PRESS RELEASE
RECOGNITION GALA CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF SHARING INDIGENOUS TOURISM IN QUEBEC
Wendake, November 25, 2021 – The Indigenous Tourism Quebec Recognition Gala: 30 years of sharing took place this Thursday, November 25, in Montreal. This event was held in the scope of the Grand Economic Circle of Indigenous People and Quebec launched by the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador and the Government of Quebec. The honorary gala, which could be attended in-person or remotely, celebrated key players in the Indigenous tourism industry and highlighted the wide array of experiences offered by the 11 Nations of Quebec. The gala also marked the 30th anniversary of Indigenous Tourism Quebec (ITQ) as a membership-based association.
Hosted by renowned multidisciplinary Huron-Wendat artist Charles Bender, the gala had the change of seasons as its theme and unfolded in high spirits of celebration and pride. Various dazzling artistic performances added color to the evening to the delight of the circa 250 guests who attended in-person or remotely.
Throughout the evening, awards were presented to the recipients chosen by an independent jury of recognized experts from the industry and the Indigenous sphere. The winners are:
EMERGING ENTREPRENEUR AWARD: COOP NITASKINAN
RESILIENCE AND ADAPTATION AWARD: KWAHIATONHK! SALON DU LIVRE DES PREMIÈRES NATIONS
DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION AWARD: TOURISME WINIPEUKUT NATURE
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION AWARD: VACANCES ESSIPIT
RESPONSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD: HÉBERGEMENT AUX CINQ SENS
PARTNER AWARD: QUEBEC OUTFITTERS FEDERATION AND AVENTURE ÉCOTOURISME QUÉBEC FOR THE NORTHERN INCUBATOR-ACCELERATOR
AURÉLIEN GILL AWARD: RÉGINALD MOREAU, BERNARD CHAMBERLAND AND DENIS ROSS FROM THE INNU FIRST NATION OF ESSIPIT
ENTERPRISE OF THE YEAR AWARD: ATIKUSS
Congratulations to the winners and finalists, to the participants and to all Indigenous enterprises, Indigenous entrepreneurs and partners for their contribution in building exceptional and quality tourism experiences over decades.
In 2021, 247 Indigenous tourism enterprises were still proudly present in 17 of Quebec's 21 tourism regions and in 46 of the 55 communities. Despite the pandemic, Indigenous tourism continues to grow as one of the most important socio-economic pillars for Indigenous communities in Quebec. Now more than ever, Indigenous tourism offers a path towards reconciliation and stands as one of the destination’s most compelling attractions. To learn more about ITQ: www.indigenousquebec.com
Quote:
This unique anniversary gala honoured and celebrated the resilience, vitality and innovation of our industry. Indigenous tourism is imbued with authenticity and quality, and we owe it to ourselves to recognize the enterprises, entrepreneurs and partners who highlight our timeless cultures. - Steeve Wadohandik Gros-Louis, ITQ President
SOURCE: Laurence Lainé, Communication and Marketing Agent
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