Shipeku - Sustainable tourism - Indigenous Tourism Quebec

PRESS RELEASE

SHIPEKU: AN INNOVATIVE MIX OF SUSTAINABLE AND INDIGENOUS TOURISM

Indigenous Tourism Quebec is proudly launching Shipeku: toward sustainable tourism by partnering with a panel of ten experts—mainly in sustainable tourism and sociology—to offer a world-class approach for the transition towards sustainability, which skilfully combines scientific and Indigenous traditional knowledge.

Over the next 18 months, around fifteen leading Indigenous tourism enterprises from Quebec’s 11 Nations, will be invited to complete a 7-step journey based on the work of Tourisme Durable Québec. In addition to the approach’s recognized scientific thoroughness, several elements of the Indigenous cultural heritage will be highlighted to ensure that it takes into account First Nations and Inuit values for “sustainability that spans millennia”.

“Shipeku, which means green in Innu-aimun, is a project directly addressing the needs of Indigenous entrepreneurs in accelerating the transition of their tourism experience towards sustainable innovation models. The approach will prepare this batch of entrepreneurs at better adapting tourism enterprises to climate change, while contributing to pollution reduction and biodiversity regeneration. The upgrade will enhance visitor experience, make it inspiring and convey a strong image of authenticity and deep-rooted values that are ancestral and current,” explained Dave Laveau, ITQ Executive Director.

“Our traditional ways of life on the territory, respectful of fauna and flora, can serve as an inspiration for responsible and sustainable tourism management. Using this approach, we wish to improve the best practices in sustainability. It is with honor and a sense of purpose that I’m joining the expert panel to ensure that the approach aligns with Indigenous values, cultures and foundations,” added Karine Awashish, Atikamekw, doctoral student in sociology and member of the Shipeku expert panel.

Besides supporting tourism enterprises, Shipeku will also optimize the sustainability of ITQ itself and foster internal skills in providing sustainable support for Indigenous enterprises.

This sustainable development initiative is made possible thanks to the participation of Canada Economic Development through the Tourism Relief Fund and Tourisme Québec.