September 30 is Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — a day to honour survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never came home, and acknowledge the ongoing impacts.
For travellers, it’s also a chance to recognize that reconciliation is not just a national campaign, but a personal one, and tourism can play a meaningful role.
Painted Warriors, Mountain View County, Alberta (Photo Credit: Indigenous Tourism Canada)
Across Canada, Indigenous-owned and operated tourism businesses are creating space for truth, connection, and healing.
Whether on the grounds of former residential schools or in vibrant cultural centres, these experiences invite visitors to learn difficult truths, witness resilience, and support Indigenous communities.
Experiences Across Canada
Elsipogtog Mi'kmaq Cultural Center, Elsipogtog, New Brunswick (Photo Credit: Indigenous Tourism Canada)
Ontario – Wikwemikong Tourism, Manitoulin Island
Guides share Anishinaabe perspectives on the residential school system, layered with teachings about pre-colonial history and enduring traditions. Tours here offer an honest and deeply personal lens into resilience and survival.
Manitoba – The National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada, Portage la Prairie
Located at a former residential school, the museum preserves memory while fostering dialogue and education. Survivors, like executive director Lorraine Daniels, continue to lead its work, turning a place of trauma into one of truth and healing.
British Columbia – St. Eugene Resort, Cranbrook
Once a residential school, the property has been reclaimed and transformed by the Ktunaxa Nation. Guests can golf, dine, and stay overnight, while learning about the Nation’s vision to turn a site of pain into one of renewal and pride.
Yukon – Carcross/Tagish First Nation Learning Centre
Visitors can explore trails, artisan studios, and cultural activities rooted in Tlingit and Tagish traditions, while learning how tourism supports community-led preservation of language and culture.
Québec – Onhwa’ Lumina, Wendake
Ranging from an immersive experience to a relaxing moment on the banks of the Akiawenrahk River, packages will respect your pace of discovery during your foray into Indigenous lands. The packages presented include several elements of interest with themes related to First Nations traditions, history, culture, and/or modernity.
Atlantic Canada – Metepenagiag Heritage Park, New Brunswick
Known as “the village of 30 centuries,” this site celebrates the Mi’kmaq people’s history and culture. Exhibits, guided experiences, and powwows highlight both ancient traditions and living culture.
Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre - Little Current, Ontario (Photo Credit: Ethan Meleg)
Growing Demand
Indigenous tourism is increasingly recognized as a vital part of Canada’s visitor economy.
In Alberta, the sector contributed CAD $133.2 million to the GDP in 2024, with nearly 3,900 jobs created. Indigenous entrepreneurs generated CAD $ 566 million in tourism revenue in 2023, representing a significant percentage of Canada’s total.
“Tourism is Alberta’s largest service export and fourth largest export industry, but more than that, it is an incredibly powerful way for people to learn, connect and reflect,” said Chelsey Quirk, CEO of Indigenous Tourism Alberta.
"Our members are proud to share their knowledge, culture and community, helping travellers gain a profound understanding of and connection with the resilience of Indigenous Peoples.”
At the national level, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has launched its 2025–26 Operational Plan, backed by CAD$35 million per year in Social Impact Funding.
ITAC represents over 1,300 members and supports Indigenous-led tourism businesses across the country.
“This new funding marks an important step forward and reflects both the resilience of the Indigenous tourism industry and the growing demand for Indigenous experiences across Canada,” said Keith Henry, president and CEO of ITAC.
"By 2030, ITAC aims for the Indigenous tourism sector in Canada to reach 2,700 businesses and 60,000 jobs, and contribute $6 billion annually to national gross domestic product (GDP). Achieving this goal requires significant growth in both the number of businesses and the workforce. As of 2023, the sector has seen 2,757 Indigenous-owned and operated tourism businesses; 34,711 jobs in Indigenous tourism; $1.3 billion in GDP contributions," ITAC stated.
Arctic Bay Adventures, Arctic Bay, Nunavut (Photo Credit: Indigenous Tourism Canada)
How to Travel Responsibly and Respectfully
Engaging with Indigenous tourism is about more than booking an activity — it’s about how you show up.
Adäka Cultural Festival - Whitehorse, Yukon (Photo Credit: Indigenous Tourism Canada)
Here are a few guiding principles for travellers:
- Listen first: Approach each experience with humility and openness.
- Acknowledge truth: Recognize the weight of the histories being shared and honour the voices of survivors.
- Support Indigenous-owned businesses: Seek out authentic operators and guides.
- Respect protocols: Always ask before taking photos, recording stories, or participating in ceremonies.
- Purchase with purpose: Buy locally made crafts, foods, and art, ensuring your money stays in the community.
- Continue learning: Carry lessons beyond the trip. Read Indigenous authors, follow Indigenous media, and share what you’ve learned with others.
British Columbia (Photo Credit: Indigenous Tourism Canada)
Indigenous-led experiences remind us that reconciliation is not a single act or date on the calendar, but an ongoing journey we must walk together.
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