A significant memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed Wednesday at the Advancing Indigenous Tourism Conference in Carcross. 

The signatories were the territorial government, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and the Yukon First Nations Culture & Tourism Association (YFNCT).

The MOU sets the foundation for a collaborative partnership among the organizations as they work toward the shared goal of creating opportunities to grow Indigenous tourism in a way that will strengthen economic benefits and overall well-being to First Nations communities and Indigenous entrepreneurs. 

“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,” Tourism and Culture Minister Jeanie Dendys said in a statement.

“This memorandum of understanding sets the stage for how we will work together as partners to sustainably grow Indigenous tourism in Yukon.”

The agreement focuses on six priorities:

1) Establishing the 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 a First Nations communities in Indigenous tourism development; and

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

“We are also honoured to collaborate and support the growth of Indigenous tourism in the Yukon,” said Keith Henry, ITAC’s CEO.

“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.” 

ITAC’s new targets for 2024 will see total Indigenous tourism revenues contributing $2.2 billion to the annual Canadian GDP, 49,383 total jobs in Indigenous tourism, and 200 export-ready Indigenous tourism experiences across Canada, the statement said.

“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,” said Marilyn Jensen, YFNCT’s president. 

“We are honoured to do this work with our partners ITAC and the Government of Yukon.”

On a national scale, the Indigenous tourism industry employs more than 41,000 people, contributes $1.8 billion to the Canadian economy, and includes 139 export-ready Indigenous tourism businesses.