Featured Projects
Cree Nation of Mistissini – My Mistissini: 2034
My Mistissini 2034 defines best practices, concepts, key initiatives and action plans required to
provide guidance and set direction for tourism planning in the Cree Nation of Mistissini for the next 20 years. My Mistissini 2034 Tourism Master Plan focuses on developing 4 sectors of responsible tourism development. Local entrepreneurship, quality, innovation and community capacity are central to the approach and will inspire organic growth in the following 4 sectors:
- Cultural Ecotourism & Adventure
- Sports & Recreation
- Accommodations & Restaurants
- Events & Tourism Business Services
This project included the development of a condensed report used for leadership, government and key decision-makers and a Supporting Document that contained more details. This project’s vision was for the Cree Nation of Mistissini to share their culture with the world by engaging in responsible community based tourism. The document was created to showcase that the community supports tourism development initiatives that respect their values, preserves their culture, and protects their way of life for the betterment of the nation’s people, environment and economy.
Great Spirit Circle Trail – Aboriginal Tourism Ontario Strategy
Reg
ional Tourism Strategic Plan & Aboriginal Tourism Product Development
The Aboriginal Tourism Ontario Strategy points the way forward with guiding strategies and principles that were inspired by the Medicine Wheel. CES utilized a grassroots approach of listening, learning and confirming in consultation with stakeholders to develop the strategy. The goal of the Aboriginal Tourism Ontario Strategy – Phase 1 was to listen to the voices of Aboriginal tourism businesses and objectively assess their current state. Through a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process, their main challenges, opportunities and recommendations were identified and assessed. Phase 1 identified opportunities for product development, training, a cultural authenticity program and marketing and packaging.
Phase 2 saw the development of an operational business plan for Aboriginal Tourism Ontario and was built on the strategic priorities identified in Phase 1. This included developing an effective management structure and organizational framework for the provincial organization. An implementation plan was developed for the four directions the organization is built on including product development, human resources, cultural authenticity and marketing and branding. The mandate of Aboriginal Tourism Ontario will be to support, recognize and market Aboriginal tourism businesses and communities in Ontario and grow the tourism receipts of Aboriginal businesses.
CES continues to work with Great Spirit Circle Trail in implementing the Aboriginal Tourism Ontario Strategy with a phased approach.
Chesterfield Inlet Elders Group Committee, NT – My Community App Project
Digital Storytelling Project to bridge the gap between Elders and Youth – http://chesterfieldinletstories.ca/stories
The My Community App Project is an initiative led by the Chesterfield Inlet Elders Group Committee that targeted our community’s Youth to have their voices heard while affirming the importance of their culture and language. The overall goal of the project was to develop an app that engages the Youth, Elders and everyone in between to celebrate the spirit and identity of our people through a community-driven website, interactive tour, and digital storytelling. The My Community App Project is an ongoing project for the Hamlet of Chesterfield Inlet and we will continue to build upon the work completed to date. The mobile web application has become a living museum for our community. We will encourage the community to continue sharing their stories, photos and artefacts with us by scheduling regular appointments with the local schools, the Elders Group Committee, and the Economic Development Officer or by uploading their own content.
Mistissini Tourism Department
The Mistissini Tourism Department and CES have collaborated on numerous initiatives since 2007. CES was hired to develop a detailed 5 year Heritage & Cultural Master Plan (2007) and a subsequent Cultural Camp Business Plan (2009), which will act as the hub of tourism activity for the community. This process entailed the completion of a regional cultural resource inventory for product development and extensive stakeholder consultations to produce arts and crafts and cultural programming.
In 2008, CES planned, coordinated and facilitated a Best Practices Tour to B.C. to learn and experience specific tourism products relevant to the community.
Seine River First Nation Multi-Use Centre
In 2011, the Province of Ontario developed the ‘Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.’ The concept for the Centre is a result of this document and will assist the Province in achieving the goals outlined therein for Aboriginal communities and organizations
CES was hired to develop a Cultural Interpretation Centre Business Plan, which will be a vital part of SRFN’s infrastructure and a hub for capacity building, cultural preservation, environmental preservation, economic development, tourism development and nation building. The Centre will provide a wide variety of innovative programs, projects and inter-generational activities that are adaptable and address the current needs of the community.
