Indigenous Tourism operators will be able to apply for a $5-million-dollar pool of money, set aside as COVID-19 relief funds.

Tourism Minister Melanie Mark points out people are being asked not to travel, and this money will help businesses bridge the gap until leisure tourism returns.

“Especially as a Nisga’a person, I hope you have a chance to drive 22 hours to our village. Or visit places like Haida Gwaii, where my daughter’s from. And places like Gitxsan territory. This is what we’re talking about when we think Indigenous tourism.”

Mark says details are still being worked out about how much money each business will be able to receive once they apply, saying the government will be working with Indigenous Tourism CEO Brenda Baptiste on the application process.

“Our government believes strongly in working in partnership with the industry, and to understand the unique needs that Indigenous operators face. These are small business operators that are inviting communities to come to their traditional territory,” she says.

“I would also emphasize, as an Indigenous person who formerly had a Status Card who now has a Nisga’ citizenship card, that Indigenous people face different barriers because of who we are in this country. And where we land, where our traditional territories are, we want to make sure we open the door for Indigenous Tourism operators.”

Meanwhile, through a different pot of money, tourism businesses can apply for part of$100 million in grant funding from the provincial government, with each business being able to access up to $45,000 in relief funds. That money is part of the $300-million-dollar recovery grant program for small and medium businesses in B.C., which is aimed to help businesses with between two and 149 staff.

(Photo: Facebook: Haida Gwaii Tourism)