vice Chairperson of NLITA from 2022-2023, Colleen has extensive experience with the organization and knowledge in the Indigenous Tourism Industry.

NLITA would like to thank the previous chairperson, Jill Larkham, for her hard work and guidance from 2022-2023. Jill will now serve as the Vice-Chair of the organization.

NLITA remains committed to preserving and promoting Indigenous culture, knowledge, and places in Newfoundland and Labrador through leadership and support for community-led, grassroots tourism.

07/05/2023

Join us online for the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association 2022-2023 Annual General Meeting on Wednesday May 17th at 2:30pm NST / 2:00pm AST.
All are welcome to take part.
To register, visit: https://nlita.ca/industry/news/register-for-our-2022-23-agm/

24/04/2023

Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Summit - Let us Pay your Registration!

The 2023 Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Summit will be held in Corner Brook, NL May 10th-11th.

If you are a Qalipu First Nation member and own an Indigenous tourism business, or are interested in entering the tourism industry, registration will be covered. If you already registered, the cost of registration will be reimbursed.

Please note: travel and lodging are not covered.

Please click here to register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/28PK5WN

17/04/2023

Here's an opportunity for Indigenous women-owned businesses that have encountered systemic barriers to lending relationships, and have been disadvantaged because of the pandemic.

CCAB’s Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund is presented by LNG Canada with a contribution from Paper Excellence. The fund is open to Indigenous women-owned businesses that have encountered systemic barriers to lending relationships, and have been disadvantaged because of the pandemic. The fund ...

13/03/2023

Come experience Newfoundland and Labrador at the 2023 Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Summit this spring!
All are welcome to this two day event.

To register, click the image below.

Join us at the 2023 Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Summit in Corner Brook, NL this spring. All are welcome to participate in this two day event

05/03/2023

Cain's Quest is the longest and hardest snowmobile endurance race in North America and it is happening right now in Labrador!

Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association Board Member Gordie Rendell is racing on and will be out in the elements for the next few days with his team mate Daniel.

It takes grit to race. Go Gordie Go!!!

His team is fundraising to support the fight again cancer. If you would like to donate, please visit https://support.cancer.ca/site/TR/IFE_NW_Event/IFE_NL_General_?px=14119850&pg=personal&fr_id=28376&fbclid=IwAR05kLgQovP817hnUrnKXfTRFBJvaQQ-rw_-d3cWQLHldODuWdayY8gbTtk

02/03/2023

Pete Barrett with her family, the 2023 recipient of the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, Tourism Achievement Award at the Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Conference in Gander, NL, March 1, 2023. Thank you Pete for leading the way! Photo: Alick Tsui Photography

02/03/2023

Heartiest Congratulations to Pete Barrett, recipient of the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, Tourism Achievement Award presented by Minister Bernard Davis at the Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador Conference in Gander, NL, March 1, 2023. Watch the award presentation to learn more of Pete’s amazing accomplishments and contribution to the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism industry.

21/02/2023

All are invited to the Indigenous Tourism Industry Gathering in Gander, NL on Tuesday February 28th from 3pm-4pm in Salon D at the Quality Hotel & Suites- Gander

Come share, learn, and network with the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association and Indigenous Tourism Canada.




Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador

17/01/2023

The Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Jenny Brake as the associations new Indigenous Tourism Events Coordinator. In this role, she will be organizing the 2023 Atlantic Indigenous Tourism Summit.

To connect with Jenny, email [email protected] or call 709-640-4016.

Jenny Brake is a Mik’maw woman from Elmastukwek (the Bay of Islands). Throughout her career, Jenny has supported a variety of Indigenous organizations within Newfoundland and Labrador to raise awareness for mental health, violence against women and capacity building through education, employment and social enterprise. With the support of her three children, her son Jhoni, and daughters Mya and Ivy, Jenny is committed to the revitalization and preservation of Indigenous values and traditions. She is a visual artist and uses a variety of mediums such as metal, paint, textiles and beadwork to express her connection to the land and culture.

16/01/2023

The Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Desirea Goodyear as the associations new Indigenous Tourism Office Assistant.

To connect with Desirea, email [email protected]
or call 709-571-6332

From Deadman’s Bay, located on the straight shore of Bonavista Bay, Desirea’s background includes being a private business owner in spa services and bookkeeper/accountant for many diverse companies. As a self-identified Indigenous women, Desirea has her eye on limitless learning of technology and how to incorporate those tools to enhance business growth.

