By CHAT News Today

Province donates $100,000 to support Aboriginal tourism

May 22, 2017 | 6:43 AM

EDMONTON – Aboriginal tourism across Alberta is getting a boost from the provincial government.

The province is providing a $100,000 grant to the Aboriginal Tourism Association of Canada (ATAC) to establish a provincial Indigenous tourism organization and grow tourism-related businesses.

“The Alberta government is proud to work in partnership with ATAC and to be the first provincial government to provide funding in support of this collaborative work,” said Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism, in a news release.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to help create jobs for Indigenous communities, help strengthen Alberta’s overall economy and give visitors a meaningful, cultural experience.”

ATAC will use the funds to help grow tourism businesses in First Nations and Métis communities in Alberta. The organization will build and deliver an Indigenous tourism entrepreneurship program, hold regional sessions targeting current and potential tourism entrepreneurs, support Indigenous tourism businesses and support ‘Alberta Day’ at the 2017 International Aboriginal Tourism Conference in Calgary November 5-7.

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ATAC will also create a new program to help Indigenous entrepreneurs, artists and storytellers who want to start a tourism business.