The project reinforced SRFN’s brand – being a progressive community with a strong economic base that capitalizes on today’s technology to conserve their environment and preserve their culture
Community Development plans
Corporation du Site Historique Monseigneur, Taché, MB
- Operational & Site Development Plan, Phase 1 (Community Heritage Development Strategy)
Wikwemikong Development Commission, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, ON
- Community Tourism Development Program
CINDE, Valparaiso, Chile
- Community Development
Invest Northwest, Mmbatho, South Africa
- Cultural Village Development
Tourism plans
Mistissini Tourism Department, QC
- ‘My Mistissini 2034’ Pando Terra™ Tourism Development Plan
Tourism Northern Ontario in partnership with Great Spirit Circle Trail, ON
- Aboriginal Tourism Product Development & Marketing Initiative
Seine River First Nation, ON
- Pando Terra™ Community Tourism Master Plan
Ouje-Bougoumou Economic Development Corporation, QC
- Tourism Master Plan
Cree Nation of Nemaska, QC
- Pando Terra™ Community Tourism Master Plan
Great Spirit Circle Trail, ON
- Aboriginal Tourism Ontario Strategy, Phase 1 & 2
Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA), QC
- Destination Eeyou Istchee: Footsteps & Paddle Strokes – Regional Aboriginal Tourism Strategy
Cree Nation of Mistissini, QC
- 5 Year Ecotourism Master Plan for the Mistissini Tourism Department
Eskasoni First Nation, NS
- Regional Resource Inventory and Tourism Development Plan
Town of Grande Cache, AB
- Re-purposing the Grande Cache Tourism Visitor Information Centre
Moose Cree First Nation, ON
- Community Needs Assessment and ‘Go Forward’ Strategy for Tourism Development
Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile
- Community-Based Tourism Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan
Northern Coast of Honduras, Garifuna Communities
- Community-Based Tourism Research – Determining Project Opportunities and Barriers including a Market Assessment
Business Plans
Wikwemikong Development Commission, ON
- Point Grondine Eco Resort & Campground Business Plan
Shammy Outfitters Inc., QC
- Business Plan for Family Outfitting Camp
Cree Regional Authority, QC
- Operational Business Plan and Architectural Design of the Cree Wilderness Training Centre
Cree Nation of Mistissini, QC
- Business Plan for the Mistissini Cultural Camp
Town of Grande Cache, AB
- Business Case for Camp Hide-a-way
Inn-Michwapp Arts and Crafts, Waswanipi, QC
- Business Plan for Arts and Crafts Store
Coon-Come Sportfishing, Mistissini, QC
- Business Plan for Fishing Lodge
Feasibility Study
Delaware Nation
- Go Forward Strategy for Cultural Village
Tsal’alh (Seton Lake Indian Band)
- Tourism Feasibility Study
Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point
- Phase 1 Pre-Feasibility Study for Wiwkwedong Marina & Boat Launch
Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, ON
- Marina Feasibility, Marketing Analysis & Implementation Plan
Cree Regional Authority, QC
- Feasibility Study for the Cree Wilderness Training Centre
Big Grassy River First Nation & Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, ON
- Feasibility Study and Economic Impact Analysis for the Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park
Marketing & Branding
Tourism Northern Ontario in partnership with Great Spirit Circle Trail, ON
- Aboriginal Tourism Product Development & Marketing Initiative
West Moberly First Nation, BC
- Cross-Cultural Training & Awareness Project
Seine River First Nation, ON
- Community website
Georgina Island First Nation, ON
- Community & Storytelling Website
Cree Nation of Nemaska, QC
- Tourism Brochure & Outdoor Community Signage Design
Cree Nation of Nemaska, QC
- Community Website develoment
Town of Grande Cache, AB
- Re-purposing the Grande Cache Tourism Visitor Information Centre
Cree Nation of Waswanipi, QC
- Tourism marketing plan and website design
Community Engagement Apps
West Moberly First Nation, BC
- Cross-Cultural Training & Awareness Project
Georgina Island First Nation, ON
- Storytelling Project
Teck Resources Ltd., BC
- Teck Mobile Strategy
AIM™ & TechTours
Cree Nation of Mistissini
- Mistissini Moments Model and Mistissini Tourism Branding
Teck Resources Ltd., BC