Growing up, surrounded by the most beautiful beaches and tranquil oceans, Desirea spent most of her free time walking the shoreline looking for treasures. Whether that be beach glass, driftwood or unique stones and shells. This tradition is now something she enjoys doing with her 2 young children and their dog Flint.

13/01/2023

The Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association (NLITA) is pleased to announce Barbara Young as the associations new Marketing Coordinator. In this role, she will help market NLITA member offerings as well as working one-on-one with NLITA members to help build audiences and deliver effective communications.

To connect with Barbara, email [email protected]
or call 1-709-424-7499

Barbara’s background included advising corporations, community economic development and indigenous organizations on various online and offline marketing and communication strategies. With roots from Nujio'qoniik (Bay St. George, NL) Barbara has an interest in Mi’kmaw history; worldview and ways of being. In her spare time, Barbara attempts to visit every nook and cranny of the province and hiking the trails.

13/01/2023

Indigenous Tourism Canada is offering a wonderful new program for Indigenous Tourism Businesses across Canada through the new Original Original Accreditation Program.

There are two steps to apply.
For full details on how to apply, check out these How To Videos:

How to Apply: First steps - Self Evaluation Checklist for Original Original Accreditation Program
https://vimeo.com/777458140/82b090d436

How to do the Next Steps - Business Support Application
https://vimeo.com/779414890/06b5e19167

Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association
Innu Nation
Miawpukek First Nation Reserve
Tourism Nunatsiavut
Qalipu First Nation
NunatuKavut Business Centre
Nunacor
Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism
Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador
Adventure Central Newfoundland
Destination St. John's
Destination Labrador
Go Western Newfoundland
Legendary Coasts of Eastern Newfoundland
Labrador North Chamber of Commerce

12/01/2023

The Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association (NLITA) is pleased to announce Rob Thomas as the associations new Indigenous Tourism Experience Coordinator. In this role, he will be working one-on-one with NLITA members to enhance and develop Indigenous Tourism offerings throughout Labrador and the island of Newfoundland.

To connect with Rob, email: [email protected]
or call 1-709-638-0078

Rob was born, raised, and continues to thrive in Elmastukwek, Ktaqmkuk (the Bay of Islands, Newfoundland and Labrador). He is an outdoor enthusiast and a graduate of MUN Grenfell Campus Environmental Studies program. Over the years, Rob mastered his skills in the automotive and tourism industries through retail and community recreation development. He has a passion to help Indigenous businesses grow across the province and has a knack for connecting people. When he is not working, or volunteering, Rob enjoys time with his family and friends in the outdoors.

02/11/2022

Check out the amazing full schedule of events for Spirit Song Festival 2022 in St. Johns.

Tickets and registration will be available on spiritsongfestival.ca THIS FRIDAY, November 4th at 7pm

Welcome to the biggest celebration of Indigenous arts and culture in Atlantic Canada Spirit Song Festival is a celebration of Indigenous Arts and Culture that has been running annually in St. John’s…

12/10/2022

All are invited to take part in a free public art gallery opening reception at The Rooms in City of St. John's on October 14th at 7pm which will showcase work by Indigenous artist Kelsey Street and other artists as part of the Tangible Exhibit including Barb Hunt, Michael Flaherty, John Lundrigan, Urve Manuel and Inez Shiwak.

Kelsey Street's work titled Weaving Back and Forth, is the culmination of the most recent Elbow Room Residency at The Rooms. Street worked to translate her Grandmother’s quilts to small beaded forms through the approach of Two-Eyed- Seeing–a way of viewing the world through both settler and Indigenous perspectives. By developing this work while dialoguing with her Grandmother and her L’nu and settler ancestry, Street reveals how we are all interconnected and interdependent.

You are invited to join us on October 14 for a free public art gallery opening reception for the exhibitions Tangible: Crafting the Future on the 50th Anniversary of the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador and Kelsey Street: Weaving Back and Forth.

Reception begins at 7 pm. Admission to the exhibitions will be free during the event. Cash bar.

07/10/2022

Upper Humber Settlement is an indigenous owned 6 acre homestead nestled in the forest of a small farming community in Cormack, NL. Check out their 3 day Farm Stay for Foodies package.

Go Western Newfoundland
Newfoundland & Labrador Tourism
Indigenous Tourism Canada
Town of Cormack

26/09/2022

Here are a few Truth and Reconciliation events that will be happening at The Rooms in St. Johns this week.

