Carey Perkins, a Kanienʼkehá:ka entrepreneur from Akwesasne, was granted $25,000 in January 2025 for her business, Niio Perkins Designs, to cover studio space, insurance, and overhead expenses. However, more than a year later, she has not yet received the funds. Perkins, known for her distinctive raised beadwork jewelry, is one of many small business owners awaiting funding from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
Expressing her frustration, Perkins mentioned the financial strain caused by the delayed grant, leading to difficulties in maintaining her studio space. Due to the lack of funding, Perkins eventually had to vacate the studio in August 2025. ITAC, as per its 2023-24 annual report, focuses on promoting and enhancing authentic Indigenous tourism in Canada through various initiatives.
In early 2025, ITAC, under the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS), distributed approximately $3.3 million in federal funding to 136 Indigenous tourism businesses. Following concerns raised by grant recipients like Perkins, Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada assured that they are investigating the issue to ensure proper reimbursement to the rightful recipients.
Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC, acknowledged that some individuals are still awaiting payments from the MSBS program. He mentioned that while most projects have been settled, about 10% remain outstanding, with plans to clear all payments as revenue becomes available. Despite facing financial challenges, ITAC has been actively seeking solutions to meet its obligations and sustain future operations.
Perkins shared her disappointment with ITAC’s funding process, highlighting the pressure to spend the allocated funds before actually receiving them. This requirement impacted her business expansion plans and forced her to alter her approach from retail to creating unique art pieces, limiting her community engagement.
Similarly, Aïcha Smith-Belghaba, a Kanienʼkehá:ka and Algerian entrepreneur from Six Nations of the Grand River, faced similar challenges after being approved for a $25,000 MSBS grant in January 2025. The delay in funding affected her business operations and led to financial constraints, prompting her to scale back her business activities significantly.
Furthermore, Indigenous-owned businesses reported delayed payments post an ITAC-hosted tourism conference in Edmonton. Nathan Rainy Chief, executive director of 49 Dzine, emphasized the importance of timely payments for services rendered, especially to elders and knowledge keepers within the Indigenous community.
ITAC’s financial difficulties were further highlighted by Henry, who mentioned the anticipation of substantial funding from a U.K.-based charity, the Passion Project Foundation. Despite ongoing communication with the foundation’s founder, Deborah White, ITAC is yet to receive the committed funds, leading to organizational cutbacks and operational adjustments.
The challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs underscore the need for streamlined funding processes and consistent support for the growth of Indigenous tourism in Canada.