Canadian Government Announces Funding to Boost Indigenous Tourism in Millbrook Nova Scotia

The Canadian government is taking steps to grow Indigenous tourism across the country, announcing new funding and support initiatives in Millbrook, Nova Scotia.

On March 17, 2026, Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, will join Alana Hirtle, MP for Cumberland–Colchester, to spotlight Budget 2025 investments dedicated to Indigenous tourism development.

The event also features Shannin Metatawabin, CEO of the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, Indigenous organizations, and entrepreneurs in fostering sustainable tourism ventures.

Boosting Indigenous Tourism Through Targeted Funding

The government will announce recipients of the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream, a program designed to support high-impact Indigenous tourism experiences.

This initiative aims to:

• Encourage authentic cultural tourism experiences

• Provide financial support to Indigenous entrepreneurs

• Promote small business growth in tourism-focused regions

By investing in Indigenous tourism, the government seeks to create opportunities for economic development while celebrating cultural heritage and history.

Strategic Location: Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre

Millbrook, Nova Scotia, was chosen for the announcement because of its significance to Indigenous culture and history.

The Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre serves as both a community hub and a destination for visitors seeking meaningful cultural experiences.

Hosting the announcement here underscores the government’s commitment to fostering tourism that connects people directly with Indigenous communities, traditions, and storytelling.

Impact and Consequences

The investment in Indigenous tourism is expected to have multiple benefits:

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• Economic Growth: Strengthening Indigenous-owned tourism businesses supports local employment and revenue generation.

• Cultural Preservation: Funding helps communities share traditions, arts, and heritage with visitors in meaningful ways.

• Community Empowerment: Entrepreneurial opportunities increase self-sufficiency and local decision-making power.

For the broader tourism sector, enhanced Indigenous experiences could attract more domestic and international visitors, supporting rural and regional tourism economies across Canada.

What’s Next?

Following the announcement, recipients of the fund will begin implementing their projects, which may include:

• Developing cultural tours, festivals, and events

• Creating Indigenous-led accommodations or guided experiences

• Marketing initiatives to reach wider audiences both nationally and internationally

The government will continue to monitor outcomes and may expand funding streams if programs prove successful, ensuring long-term growth for Indigenous tourism.

Summary

Canada’s latest initiative to support Indigenous tourism demonstrates a commitment to economic development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

The announcement in Millbrook, Nova Scotia, will reveal the latest recipients of targeted funding designed to promote authentic Indigenous tourism experiences.

This program reflects a strategic approach to integrating culture, entrepreneurship, and tourism in ways that benefit communities and visitors alike.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Canadian government invests in Indigenous tourism through Budget 2025 initiatives.

• Event held at Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre, Nova Scotia.

• Minister Rechie Valdez and MP Alana Hirtle highlight the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Signature Stream.

• Funding aims to support high-impact Indigenous tourism experiences and small businesses.

• Projects will promote cultural preservation, economic growth, and community empowerment.

• Enhanced Indigenous tourism experiences expected to attract domestic and international visitors.

• Long-term strategy may expand funding based on program success.