Leading the way in tourism
From food to fashion, Kahnawake was the star of the show at this year’s International Indigenous Tourism Conference.
“The amount of pride that I feel today and the amount of pride that everybody in this room feels for us is just unbelievable, and it’s overwhelming,” said Kimberly Cross, tourism development manager at Kahnawake Tourism.
Along with her team, Cross was involved in the planning of the 12th edition of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC)’s conference, coordinating events in Montreal and in Kahnawake for more than 1,000 attendees between February 25 and 27.
“There’s a lot of people from our community who were involved in this conference, our community is really included,” Cross said. “That makes me really happy, because we’re here in Montreal, in Tiohtià:ke, this is our territory. It’s important that our own people are making sure that we’re included and that we’re at the forefront.”
The three-day event took place at the Montreal Convention Centre, with additional events happening in Kahnawake and Kanesatake. Those activities included a beading workshop with Annie Marquis, a history lesson at the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language & Cultural Center (KOR), storytelling at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse, and ice fishing at the Kahnawake Marina with Kirby Joe Diabo, where groups were even lucky enough to catch a fish.
Attendees also got to sample a maple breakfast at Two 0 Seven Steakhouse, experience maple tapping at Sweet Beaver’s Maple Syrup, shop at the Purple Dragonfly Trading Post and try aromatherapy at Lotus and Sage Holistics. The local bites continued with Berrylicious, Simple Pleasures, TLC Kahnawake, Screaming Chef Cuisine, and Messy Kitchen providing catering for all activities.
Cross said that the events went so well that it was a challenge to get guests back on the bus to return to Montreal for the conference’s evening activities.
“Everybody had such a good time, nobody wanted to leave,” she said. “I was hauling people back on the bus, and they were like ‘But we could spend the whole day here!’”
The first night of the conference also included a fashion show at the Convention Centre, courtesy of the Indigenous Fashion Collective, with music from the Kahnawake-based DJ Pøptrt.
She Holds The Sky Designs, run by local designer Karoniénhawe Diabo is a part of the collective, and she collaborated with MINI TIPI on two looks for the show, which were modelled by community members Josh Mayo and Dylen Delormier.
Other local talent also took to the runway, with Mariah Kirby modelling for Matsheshu Créations and Bastien Industries, and community members Joanne Iewisenhá:wi Jacobs and Karihwenhawi Kirby were amongst those behind the scenes, working on directing the show and doing makeup respectively.
Teresa Ryder, ITAC’s director of partnerships, said that it’s always surreal to see how many people from across Turtle Island come out for the event.
“I don’t think you’re ever quite ready until the door opens, so to be here, to feel our people, to see the pride is what really drives me,” Ryder said.
Cultural activities that took place in Kahnawake and Kanesatake were a key part of the conference’s success, Ryder said.
“It’s really important for us at this event that people get a true sense of the place that they’re in,” Ryder said. “Sending people out on cultural tours and bringing cultural tourism providers into the conference centre is so important for understanding that story, and we hope that people take those stories home with them.”
An Indigenous Marketplace was also set up within the Conference Centre, with artisans from across Turtle Island gathering to sell their wares.
Eve Cable The Eastern Door
Sign up for email updates from The Eastern Door
One vendor was Bambi Amos, a traditional artist from Inuvik in the Northwest Territories. Amos was selling a range of items crafted from seal skin, including mittens, bags, and cuddly owl-shaped stuffies.
“I really enjoy it. I’m happy to be here,” said Amos, who was at ITAC for her first time. “It’s amazing seeing so many communities represented.”
The conference culminated in a gala last night, with Inuk musician Elisapie headlining an awards ceremony for attendees. The location for next year’s conference was also announced at the ceremony – the tourism industry will be heading out to Treaty 6 territory and exploring Edmonton, Alberta.
