INDIGENOUS TOURISM SKODE* PROGRAM
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Mentorships & Financial Support

*In Anishinaabemowin, Skode means fire! We invite you to apply and share the fire within your heart. Skode is pronounced: Shkoh-deh.

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Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab have partnered to launch 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 contribution to help take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development. 

​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:

• Call out for applications from April 27-May 28, 2021
• Application reviews by a jury of Indigenous tourism leaders, entrepreneurs and partner representatives​
• Finalists' Pitch Session - June 17, 2021 at 4:00-6:30pm (being held in collaboration with the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival)
• Selection of 3 Skode Program winners 

Winners will receive:

• $5,000 non-repayable financial contribution to support their Indigenous tourism idea development activities
• 3 month mentorship with a tourism innovator, experienced operator, industry leader and/or sector expert
• Additional support and resources provided by ITO and program partners
• Access to a support network of tourism innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders​

​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.
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Application Deadline: May 28, 2021

Skode Program Application Guide

Definitions
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.

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.

Who Can Apply?

• Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs, businesses, community groups and non-profits based in Ontario are eligible to apply
• Eligible businesses and organizations are 51%+ Indigenous-owned, operated and controlled 
• Applicants must be ITO members or enroll before submitting their Skode Program application (ITO membership is complimentary)
  
  

What Are We Looking For?

• New Indigenous tourism ideas that address one or more of the following:
  • Enhances current tourism offerings
  • Creates new, high quality tourism experiences
  • Addresses gaps in tourism products and services
  • Motivates travel, longer stays and repeat visits
  • Increases year-round visitation and tourism spending

While there are no categories, we are especially interested in new Indigenous tourism ideas that connect with and demonstrate:

• Core principles of Indigenous tourism:
  • Community
    • The business supports and empowers the Indigenous nation and community in the traditional territory where the operation resides.
  • Cultural Authenticity
    • The tour operator remains true to the culture of the local Indigenous community. The experiences offered represent the community. The business is a platform to bring back traditions, language and culture. The experience engages the visitor. The experience engages Elders. The business embraces experiential and transformative tourism models. *Teaching of truth
  • Leadership
    • The business inspires community members and engages youth to create the next generation of leaders.
  • Sustainability
    • The business protects the environment and resources that sustain their product. The business is focused on the long-term impacts; economically, socially, culturally and environmentally. The business works to leave the place better than it was found. The business invokes positive behavioral changes.
  • Partnership and Collaboration
    • There are partnerships within the operation that provide support in entrepreneurial activities (one example is thematic routes & tour packages). The community has ownership and decision-making power.

• Indigenous Food Tourism Standards and Best Practices (if applicable)
• As well as tourism ideas that connect with technology, incorporate sustainability principles, and build future resilience. 

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. 

Application Deadline: May 28, 2021

Skode Program Application

How to Apply?
Submit a 1,000 word maximum document with responses to each of the following 8 questions:

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 financial support if selected?
8. What are your hoped for outcomes and impacts?
Copy and paste these questions into a word document and provide a response for each, keeping the full application document to 1,000 words or less. 

In addition to the application document, please include a file or link to a 1 minute maximum unedited, unproduced video introducing yourself, your business, and your new tourism idea. For example, use your smart phone to take the video, and then upload it to a file sharing service (eg. Dropbox, Google Docs) 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.

IMPORTANT: Both the 1,000 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. 

Application Submission
​Please submit your application to info@tourisminnovation.ca by May 28, 2021 at 11:59PM and include "Skode" in the subject line. Emails will be sent within 24 hours to confirm receipt of all applications. If you do not receive a confirmation email, send another email or call 1-844-455-0325 toll-free / 416-712-8819 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 Indigenous Tourism Ontario, the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab, and 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.
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NOTE: All selected applications will be assessed for alignment with ITO Indigenous authenticity practices and philosophies.
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Questions about applying to the Skode Program? Please contact:
Jasmine Burji, Director of Member Relations, ITO jburji@indigenoustourismontario.ca 
Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Ontario Tourism Innnovation Lab info@tourisminnovation.ca

Skode Program Info Sessions

Missed one of our Skode Program Info Sessions? Watch a recording below:

*In Anishinaabemowin, Skode means fire! We invite you to apply and share the fire within your heart. Skode is pronounced: Shkoh-deh.

Learn more about Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO)​
Learn more about the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab

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​- Home Base - 
Ontario 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