Jan 23, 2026

Wanuskewin Heritage Park Named Finalist for Two National Indigenous Tourism Awards

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | January 2026

Wanuskewin Heritage Park has been named a finalist in two categories at the 2026 Indigenous Tourism Awards, alongside the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). The finalists were announced Wednesday January 21, with the awards set to be presented on Thursday, February 19, 2026, during the International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Edmonton.

The Indigenous Tourism Awards celebrate excellence in Indigenous tourism from across Canada, recognizing outstanding businesses, leadership, sustainability, and innovation within the industry. This year, more than 65 nominations were received from coast to coast to coast, reflecting the continued growth and importance of Indigenous tourism experiences nationwide.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park has been recognized as a finalist for the Indigenous Destination Development Award, which honours thriving communities that demonstrate inspirational leadership in tourism development. The award recognizes destinations that create meaningful economic development while advancing social and cultural wellbeing, and fostering opportunities for Indigenous entrepreneurship.

Also recognized is Breanna Tait of Wanuskewin Heritage Park, who has been named a finalist for the Outstanding Staff Person Award. This national award recognizes an outstanding Indigenous tourism employee who demonstrates excellence through dedication, professionalism, and pride in preserving and sharing their culture in ways that enhance visitor experience.

The Indigenous Tourism Awards are presented on the final evening of the International Indigenous Tourism Conference and shine a spotlight on the flourishing Indigenous tourism industry in Canada. Each year, all nominees must be majority Indigenous owned or controlled and provide tourism experiences or tourism related services rooted in authenticity and respect for Indigenous cultures.

Finalists for the Outstanding Staff Person Award include:
• Thomas Wamiss, Coastal Rainforest Safaris (British Columbia)
• Breanna Tait, Wanuskewin Heritage Park (Saskatchewan)
• Amber Good, Bernadette’s / Pei Pei Chei Ow (Alberta)

Finalists for the Indigenous Destination Development Award include:
• Wanuskewin Heritage Park (Saskatchewan)
• Minwashin (Quebec)
• Enoch Tourism (Alberta)

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a National Historic Site of Canada and a place of gathering for Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples for more than 6,400 years. Located on Treaty Six Territory and the Homeland of the Métis, Wanuskewin continues to share living Indigenous cultures through land based learning, cultural programming, conservation initiatives, and authentic visitor experiences.

The 2026 Indigenous Tourism Awards will be presented on February 19, 2026, bringing together Indigenous tourism leaders from across the country to celebrate excellence, innovation, and community impact.