WHAT'S YOUR NEW TOURISM IDEA?
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INDIGENOUS TOURISM SKODE PROGRAM

(ROUND 2)
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Mentorships & Financial Support

Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and the Tourism Innovation Lab partnered to co-develop and deliver the 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 Indigenous 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. 


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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2022 Skode Program Winners

Norm Dokis, Camp Petawachuan
TOURISM IDEA: Guided Mountain Bike, Canoe, Hiking Tours with Indigenous Cultural and Culinary Experiences
Mentor: Jacqui Jamieson, Manager of Tourism and Community Development, 
Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation

Kevin Lamarr, Mandi Montour & Sarah Yankoo
TOURISM IDEA: 
INDIGiMaps
Mentor: 
Ali Al-Aasm, Co-Founder, Red Piston

Caley Patrick Doran
TOURISM IDEA:
Take-A-Hike Trail Guide
Mentor: Keetah McBeath, Associate Vice President, Indigenous Banking, TD Bank Group


Each will receive $5000, mentorship, and additional ITO and partner support to advance their Indigenous tourism initiatives and businesses to the next level of development. 
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Virtual Pitch Session March 2022

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

2021 Skode Program Winners

Watch these videos to learn more about our Round 1 Skode Program winners:

Minogiizhgad, Nwewnan Sasaang

Steve Simpson Jr, Simpers Fishing Charters & Guided Hunts

​Amanda Cora & Brad Robinson, Thrive Tours 
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​Thank you to our program supporters:
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    To join our Tourism Innovation "Spark" Community, please enter your contact information below to receive program updates from the Tourism Innovation Lab by email:

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Learn more about Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO)​
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The Tourism Innovation Lab is a program of Hackforge
Copyright @ 2025 Hackforge

Home Base 
Tourism Innovation Lab
c/o Hackforge
300 Ouellette Ave, Suite 210, Windsor, ON N9A 7B4
​​​[email protected]

We respectfully acknowledge that our home base in Windsor Essex 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 this by collaborating with Indigenous-led organizations and businesses to support the advancement of Indigenous tourism in those regions and across Canada.​
  • British Columbia
  • Ontario
  • Join Us!