Memorandum of understanding signed to support Indigenous Tourism

Yukon First Nations Culture & Tourism Association President Marilyn Jensen, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada CEO Keith Henry and Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys

The Government of Yukon, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and the Yukon First Nations Culture & Tourism Association (YFNCT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Advancing Indigenous Tourism Conference today in Carcross.

The MOU sets the foundation for a collaborative partnership between the organizations as they work towards the shared goal of creating opportunities to grow Indigenous tourism in a way that will increase economic benefits and overall wellbeing to Yukon First Nations communities and Indigenous entrepreneurs. The MOU outlines six strategic priorities:

1) Establishing Yukon as a premier destination for Indigenous tourism,

2) Supporting the development of sustainable, market-ready and export-ready Indigenous experiences,

3) Increasing awareness and demand for Indigenous tourism experiences in Yukon,

4) Maintaining and celebrating the authentic cultures and communities of the Yukon,

5) Supporting and facilitating involvement of Yukon First Nations communities in Indigenous tourism development, and

6) Aligning the Parties’ strategies to leverage funding and maximize opportunities.

Indigenous tourism presents an incredible opportunity for Yukon First Nations to increase economic development while sharing and celebrating their heritage in a meaningful and authentic way. This memorandum of understanding sets the stage for how we will work together as partners to sustainably grow Indigenous tourism in Yukon.

Minister of Tourism and Culture Jeanie Dendys

YFNCT provides Yukon First Nations the opportunity to take a leading role in the planning, development and management of Indigenous tourism within the realms and protocols of our own teachings, values and paradigms but aligned with our partners and the industry itself. We are honoured to do this work with our partners ITAC and the Government of Yukon.

Yukon First Nations Culture & Tourism Association President Marilyn Jensen

We are also honoured to collaborate and support the growth of Indigenous tourism in the Yukon. The opportunities are endless and together with the leadership of YFNCT and the Government of Yukon, the Yukon is poised to build its reputation globally for exceptional Indigenous experiences, which are in such high demand from today’s visitors.

 

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Chief Executive Officer Keith Henry

Media contact 

Janine Workman
Cabinet Communications
Government of Yukon
867-393-7449
[email protected]

Cameron Webber
Communications, Tourism & Culture
Government of Yukon
867-332-0400
[email protected]

Jenna Hickman
Media Contact
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
250-592-3838
[email protected]

Alexis Hougen
Marketing & Projects Coordinator
Yukon First Nations Culture & Tourism Association
867-667-7698 ext. 205
[email protected]

News release #: 
18-266