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INDIGENOUS TOURISM SKODE PROGRAM
In Anishinaabemowin, Skode means fire! We invite you to apply and share the fire within your heart. Skode is pronounced: Shkoh-deh.
Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and the Tourism Innovation Lab have partnered to offer a third round of the Indigenous Tourism Skode Program in Ontario. The Skode (special edition “Spark”) Program matches selected applicants with a mentor and provides a $5,000 non-repayable financial contribution to advance their new tourism ideas to the next level of development. New for 2023 is a $20,000 grand prize to be awarded to one of the program winners. Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs, businesses, community groups and non-profits are encouraged to bring forward new tourism ideas and experiences that authentically represent, celebrate and promote Indigenous culture, heritage, language, cuisine and communities in Ontario. The Skode Program includes:
All program applicants will be invited to join our community of tourism innovators, partners and supporters for special networking events, one-on-one's, and development workshops. 2022 Skode Program WinnersWatch these videos to learn more about our Round 2 Skode Program winners:
Norm Dokis, Camp Petawachuan (2022 Skode Program Winner) Kevin Lamarr, Mandi Montour & Sarah Yankoo, INDIGiMaps (2022 Skode Program Winners) Caley Patrick Doran, Take-A-Hike Trail Guide (2022 Skode Program Winner) APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 13, 2023
Register for an upcoming Info Session below. Skode Program Application GuideDefinitions
What Is A Tourism Idea? Experiences, products, services and partnerships that motivate travel to your region by people living more than 40km away, across the provincial border or internationally, and provide engagement, participation, purchasing and/or travel related opportunities while they are visiting. What Do We Mean By “New”? Tourism experiences, products and partnerships that are in ideation stage, have just been created, or have been offered publicly for 6 months or less. What Is Indigenous Tourism? Indigenous tourism features tourism businesses that are majority owned, operated and/or controlled by First Nations, Inuit or Métis peoples and which demonstrate a connection and responsibility to the local Indigenous community and traditional territory where the operation is based. What Is Indigenous Cultural Tourism? Indigenous cultural tourism meets the Indigenous tourism definition and in addition, a significant portion of the experience features a distinct Indigenous culture in a manner that is appropriate, respectful, and true. Authenticity lies in the active involvement of Indigenous people in the development and delivery of the experience. Although there are tourism businesses neither majority owned nor operated by Indigenous people that offer ‘Indigenous tourism experiences’, genuine Indigenous cultural tourism is always developed by Indigenous peoples, not about Indigenous peoples. Eligibility and Criteria Who Can Apply?
What Are We Looking For?
Skode Program ApplicationHow to Apply?
There are 3 steps to applying to the Skode Program: STEP 1. Written application (1000 word maximum) STEP 2. Short video (1 minute maximum) STEP 3. Email both to submit your application STEP 1. Written Application The application will ask you the following questions. Please submit your answers using the application form below up to a maximum of 1000 words. Complete either the Northern Ontario application form or Southern Ontario application form, depending on where you are based. 1. Contact information (name, phone number, email, business/organization name, website) 2. Tell us about yourself, your business or organization. 3. What’s your new Indigenous tourism idea? 4. How is your idea innovative or unique? 5. What stage are you at with your idea? 6. Who are your target market(s) and/or partner(s)? 7. How would you utilize the mentorship and funds if selected? 8. What are your hoped for outcomes and impacts? STEP 2. Short Video
In addition to the written application, please include a file or link to a 1 minute maximum unedited, unproduced video introducing yourself, your small business, non-profit organization or community group. For example, use your smart phone to take the video, and then upload it to a file sharing service (eg. Dropbox, Google, WeTransfer) or a publicly accessible video sharing website such as YouTube (if you don’t want other people to find it, mark it as unlisted) and include the file or link in your email with your application document. STEP 3. Submit Your Application Please email your application form and video to apply@tourisminnovation.ca by Monday, February 13, 2023 at 11:59pm and include "Skode-Northern Ontario" or "Skode-Southern Ontario" in the subject line. In your email, please indicate the Regional Tourism Organization (RTO) you or your business is located in. (If you are unsure, please refer to the Ontario tourism regions in this link or contact Jasmine Burji-Lara at jburji@indigenoustourismontario.ca for assistance.) IMPORTANT: Both the 1000 word maximum document and 1 minute maximum video are required for a complete application submission. Incomplete applications or applications that are above the maximum word/time limits will not be reviewed. Emails will be sent to confirm receipt of all applications within 24 hours. If you do not receive a confirmation email, send another email or call 1-844-455-0325 (ext. 1) to make sure we received your application. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted or reviewed. Your Application and Personal Information By submitting an application you agree that all of the information contained in your application is complete and accurate. You also consent that the Tourism Innovation Lab and its partners may collect the personal information contained herein within the application review process and for future program related communications. Your application will be kept confidential during the review period. All review jury and judge panel decisions are final and cannot be appealed. NOTE: All selected applications will be assessed for alignment with ITO Indigenous authenticity practices and philosophies. Questions about applying to the Skode Program? Please contact us: Jasmine Burji-Lara, Director of Member Relations, ITO jburji@indigenoustourismontario.ca Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab info@tourisminnovation.ca Skode Program Info SessionsInterested in applying to the Indigenous Tourism Skode Program? Register for an upcoming info session (webinar) to learn more:
Thank you to our program supporters:
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Western Canada Home Base Tourism Innovation Lab c/o The Common 38016 Cleveland Ave, Squamish, BC V8B 0A1 info@tourisminnovation.ca 1-844-455-0325 x 2 (toll-free) We respectfully acknowledge that our home base in Squamish sits on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples: Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam First Nations. We will honour that by collaborating with Indigenous-led organizations and businesses to support the advancement of Indigenous tourism in the region and across Canada. |
Central Canada Home Base Tourism Innovation Lab c/o University of Windsor - EPICentre 2455 Wyandotte St W, Windsor, ON, Canada N9B 3B3 info@tourisminnovation.ca 1-844-455-0325 toll-free / 416-712-8819 We respectfully acknowledge that our home base at the University of Windsor sits on the traditional territory of the Three Fires Confederacy of First Nations, which is comprised of the Ojibwa, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi Peoples. We will honour that by collaborating with Indigenous-led organizations and businesses to support the advancement of Indigenous tourism in the region and across Canada. |