(February 28, 2025 – Montreal, Quebec) – National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak is encouraging Canadians to keep their tourism dollars in Canada by choosing First Nations destinations instead of travelling to the United States. Speaking at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference on the traditional and unceded territory of the Kanien’kehá:ka of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Huron/Wendat, Abenaki, and Anishinaabeg peoples, in Montreal, National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak also urged governments to ensure that First Nations enterprises and tourism initiatives are prioritized within “Buy Canada” strategies designed to protect and sustain the national economy.
“Every dollar spent on First Nations tourism strengthens our communities, creates jobs, and supports First Nations businesses,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Instead of spending money across the border, Canadians have an opportunity to travel in their own country, experience First Nations hospitality, and contribute directly to the economies of our Nations. This is how we build a stronger future together.”
Indigenous tourism in Canada continues to be a key driver of economic growth, generating an estimated $3.7 billion in revenue in 2023 and contributing $1.6 billion to the national GDP. The sector supports more than 30,000 jobs and provides over $700 million in total government revenue annually.
“Tourism is one of the ways our Nations are creating economic independence and opportunities for future generations,” added National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “It is also a way for people to experience our cultures firsthand, from our languages and traditions to the strength and resilience of our communities. They also support our businesses, workers, and communities in a meaningful way.”
“The federal government is asking Canadians to buy Canadian and avoid U.S. imports and we agree,” said National Chief Woodhouse Nepinak. “Now is the time to invest in our own businesses, our own communities, and in each other. Instead of traveling south, we invite people to visit our Nations, experience our lands, and learn from our people. Every visit, every dollar spent on First Nations tourism, helps build a stronger future for all Canadians.”
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The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization that works to advance the collective aspirations of First Nations individuals and communities across Canada on matters of national or international nature and concern.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Reid
Senior Communications Officer
Assembly of First Nations
(613) 292-0857
[email protected]