Anishinabek & Cree Traditional Territory (Northern Ontario), April 21, 2020 — Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO), Nature and Outdoor Tourism Ontario (NOTO) with support from the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO) are appealing to the Provincial and Federal Governments to provide meaningful support to all seasonal tourism businesses across Northern Ontario.

There are over 1,000 seasonal lodges, resorts and campgrounds across Northern Ontario that are currently struggling to survive this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. These businesses cater to anglers, hunters, outdoor recreationists, and those seeking Indigenous cultural experiences who are from Canada and the United States, but also all over the world.

These businesses and their guests contribute over $400 million in GDP which is retained in Northern Ontario during a 4 to 5-month operating season.

There are hundreds of small Indigenous business and thousands of Indigenous people that rely on the tourism sector in Northern Ontario to provide revenue generating avenues and meaningful work experiences to maintain and try to improve their socio-economic conditions. Demand for Indigenous experiences has never been higher and many of these businesses and jobs will not exist in 3-12 months. Continue reading (PDF)