Carey Perkins, an entrepreneur from Akwesasne, who owns Niio Perkins Designs specializing in raised beadwork jewelry, was granted $25,000 in January 2025 to cover business expenses but has not yet received the funds, leaving her in a challenging situation. Perkins is one of the many small business owners awaiting financial support from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
The ITAC, dedicated to fostering and enhancing authentic Indigenous tourism in Canada, awarded around $3.3 million in federal funding through the Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS) of the Indigenous Tourism Fund to 136 Indigenous tourism businesses in early 2025. However, several recipients, including Perkins and Aïcha Smith-Belghaba, have not received the funds as promised.
Perkins expressed frustration over the delay in funding, causing her business operations to suffer. She was instructed to spend the funds before receiving them, leading to financial strain and eventual closure of her studio space. Smith-Belghaba, the owner of Esha’s Eats, planned to expand her catering business with the granted funds but faced setbacks due to the non-disbursement of funds.
Additionally, concerns were raised by Indigenous businesses following a tourism conference organized by ITAC in Edmonton, where late payments were reported. Nathan Rainy Chief, from Blood Tribe, highlighted the lack of payment for services provided during the conference, emphasizing the need for timely and respectful payment practices within the Indigenous tourism sector.
ITAC President and CEO, Keith Henry, acknowledged the outstanding payments and financial challenges faced by the organization, citing a significant reduction in federal funding over the years. Despite expecting substantial funding from a U.K.-based charity, ITAC has halted spending and reduced operations until the anticipated funds are received.
The delays in fund disbursement have adversely affected Indigenous entrepreneurs, impacting their businesses, mental health, and financial stability. The unresolved payment issues have raised concerns about the effectiveness of financial support programs aimed at empowering Indigenous businesses and promoting Indigenous tourism in Canada.
