The future looks bright for Kieri Tourism Services in Fort Simpson thanks to a $25,000 investment from the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF).
“Things are looking a lot better,” said Gilbert Cazone, who owns the store with his wife, Mary Jane Cazone.
“We were very happy [when we learned about the funding],” he added.
The ITF was established by the Federal Government in 2022 with the aim to support Indigenous tourism operators across the country. K’iyeli Tourism Services received funding through the ITF’s Micro and Small Business stream.
The company has been in business since 2010 and offers a variety of services, from Dene cultural experiences to Northern Lights viewing and culinary programs, and the funding it receives from the ITF will help it further expand its already extensive list of services.
“This will help us expand our services,” Cazon said. “There aren’t a lot of businesses in our area, so we have to be versatile.”
“This latest funding will help us continue and expand our services.”
Cazon believes Dehcho has great tourism potential, but argues that “it’s an area that hasn’t been adequately marketed yet.”
In his opinion, one of the area’s greatest attractions is its rich Dene culture.
“We want to bring people to the area and share our knowledge with those who visit,” he said.
The natural beauty of the place is also an attraction, he added.
“This region has mountains, glaciers, rivers, lots of untouched land and lots of wildlife.
“Our area has some World Heritage sites like Nahanni National Park. We’re like a gateway to different parts of the region.”
Perhaps the most amazing thing about Decho, Cazon said, is the transformative effect it has on visitors.
“Deh Cho is a beautiful area,” he said. “There’s a lot of scenery, a lot of wildlife, a lot of time to be alone. You get out of the physical paradigm and into a spiritual paradigm. When you come to Deh Cho, there aren’t a lot of overpopulated areas, so you have time to yourself, you have time to learn what you need to know, what is valuable to you.”
“Coming to Decho leaves you humbled. You come away a better person after your visit.”
The ITF funding for Kieri Tourism Services was announced by Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, who said “Indigenous tourism has the power to create opportunity, transform Canada’s tourism industry and promote reconciliation.”
“Through this Indigenous-led process, we are supporting communities to make their own decisions and develop tourism at their own pace,” the MP added. “I’m excited to see what change this funding will make for Fort Simpson.”
By Tom Taylor, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, NWT News/North
