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 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 were encouraged to bring forward new tourism ideas and experiences that authentically represent, celebrate and promote Indigenous culture, heritage, language, cuisine and communities in Ontario. 

2021 Indigenous Tourism Skode Program Winners:

Minogiizhgad, Nwewnan Sasaang
TOURISM IDEA: Nwewnan Sasaang Boat Tours
Mentor: Dené Sinclair (Strategic Planner & Indigenous Business Development Manager)
> Watch Video

Steve Simpson Jr, Simpers Fishing Charters & Guided Hunts
TOURISM IDEA: Year Round Hands-On Experiential Indigenous Programming
Mentor: Luke Wassegijig (Indigenous Tourism Manager and Business Owner)
> Watch Video

Amanda Cora & Brad Robinson, Thrive Tours 
TOURISM IDEA: Northern Ontario Indigenous Cultural Experiences & Tours
Mentor: Kirstine Baccar (Indigenous Business Development Manager)
> Watch Video

Each will receive $5000, mentorship, and additional ITO and partner support to help them take their tourism initiatives and businesses to the next level. 

Virtual Pitch Session June 2021
(held in collaboration with the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival)

Stay tuned to our social media channels for updates on their progress.

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 Tourism Innovation Lab

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​- 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.