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 fourth 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. A grand prize to be awarded to one of the program winners. Indigenous 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. 2023 Skode Program WinnersBe inspired! Watch these videos to learn more about our Round 3 Skode Program winners:
Sarah Sproule, Wayeshkad (2023 Grand Prize Winner) Mario Gionet, Walk Among The Trees Emma McLaren, Bridle Path Equestrian Centre Natasha Darling, Two Sisters SUP Tyler French, CELEBRATION: Event Facility & Museum APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 2, 2024
Register for an 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. For more information visit Indigenous Tourism Ontario's website. 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 ApplicationThere are 2 steps to applying to the Skode Program:
STEP 1. Complete the online application form STEP 2. Record and upload a short intro video (1 minute maximum) STEP 1. Online Application The online application form will ask you the following 10 questions. Please submit your answers using the link below. Select either Northern Ontario or Southern Ontario depending on where you are based. We recommend you draft your responses first in a Word document, and then copy and paste your final answers into the online form. 1a. Contact information. 1b. ITO membership confirmation. 2. Tell us about yourself, your business or organization. 3a. New tourism idea project title. 3b. Describe your new 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 does your idea advance sustainability efforts? 8. How does your idea support diversity, equity and inclusion? 9. How would you utilize the Skode mentorship and funds if selected? 10. What are your desired outcomes and impacts? STEP 2: Short Intro Video In addition to providing responses to the application form questions, please record and upload a file or link to a 1 minute maximum unedited, unproduced video introducing yourself, your business, non-profit organization or community group. 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: Lisa-Marie Lavallee, Project Administrator, ITO, lmlavallee@indigenoustourismontario.ca Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab, info@tourisminnovation.ca Skode Program Info SessionMissed an Info Session? What the video below to learn more about the Indigenous Tourism Skode Program and how to apply:
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