Millbrook First Nation and the Kinu Tourism Project at Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) are proud to announce a new partnership aimed at improving access to culturally-informed Indigenous tourism education. The initiative is supported by funding from Indigenous Services Canada's Post-Secondary Partnership Program.
The partnership was officially launched today (Oct 3) during an Indigenous Tourism Education and Entrepreneurship Conference at MSVU in Kjipuktuk (Halifax). This collaboration will create pathways for Indigenous students to access post-secondary tourism programs, strengthen cultural tourism offerings in Mi'kma'ki, and foster entrepreneurship opportunities for Indigenous communities.
According to the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, the Indigenous tourism sector is growing, with interest in Indigenous tourism increasing significantly among travelers in Turtle Island (Canada) in recent years.
Chief Bob Gloade of Millbrook First Nation
"Millbrook First Nation is committed to empowering our people through education and economic development opportunities," said Chief Bob Gloade of Millbrook First Nation. "This partnership will provide our community and others in Mi'kma'ki with opportunities to build capacity in the growing Indigenous tourism sector while sharing our stories with the world."
The Kinu Tourism Project focuses on building Indigenous cohorts in tourism education, increasing representation in the field, and advancing sustainable, community-led tourism development.
"This partnership represents a significant step toward reconciliation through education," said Dr. Joël Dickinson, President and Vice-Chancellor at MSVU. "By working with Millbrook First Nation, we can ensure that Indigenous voices and knowledge are centered in tourism education, helping shape a future where cultural tourism is led by Indigenous Peoples themselves."
About Millbrook First Nation
Brett Bernard, a current student in Kinu Tourism at MSVU.
Millbrook First Nation is a Mi'kmaw community located in the heart of Mi'kma'ki in Millbrook, Nova Scotia. Recognized as a leader in business and economic development, Millbrook First Nation is committed to cultural revitalization, education, and innovation.
About the Kinu Tourism Project
The Kinu Tourism Project was developed by Indigenous community leaders and representatives from MSVU's Tourism and Hospitality Management Program to increase Indigenous access to post-secondary tourism education via an Indigenous student cohort (believed to be the first of its kind in the country) and support the growth of the Indigenous tourism sector in Mi'kma'ki. The project also aims to preserve Mi'kmaw culture, history, and traditions, as well as integrate Indigenous knowledge into MSVU's Tourism and Hospitality Management curriculum for all students.
