The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) has the mandate to support and develop tourism as a strategic economic sector in the Atlantic.Tourism represents an opportunity for First Nations who seek self-determination in their economic development and who wish to discover their traditions and their territory. The research points to a growing demand for Indigenous cultural experiences even as communities rediscover their own heritage and begin the slow process of reconciliation with non-first nation people. An observation has recently emerged: the different tools available, such as the Accelerated Market Readiness Program (AMRP) that TouriScope has carried out on several occasions, are not always applicable in their cultural, economic, and political context. Therefore, ACOA called on experts for recommendations on how to adapt these programs.

TouriScope worked with ATN Consulting, Tulle Consulting, and Evitan Consulting with respect for Indigenous culture and sustainable development. Indeed, the team shared a deep belief that its role was to listen and facilitate the development of deliverables that exemplify the wisdom and expertise of First Nations.

The following steps were carried out:

- A documentary research
- A study involving comparables elsewhere in Canada and Australia
- Interviews with Atlantic Indigenous tourism leaders and operators

The implementation team then proceeded to evaluate the tools and programs in the light of the main conclusions drawn from the previous steps.However, the objective was to provide recommendations on the approach to adopt, rather than a redesign of the tools itself.

A holistic vision helped make recommendations on the best ways to support communities in the development of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism experiences. An approach adapted to the First Nations’ particular context will be based on the following steps:

- Build trust
- Recognize the specific context of First Nations’ communities and operators
- Lean on existing levers and successes
- Support First Nations’ tourism values and priorities
- Reimagine partnerships and increase capacity
- Improve tools and programs
- Deepen knowledge through more research

‍

Feature picture: Elsipogtog Mi'kmaq Cultural Center,  Elsipogtog, New Brunswick © Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada