Aboriginal Tourism Ontario (ATO) announced it will be rebranded as Indigenous Tourism Ontario, while simultaneously revealing its inaugural board of directors.
Board directors include Patrick Madahbee, Carol Caputo, Clio Straram, Shannin Metatawabin, Tim West, Gerry Weber and Kevin Rose.
The board’s immediate priority is to work toward implementing Aboriginal Tourism Ontario’s 2020 plan, whose goals include developing operational sustainability and brand integrity; building capacity and increasing economic opportunities; marketing and branding authentic products and services; and providing support for communities and entrepreneurs.
“As the original tour guides of this land, Indigenous people are ideal candidates to be involved in this industry and the work of ATO will benefit not only Indigenous groups but also all Ontarians and Canadians,” said Madahbee, grand council chief for the Union of Ontario Indians, in a release. “It’s a win-win-win.”
ATO is the provincial body representing Indigenous tourism, with a goal of “responsibly developing, marketing and growing Ontario’s Indigenous tourism industry with values and integrity.”
