After obtaining approval in January 2025 for a $25,000 grant to support her business expenses, Carey Perkins, a Kanienʼkehá:ka from Akwesasne and the owner of Niio Perkins Designs renowned for her raised beadwork jewelry, has yet to receive the promised funding. She is one of many small business owners who have been left in limbo after expecting financial assistance from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
Perkins expressed her frustration, noting the adverse impact on her business operations, particularly in maintaining her studio space and meeting financial obligations. Due to the delays in funding, she was forced to vacate her studio in August 2025.
ITAC, as outlined in its 2023-24 annual report, focuses on bolstering authentic Indigenous tourism in Canada through various initiatives such as development, marketing, leadership, and partnerships. In early 2025, ITAC, administering the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS), allocated approximately $3.3 million in federal funding to 136 Indigenous tourism enterprises.
In response to the delayed disbursement of funds, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has acknowledged the concerns raised and pledged to investigate the matter further to ensure that all rightful recipients receive their due payments.
Keith Henry, ITAC’s President and CEO, acknowledged the outstanding payments from the MSBS program, indicating that while 90% of the approved projects have been settled, around 10% remain pending. He affirmed the commitment to fulfilling all outstanding payments as revenues become available.
Henry highlighted ITAC’s efforts in approving and supporting numerous development projects, including those funded through MSBS, in the period between 2023 and 2026. Despite facing financial challenges, ITAC remains dedicated to addressing current financial obligations and ensuring a stable financial future.
Challenges Faced
Perkins shared her challenges with ITAC, expressing disappointment in the process that required her to spend the allocated funds before receiving them, impacting her business growth and community outreach initiatives.
Similarly, Aïcha Smith-Belghaba, a Kanienʼkehá:ka and Algerian entrepreneur from Six Nations of the Grand River, faced similar setbacks after being approved for a $25,000 MSBS grant in January 2025. The delay in funding disrupted her plans for business expansion and forced her to seek alternative financial sources to cover operational costs.
Furthermore, issues regarding late payments arose following an Indigenous tourism conference organized by ITAC in Edmonton, affecting businesses like 49 Dzine, led by Nathan Rainy Chief from the Blood Tribe in southern Alberta. Despite submitting invoices and receiving assurances of payment, delays persisted, impacting not only business operations but also the livelihoods of elders and knowledge keepers within the Indigenous community.
Financial Struggles and Future Prospects
Henry acknowledged the financial challenges faced by ITAC, including delayed payments and constrained cash flow. Despite expectations of significant funding from the Passion Project Foundation in May 2025, the delay in receiving the pledged funds has led to operational cutbacks and staff layoffs within ITAC.
As ITAC awaits the promised funding, the organization remains focused on advocating for Indigenous tourism support and addressing the financial uncertainties that have impacted businesses and communities relying on their assistance.