Next to resource development, tourism is often seen as the way to a brighter future for native communities in the remote reaches of Ontario.
In some ways, though, tourism may be an even bigger catalyst for native economies, says Bill Rogoza, general manager of the Northern Ontario Native Tourism Association.
“Tourism obviously is economic development, that‘s the first thing. The second thing is it provides hope for the youth,” Rogoza stated Thursday. “It‘s not like a factory or a mine that runs dry. It lasts forever and it‘s passed on from generation to generation.”
The surge in native-related tourism opportunities has increased dramatically in the 16 years Rogoza has been at the helm of NONTA. In 1987, for example, there were just three native-run tourist operations.
“There wasn‘t a lot of attention paid to communities in the Far North,” Rogoza said.
Since the formation of NONTA in 1987, there are now myriad opportunities, ranging from polar bear expeditions along the shores of Hudson Bay to world-class trophy fishing on pristine lakes and rivers.
“There‘s great fishing and the people of the North have great land skills, so it‘s a natural fit,” Rogoza said. “There‘s a lot of hope, where in the past there wasn‘t a lot of hope.”
On Thursday, NONTA celebrated its 20th anniversary and officially opened its Thunder Bay headquarters at 430 Waterloo St., across the Da Vinci Centre parking lot.
Today, NONTA has a membership of about 60, including fly-in fishing camps and eco-tourism groups.
A not-for-profit corporation, NONTA‘s members span the northern portion of the province, from the Manitoba border to James Bay and south to the French River.
“Basically, we would help (our members), as far as getting funding and helping them get support for their dreams, develop the local economy and generate revenue for themselves and their family,” NONTA president Virginia McKenzie said.
She‘s involved in the tourism trade from her home on Bear Island, in the middle of Lake Temagami.
But native-oriented activity is not exclusive to remote locations. Fort William Historical Park general manager Sergio Buouncore noted the native component makes up a significant amount of the fort‘s attraction, including such events as the recent two-day Anishnawbe Keeshigun.
“Aboriginal tourism is a very important part of the tourism industry, and one of the areas that can really grow,” Buouncore said at Thursday‘s 20th anniversary celebration.
McKenzie noted that native tourism typically markets fly-in fishing charters to Americans, but they‘re also starting to promote in Europe.
“Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the world,” she stated.
Still, Rogoza added, it‘s a competitive industry and holiday-makers are faced with a variety of options. His group is promoting a product that isn‘t available anywhere else, such as the Eagle‘s Earth Cree and Ojibway Historical Centre at Constance Lake.
“That‘s our selling proposition,” he said. “It‘s unique, authentic. It‘s not Disneyland. We make sure it‘s an authentic representation of the people and the land.”
http://www.chroniclejournal.com/stories.php?id=64439
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Tourism association marks 20th year
Saturday, 15. September 2007
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