The secretary of state for small business and tourism appeared at the MacBride Museum on Friday afternoon to announce a $1-million federal investment in Great River Journey Inc.

The recently-founded company plans to offer world class wilderness safaris down the Yukon River beginning this summer.

Diane Ablonczy appeared at the museum on behalf of Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC).

"This is a real treat for me to be here," Ablonczy told a press conference. "Every time I come (to Whitehorse) it's just beautiful.

"Great River Journey has been a dream and has become a main driver of tourism in the Yukon, which is (the Yukon's) biggest source of income."

Ablonczy said the Yukon's natural beauty and its people's hospitality make it a perfect tourist destination.

"Hospitality is a gift. Not everyone has it," she said.

"Today is a really special time and a time to say thanks," said George Asquith, president of Great River Journey.

"I'm very appreciative that INAC has stepped forward," Asquith said of the $1-million funding. "Without INAC, we wouldn't have this project."

Great River Journey is a joint venture between the Kwanlin Dun, Ta'an Kwach'an, Tr'ondek Hwech'in and Selkirk first nations and Great Northern Journeys Inc., a private sector company.

Great River Journey's mission is "to provide the premier, high-end, low-impact, river tour experience in North America by combining the adventure of a unique, safe, comfortable, world class wilderness safari down the Yukon River with an opportunity for a personal journey of discovery into the wilderness, history and culture of one the Earth's treasures - the Yukon," says a promotional kit.

The river journey will travel from Whitehorse to Dawson in eight days, with stops at several lodges along the way.

Asquith said in an interview today that Great River Journey will have four riverboats ultimately, although only one is currently in use.

Each riverboat costs $250,000 and is licensed to carry 12 people, said Asquith.

On the journey, each boat will carry 10 guests, a guide and a pilot.

The first boat is called Shakat, meaning "summer journey" in southern Tutchone, said Asquith.

A second boat is currently under construction, he added.

Each of the four first nations partners involved in the project will name one of the boats.

"We're going to make you proud here," Asquith told Ablonczy on Friday. "What we need this summer is customers."

Asquith said that after a trial run of the project last summer, which was met with "just the most wonderful response," this summer, they hope to attract even more patrons.

"We'll be ready to go to the world in 2009," said Asquith.

The $1 million investment was made available through Canada's Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) initiative.

Ablonczy said she has a mandate from Prime Minister Stephen Harper to increase northern economic development.

"We see this as a huge opportunity for economic development," said Ablonczy. "Tourism has increased 10 per cent in the last year and Canada has huge potential to grab a huge chunk of tourism.

"We are one of the most beautiful, exotic destinations on the planet."

Barbara Fred of the Kwanlin Dun first nation, and Ruth Massie, chief of the Ta'an Kwach'an band, were also present at the press event.

"It feels good after all this work to initiate and implement our dreams," said Massey.