Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, known for its scenic landscapes and natural beauty. Travel Pulse Canada
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada has introduced a new training program to help non-Indigenous tourism businesses better understand Indigenous views and take real steps toward reconciliation. The program aims to build awareness, respect, and stronger working relationships across Canada’s tourism sector.
Tourism businesses across the country now show growing interest in learning how they can support reconciliation in meaningful ways. This new program offers a clear and practical path forward, especially for companies that want to learn, listen, and act responsibly.
Training Built for Learning and Action
The training runs in three parts and combines in-person workshops with online learning. Participants move through guided lessons that explain Indigenous histories, lived experiences, and the role businesses play in reconciliation. The format allows business owners and staff to learn at their own pace while also taking part in open discussions during workshops.
After completing all three parts, participants earn a Certificate in Reconciliation for the Tourism Industry. The certificate recognizes their effort to learn and encourages them to apply this knowledge in daily business decisions. The program focuses on understanding rather than theory, helping participants see how their actions affect communities.
A Partnership Rooted in Responsibility
The program brings together ITAC and Legacy Bowes, a business advisory group that created Truth2Action. Truth2Action supports organizations as they learn how to respect Indigenous rights and relationships. This partnership ensures the training stays practical, thoughtful, and grounded in real experiences.
The initiative also connects directly to Call to Action #92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. That call urges businesses to consult with Indigenous peoples, build respectful relationships, and seek consent before starting economic projects. It also stresses fair access to jobs, training, and education for Indigenous peoples in the corporate world.
Why This Matters Now
Many tourism businesses operate on lands with deep Indigenous history. This program helps companies recognize that history and understand their responsibilities. By learning directly through this training, businesses can avoid mistakes and build trust instead.
Industry leaders believe this effort can help shape a tourism sector that reflects respect, fairness, and shared growth. The program does not promise quick fixes. Instead, it encourages steady learning and long-term commitment.
As demand grows for authentic and respectful travel experiences, this training arrives at a key moment. It gives tourism businesses tools to move from intention to action and supports a more inclusive future for Canadian tourism.
