WIIKWEMKOONG—Luke Wassegijig and Wiikwemkoong Tourism were given two at the Indigenous Tourism Canada conference in Winnipeg last week.
“We could not be more thrilled or honoured to receive the Exceptional Leader and Original Original Star Award this evening at the 2023 International Indigenous Tourism Conference,” stated Mr. Wassegijig last Thursday evening.
“The Original Original Award for Exceptional Industry Leadership recognizes a business or organization leading the way through the demonstration of excellence in all aspects of its business, such as marketing campaigns, Trip Advisor reviews, revenues generated, low staff turnover and repeat customers,” explained Mr. Wassegijig.
“We have to thank our parent organization, Enaadmaagehjik, for allowing us to take risks and supporting us through this journey,” continued Mr. Wassegijig. “We would also like to thank the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory leadership, both past and present, for believing in our vision of economic prosperity. Lastly, we would like to say chi miigwech to all our staff back home, Mitchell Manitowabi, Kiran Dowdall and Henry Lewis and to the team that has contributed over the last 15 years. From the trail guides who helped build our amazing trail systems, to the park guardians who have been stewards of the land and to our tour guides who have delivered signature Indigenous experience to visitors from around the world, chi miigwech.”
“This is the culmination of years of hard work, to be recognized as the best in Indigenous Tourism Canada is something Wiikwemkoong Tourism takes pride in. We did it,” stated Mr. Wassegijig.
“This has been an incredible conference so far, with inspiring speakers such as retired Senator Murray Sinclair and Indigenous tourism leaders from around the world. This is truly an honour,” said Mr. Wassegijig.
“Wiikwemkoong Tourism offers authentic Indigenous experiences that reflect the cultural lifestyles and traditions of the Anishinabek people of the Three Fires Confederacy-Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi. We welcome you into our rich history through our nature-based and culturally significant tourism experiences. Our local Anishinaabe cultural guides take you on meaningful journeys through time. You learn the legends of our people while exploring the lands and waters of Wiikwemkoong,” their website explains.
“You can embark on a guided hike on the Bebamikawe Memorial Trail with scenic lookouts across the Georgian Bay coastline and through ancient forests. Our stories and the tales we share as we hike together will engage your imagination. With an added culinary experience, you will forage for natural ingredients used in our selected choice of meals. These seasonal plants, combined with wild game, fish, birds and teas will refresh and replenish you after your journey. Traditional Anishinabek food is prepared in an outdoor kitchen, over an open fire at the newly constructed outdoor culinary space. You will enjoy hands-on pre-colonial cooking experiences led by our Anishinaabe chefs in authentic traditional ways.”
“You might paddle the night skies or discover what lies beneath the surface of the pristine waters of Georgian Bay. Travel through time in our unceded journey, a transformational tour of the true history of Manitoulin Island.”
