Restaurant Sagamité YQB S.E.N.C. (Quebec) is receiving federal funding to enable the franchise to expand its authentic Indigenous cuisine offerings to the Québec City airport.
Canadians looking to spend their travel dollars closer to home will soon have more Indigenous‑led tourism experiences to choose from following a federal government injection of $6 million in new funding to help expand cultural centres, wellness destinations, culinary experiences, and community‑run tourism sites across the country.
The announcement March 17 was made by Minister Rechie Valdez at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre. In an interview with Vacay.ca recently, Minister Valdez spoke about how there is growing interest among travellers in authentic, community‑rooted experiences.
It also underscores the message behind another pillar in the federal government’s agenda of investing in Indigenous tourism and making it a core reason to encourage Canadians to explore their own country. Minister Valdez
More Places for Canadians to Visit — and More Ways to Support Indigenous Economies
The funding comes through the Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES), a program designed to help Indigenous communities build or expand tourism destinations that can anchor regional travel. For Canadians, it means more options for meaningful, local travel — and more opportunities to support Indigenous businesses directly.
The six projects receiving funding include:
- Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (Nova Scotia): Support for construction of a major cultural destination sharing 13,000 years of Mi’kmaw history.
- Restaurant Sagamité (Quebec): Expansion of its Indigenous culinary offerings to the Québec City airport.
- Six Nations of the Grand River (Ontario): A new welcome centre to boost visitor capacity and highlight historic sites.
- Enoch Cree Nation (Alberta): Development of the River Cree Thermal Spa, a large‑scale wellness destination opening in 2028.
- Spo7ez Cultural Centre (British Columbia): Expansion to include a café, catering kitchen, and larger gift shop.
- Tla‑o‑qui‑aht Development Corporation (British Columbia): Resort upgrades including a new spa and additional camping units.
These projects are expected to draw more than 663,000 visitors and create 128 full‑time jobs — a direct boost to local economies and a clear signal that Indigenous tourism is becoming a major part of Canada’s travel landscape.
A Sector Canadians Are Already Choosing
Indigenous tourism has been one of the strongest performers in Canada’s visitor economy. In 2023, the sector generated $3.7 billion in revenue and supported nearly 35,000 jobs, according to the Conference Board of Canada. Women lead a significant portion of the industry, owning 36% of Indigenous tourism businesses.
For international visitors to Canada, the appeal is finding authentic experiences, strong cultural storytelling, and the chance to support communities directly. For many Canadians, choosing Indigenous tourism has become a way to travel responsibly — and keep their spending within the country.
Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), at the announcement iat the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre on the Millbrook First Nation, in Mi’kma’ki.
Minister Valdez said the new investment is about meeting that demand while supporting economic reconciliation.
“Indigenous Peoples are the original storytellers of this land,” she said. “Through investments like SITES, we are creating jobs, growing local economies, and helping Indigenous communities share their stories with Canada and the world.”
A Boost for Local Travel
Cumberland–Colchester MP Alana Hirtle, who spent decades in Nova Scotia’s tourism industry, said the Mi’kmawey Debert project will be a major draw for Canadians looking for meaningful travel experiences.
“Destinations like this drive the entire tourism ecosystem,” she said. “They create jobs, strengthen local economies, and give more people the opportunity to learn about Mi’kmaw history and culture.”
NACCA CEO Shannin Metatawabin added that the new funding builds on the success of the first round of SITES investments.
“We’re building pathways toward shared prosperity,” he said.
