Indigenous Tourism Excellence Award
Award Overview
The Indigenous Tourism Excellence Award recognizes an Indigenous-owned or Indigenous-operated tourism business, organization, or individual in New Brunswick that demonstrates outstanding leadership, cultural authenticity, and excellence in delivering meaningful visitor experiences while advancing Indigenous tourism.
This award celebrates those who share Indigenous cultures, traditions, histories, and perspectives in ways that are respectful, authentic, and impactful. It recognizes individuals and organizations that foster cultural understanding, strengthen community connections, create memorable visitor experiences, and contribute to the growth and recognition of Indigenous tourism throughout New Brunswick in the last 12 months.
Past Winners
2025 Metepenagiag Heritage Park
2024 Jenna’s Nut-Free Dessertery
2023 Elsipogtog Mi’kmaq Cultural Center
2022 Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours & Events
Eligibility Criteria:
Nominees must demonstrate excellence in the following areas:
- Cultural Authenticity and Preservation – Showcases Indigenous culture, heritage, traditions, language, storytelling, or knowledge in a respectful and authentic manner while supporting cultural preservation and revitalization.
- Service Excellence and Visitor Experience – Delivers exceptional visitor experiences that foster understanding, appreciation, and meaningful engagement with Indigenous cultures and communities.
- Leadership in Indigenous Tourism – Demonstrates leadership, vision, and commitment to advancing Indigenous tourism within New Brunswick and inspiring growth within the sector.
- Innovation and Product Development – Develops innovative tourism experiences, products, programs, or services that enhance visitor engagement while reflecting Indigenous values and perspectives.
- Community Engagement and Impact – Actively contributes to the well-being of Indigenous communities through partnerships, collaboration, employment opportunities, mentorship, or community development initiatives.
- Contribution to Tourism Growth and Awareness – Promotes Indigenous tourism experiences and contributes to increasing awareness, visitation, and appreciation of Indigenous cultures within New Brunswick's tourism industry.
To recognize and celebrate a broader range of individuals, businesses, and organizations within the community, the same recipient may not win the same award category in two consecutive years. This policy is intended to promote greater diversity among award recipients while continuing to recognize excellence, leadership, and meaningful contributions throughout the community.
Judging Considerations:
Nominees will be evaluated based on:
- Demonstrated authenticity and integrity in presenting Indigenous culture, heritage, and traditions.
- Excellence in visitor service and the delivery of meaningful, memorable experiences.
- Leadership and contributions to the advancement of Indigenous tourism.
- Innovation in tourism experiences, programming, products, or services.
- Positive impact on Indigenous communities and meaningful community engagement.
- Contributions to cultural preservation, awareness, and education.
- Success in enhancing the visibility, growth, and recognition of Indigenous tourism in New Brunswick.
Ideal Recipients:
Indigenous-owned or Indigenous-operated tourism businesses, attractions, accommodations, tour operators, cultural centres, artisans, experience providers, community organizations, and individuals who demonstrate excellence in cultural authenticity, visitor experience, community impact, and leadership in Indigenous tourism.
Nomination Requirements:
Each nomination package must include:
- A completed nomination form.
- A written summary (max 750 words) describing the business and how they meet the criteria for this award.
- Supporting documents (e.g., analytics reports, visuals, links to campaigns, testimonials).
- Optional: 1–2 letters of support from industry partners or clients.