September 26 - September 30 - A selection of shorts from the National Film Board of Canada’s (NFB) rich collection of Indigenous-made films from across Canada will be screened on a loop in the theatre during open hours: https://bit.ly/3R68lj5

September 28 at 7 pm - Developing the Strategic Framework for Indigenization at Memorial University: https://bit.ly/3xLpJ5S

September 29 at 2:30 pm - A Museum’s Role in Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples: https://bit.ly/3DOdnha

September 30 from 12pm to 9pm - The Rooms will offer free admission in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The Rooms will offer free admission and is open from Noon - 9 pm on Friday, September 30 in observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Please join us to learn, reflect and take action.

September 26 - September 30 - A selection of shorts from the National Film Board of Canada’s (NFB) rich collection of Indigenous-made films from across Canada will be screened on a loop in the theatre during open hours: https://bit.ly/3R68lj5

September 28 at 7 pm - Developing the Strategic Framework for Indigenization at Memorial University: https://bit.ly/3xLpJ5S

September 29 at 2:30 pm - A Museum’s Role in Truth and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples: https://bit.ly/3DOdnha

26/09/2022

September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

For Indigenous Peoples and communities, this will serve as a day for remembrance; for others, it should generate conversation, insight learning, and prompt action through strong allyship.

Here are a few simple but effective actions that can generate change for Indigenous Peoples.

26/09/2022

All are welcome to take part in the Truth and Reconciliation events this week in the Town of Deer Lake

Next week the Town of Deer Lake is pleased to support and take part in local events in commeration of The National Day For Truth & Reconciliation.

Please join us in this opportunity to honor, learn, and grow. 🧡

26/09/2022

All are welcome to take part in the Truth and Reconciliation events in Gander this week.
For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/TRUTHANDRECONCILIATIONGANDER/

FINAL POSTER!!

13/09/2022

is happening from November 13th-19th.

How to join in:
- Wear your moccasins or a turquoise Awareness Ribbon or a T-shirt or organize an event
- Take a pic, video or story and upload to social media and use the hashtag and/or
- Click on the to see what’s happening worldwide !

Announcing!
Rock Your Mocs 2022
Dates: November 13th – 19th

Official hashtags:



www.RockYourMocs.org

Why a week? To create more event opportunity days, especially for schools, people who work M-F, and people organizing events.

Do we have to wear our Mocs the whole week? Nope, choose a day or days, or the whole week

Is there a main day? The original day will always be November 15th

What is Rock Your Mocs?
Established 2011, Rock Your Mocs, is a worldwide Native American & Indigenous Peoples social media event held annually and during National Native American Heritage Month in the U.S. A.. People wear their moccasins, take a photo/video/story, add hashtag and upload to social media. This creates an online photo album for the world to see and enjoy. Additionally individuals, organizations, casino's, schools, museums and tribes are taking the initiative to create their own independent events throughout the world.

Rock Your Mocs was founded in 2011 by Jessica Jaylyn Atsye (Laguna Pueblo, NM U.S.A.) and beginning 2013 has been annually organized and produced by Native American event producer Melissa Sanchez(Acoma/Laguna Pueblos NM U.S.A.) of Prod Uctions

Why: We, as Indigenous people stand united through our tribal individuality, symbolically wear our moccasins, honor our ancestors, and indigenous peoples worldwide, during Rock Your Mocs and National Native American Heritage Month

Where is RYM held? Where ever you may be and wherever your day takes you or there may be an event in your community

How to join in:
- Wear your moccasins or a turquoise Awareness Ribbon or a T-shirt or organize an event
- Take a pic, video or story and upload to social media and use the hashtag and/or
- Click on the to see what’s happening worldwide !

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter

graphics art by:
Emergence Greeting & Christmas Cards
Photo credit: IG . Kae

09/09/2022

Would you like the opportunity to design Indigenous Tourism marketing that will position Newfoundland and Labrador as a top Indigenous Tourism destination?

The Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association is HIRING an Indigenous Tourism Marketing Coordinator.

For more information regarding this full time salary position visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16TJx3Jmw435JP_dAns8IUukLJVYrX5jH/view?usp=sharing

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Caroline Swan at [email protected]


NunatuKavut
Miawpukek Mi'kmaq First Nation
Qalipu First Nation
Innu Nation
Tourism Nunatsiavut
Indigenous Tourism Canada