Social Impact

Not only is The Forks the province’s most-visited tourism destination, it’s also one of its greenest. Best of all… it gets more environmentally savvy each year. Under its Target Zero initiative, The Forks continues to strive for zero carbon emissions and zero waste, ensuring four million annual visitors can enjoy a sustainable site where biofuels from deep fryers run a fleet of service vehicles, efficient on-site composting, geothermal heating and a ban on single-use plastics are all part of the experience. The Forks also reinvests the money it saves on energy toward “exciting stuff” that makes this spot such a huge draw in the first place.

By inviting and guiding guests to see Riding Mountain National Park as a place of deep cultural, spiritual and historical significance for Indigenous Peoples, Giiwe is dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices in tourism. This Indigenous-owned and -operated company by Aaron McKay uses creative content –– like the Echoes and Bridges video, along with guided tours with live storytelling –– to ensure tourism is reconciliation in action. By developing curated programming, events and storytelling assets that position Indigenous history and land knowledge as a keystone part of the visitor experience, Aaron McKay is making Clear Lake Country in Treaty 2 Territory not only a leader in Indigenous tourism, but a model on how Indigenous perspectives must be an essential feature in tourism initiatives.

As one of the main connectors for the North, Perimeter Aviation prides itself on being far more than just an airline. Each year the airline facilitates travel for more than 1,000 Indigenous youth and adults to attend the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ Truth and Reconciliation Game, while youth from northern communities can win a VIP, all-inclusive Jets weekend for academic, athletic and community achievements. On the tourism front, the airline constantly partners with northern fishing lodges and tourism operators to strengthen regional tourism and economic development. It also constantly works with Indigenous leadership and Indigenous organizations to address issues like food security, utilizing local partners like Manitoba Harvest.

Founded as a partnership between Long Plain First Nation, Dakota Plains Wahpeton Nation and the City of Portage la Prairie, the Prairie Unity Pow Wow demonstrated how meaningful collaboration between municipal government, Indigenous communities and local partners enhances Manitoba’s tourism offerings. Planning decisions reflected both municipal priorities and Indigenous leadership, while the three-day event itself, which took place in December to kick off winter, drew hundreds from the region. It was also the first pow wow to be held on city property. The event was livestreamed on PowWows.com, reaching 1.6 million viewers in 87 countries. With vendors, cultural learning opportunities, and plenty of camaraderie and good cheer, the Prairie Unity Pow Wow was a prime example of how Indigenous-led tourism is reconciliation in action.

By operating under high environmental and social standards, along with following an ALL IN Action Plan that guides diversity, equity, reconciliation, inclusion and accessibility, The Mint puts responsible tourism at the forefront. Its tours are accessibility conscious and the state-of-the-art building will be a carbon neutral circulation business by 2030. The Mint also focuses on reconciliation in action, with Truth and Reconciliation keepsake coins and celebrations of Indigenous artists. It also participates in the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business’s PAIR program, strengthening Indigenous employment.

“Built on the belief that food can be a force for social and environmental change,” Diversity Food Service’s Spruce Catering embodies responsible tourism from inception to dessert. With sustainable menus that always represent the region, along with guest services that value accommodating peoples of all ages, identities, abilities and cultures with "warmth and dignity,” this is the catering company that cares. Above all, it’s a great place to work, where valued staff makes for valued clients, ensuring Spruce’s focus on nature-based culinary tourism at locations like FortWhyte Alive is as inviting as possible.