The Ontario government is spending $1 million to help Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and Science North develop a travelling exhibit to promote Indigenous culture and innovation across northern Ontario. It will support the tourism sector, creating eight new full-time jobs and retaining another 20 full-time positions says a news release.
“Before COVID-19, we had a vibrant tourism sector here in the north, so it is crucial that we look at ways to support our local Indigenous and northern attractions during this time of recovery and adjustment,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs.
The Indigenous Ingenuity exhibit, a collaboration between ITO and Science North, will highlight historical and modern aspects of Indigenous culture and innovation. Through interactive and educational displays, it will demonstrate the influence of traditional Indigenous knowledge and techniques on modern science.
“I invite everyone to take this opportunity to learn more about Indigenous peoples and how their contributions and achievements have shaped our province and country for the better,” said Rickford. “As we learn more about the diverse Indigenous cultures in Ontario and across Canada, we continue to strengthen our relationships with Indigenous peoples. Educational initiatives such as this are critical to advancing reconciliation.”
Following its run at Science North in Sudbury and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, a customized version of the exhibit will travel across northern Ontario, stopping in approximately 20 communities. At each tour location, the exhibit will provide a platform for local Indigenous tourism operators and businesses to promote themselves and create unique events and programming.
