ATO kicks off by supporting Aboriginal communities and businesses first!
Manitoulin, Ontario, Monday, June 15, 2015 — Aboriginal Tourism Ontario (ATO) is kicking off by engaging and supporting Aboriginal communities and businesses first, before tackling many of the tasks required to build an Aboriginal tourism organization in Ontario. ATO is a grassroots tourism initiative that aims to collaboratively plan and support the growth and future of Aboriginal tourism in Ontario. Great Spirit Circle Trail (GSCT) has spearheaded the ATO initiatives to date and has now undertaken a provincial wide stakeholder consultation and support process that ignites a collaborative effort in growing Aboriginal tourism across our province.
“We are respectfully engaging our Aboriginal partners, communities, businesses, and champions to be part of this critical step in mobilizing Aboriginal Tourism Ontario”. Says CEO Kevin Eshkawkogan of Great Spirit Circle Trail (GSCT) who is managing the inception of Aboriginal Tourism Ontario. “It’s good to see things finally moving forward since launching ATO in 2014” - The first formal strategy sessions took place in 2008 at the GSCT conference in Sault Ste. Marie. “It was a long way to go,” said Mr. Eshkawkogan. “It has been in the works for a long time. It is really just starting to come together.” – Mr. Eshkawkogan said the ATO needs four steps to succeed. “The most important step is to engage and support our Aboriginal businesses and communities in Ontario. Another was the support of COO (Chiefs Of Ontario), which passed a motion of support 2013. The third and fourth steps are coming together, That is the provincial and federal governments providing financial and political support.” he said.
The Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport are supporting ATO by funding some of the initiatives that will help kick off the ATO organization. Mr. Eshkawkogan said “this is an important step in helping us plan and support the needs and priorities of our stakeholders over the next several months. “The results are critical in laying down the foundation for a successful aboriginal tourism organization in Ontario.”
“Our partners have been receptive and helpful to spreading the word. What ATO needs over the next few months is our Aboriginal tourism industry and communities to help us with our current initiatives: this includes completing a survey, attending sponsored webinars and regional workshops. We can only do this together!” Says Mr. Eshkawkogan.
The following links can be shared on social media:
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Ensure your voice is heard by participating in our online survey –https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AboriginalTourismOntarioStrategy
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Keep the conversation going and join us on our Facebook Page -https://www.facebook.com/myaboriginaltourismontario
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Voice your opinion on twitter using #myATO - https://twitter.com/ontario_ato
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Attend our regional workshops and one-on-one coaching sessions in Thunder Bay, Manitoulin Island, Casino Rama, and Toronto! Register by filling out the registration form or contact https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ATORegionalWorkshop
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Join our webinar series – Register by filling out the attached registration form or contact https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ATOWebinar
ATO wants to work together with industry, communities and partners to build a sustainable entity that will support and increases Aboriginal tourism in Ontario.