- Teck Mobile Strategy
Mobile Apps
- My Community App Project
Kitselas Canyon Historic Site
- My Community App Project Phase 1
Chesterfield Inlet Elders Group Committee, Nunavut
- My Community App Project
- Cross-Cultural Training & Awareness Project
Georgina Island First Nation, ON
- Storytelling Project
- Interactive Map
Stakeholder Consultation
Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, ON
- Marina Feasibility, Marketing Analysis & Implementation Plan
Cohlmeyer Architecture & City of Regina
- Redevelopment of Victoria City Square, Regina, SK
Cree Nation of Mistissini, QC
- Tourism planning
Canadian Singapore Consortium
- Singapore Government Workforce Development Agency (WDA) – Developing Industry Standards
Training & Coaching
Cree Nation of Mistissini, QC
- Tourism Planner Training
Tulita Land Corporation, NWT
- Aboriginal Grassroots Tourism Workshop
Cree Nation of Wemindji, QC
- Tourism Officer Coaching
Cree Nation of Nemaska, QC
- Tourism Officer Coaching
Cree Nation of Chisasibi, QC
- Heritage Interpreter Training
Community of Kuujjuaq via Kativik Regional Government, QC
- Heritage/Cultural Interpreter Training
Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA), QC
- Heritage Interpreter Training
Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA), QC
- Marketing & Communications Officer Training
Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA), QC
- Tourism Development Training for Product Development Officer/Coordinator
Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA), QC
- Tourism Business Management Training
Cree Nation of Mistissini, QC
- Professional Training for Municipal Workers in the Tourism Sector
Cree Nation of Mistissini, QC
- Tourism Officer Coaching
Cree Nation of Waswanipi, QC
- Executive Administrative Coaching, Waswanipi Economic Development Department
Cree Nation of Waswanipi, QC
- Planner and Coordinator Training, Waswanipi Tourism Office
Cree Nation of Waswanipi, QC
- Staff/Guide Training for Chiiwetau (annual community gathering)
Pelican Lake First Nation, SK
- Expansion of Ecotourism Services & Training Program
U-Kan! Inc., The Pas, MB
- Retail and Hospitality Training
Manitoba Advanced Education & Training / North Red CFDC, MB
- Professional Retailing Skills Training Program
God’s River Lodge, Manto Sipi Cree Nation, MB
- Expansion of Tourism Services
Mistahaya Wayatinaw Tourism Cooperative, Tumbler Ridge, BC
- Starting an Ecotourism Business Training Program
Winnipeg River Brokenhead CFDC, MB
- Ecotourism Development Training Project
Manitoba Education, Training, and Youth / Flowers Canada, MB
- 2 consecutive Floral Design and Merchandising Program
Manitoba Education, Training, and Youth / Perkins Restaurant and Bakery; MB
- Entry Level Cook & Food and Beverage Server Training
CareerSource / Winnipeg Technical College, MB
- International Hospitality Skills Training Program, South Korea
Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD) / MMF Winnipeg Local Mgmt. Board, MB
- Entry Level Cook Training Program
Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD), MB
- Hospitality Industry Skills Training
Manitoba Tourism Education Council & Manitoba Education, Training, and Youth, MB
- 4 consecutive Entry Level Cook Training Programs
Assabaska Ojibway Heritage Park, ON
- Park Management, Mentorship, & Training (formerly known as Lake of the Woods Provincial Park)
Sunset Country Métis Association, Fort Frances, ON
- Starting an Ecotourism Business Training Program
Big Grassy River First Nation, ON
- Maintenance Personnel Training for Community School
Big Grassy River First Nation, ON
- Hospitality Skills Training Program
Big Grassy River First Nation, ON
- Community Construction Training Program
Manitoba Education, Training, and Youth/Greenstone CFDC, Flin Flon, MB
- Retail/Hospitality Skills Training Program
Manitoba Education, Training, and Youth/Town of The Pas, MB
- Retail/Hospitality Skills Training Program
Whitefish Bay First Nation, ON
- Training & Mentorship for Sioux Narrows Provincial Park
University of Concepcion, Santiago, Chile
- International Diploma in Ecotourism Certification
Wikwemikong Development Commission, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, ON
- Train the Trainer Program
Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile
- 3 Year Community Based Tourism Training Program
Best Practices
Cree Nation Youth Council , QC
- Canadian Tour for Wilderness Training Centre
Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA), QC
- FAM Tour for Domestic Tour Operators – Destination Eeyou Istchee: Footsteps and Paddle Strokes
Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA), QC
- Aboriginal Tourism Best Practices Mission to Ontario for the Communities of Eeyou Istchee
Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA), QC
- Nature and Cultural Tourism Best Practices Mission to Southern Quebec for the Communities of Eeyou Istchee
Travel Manitoba
- Aboriginal Tourism Entrepreneurs Best Practices Mission to British Columbia
Cree Nation of Mistissini, QC
- Community-Based Tourism Best Practices Mission to British Columbia
U-Kan! Inc., The Pas, MB
- Retail and Hospitality Training
Tourism Product Development
Tourism Northern Ontario in partnership with Great Spirit Circle Trail, ON
- Aboriginal Tourism Product Development & Marketing Initiative
Cree Nation of Nemaska, QC
- Nemaska Stories of our Elders Trail
Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA), QC
- Tourism Toolkit Development
Town of Grande Cache, AB
- Development of Dinosaur Tracks into a Sustainable Tourist Attraction
Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, MB
- Service Standards for Traditional Ojibway Village
Wikwemikong Development Commission, Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, ON
- Aboriginal Tour Guide Curriculum Development
Workshops
Pimachiowin Aki Board Members Workshop
- Pando Terra – A Model for Sustainable Community Development
Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association (COTA), QC
- Facilitation of COTA’s Annual General Meeting and Tourism Conference
Cree Nation of Wemindji, QC
- Community Tourism Workshop
Alberta’s Lakeland DMO
- Mobile Strategy Workshop
Eastside Aboriginal Sustainable Tourism Inc. (EAST Inc.), MB
- Planning and Facilitation of Tourism Summit; Professional Development Services for GM
Manitoba Conservation, Parks Division
- Keys to the Art of Effective Interpretation
Manitoba Conservation, Parks Division
- Managing Leadership for Senior Interpreters for Manitoba Provincial Parks Interpreter Spring Training Session; 4 seasons
Dauphin River First Nation / Dasamead Inc., MB
- 3 Day Opportunities in Ecotourism Workshop
Rushing River Provincial Park, Ontario Parks
- Customer Service Skills Training
Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park, Ontario Parks
- Customer Service Skills Training
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario Parks
- Customer Service Skills Training
Pwi-Do-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing, ON
- Small Business Start-up Training
Government of Ontario – Apprenticeship Board
- Management Workshops
Red River College, Winnipeg, MB
- Team Building Workshop
Anglican Summer Camps, MB/ON
- Customer Service Skills and Team Building Training
Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC), ON
- Core Competency Skills Training
Human Resource Development Canada (HRDC), ON
- Customer Service Skills training
Hospitality Corporation, MB
- Managing Leadership
Kikiwak Inn, The Pas, MB
- Service Standards Training
Bellissimo Restaurant & Lounge, MB
- Service Standards Training
Kayway Fleet Services, MB
- Service Standards Training
Yeltsin Democracy Fellowship Program/Canadian International Development Agency
- Customized Coaching for Ecotourism Development in Russia
Speaking Engagements
Great Spirit Circle Trail Annual Conference 2014
- Guest Speaker; Grassroots Aboriginal Product Development
Pimachiowin Aki AGM/Assembly
- Guest Speaker; Pando Terra – A Model for Indigenous Tourism Development
North American Ecotourism Conference, Madison, Wisconsin
- Guest Speakers; Models of Community Ecotourism Development; Aboriginal Ecotourism Strategies
COTA’s 4th Annual Tourism Conference, QC
- Guest Speaker; Business of Ecotourism: Developing a Business Plan
Eco-Synergy Tourism Leadership Workshop Series and Conference, Sir Sanford Fleming College, ON
- Guest Speaker; Small Tourism Business Start-up
Waswanipi Development Corporation’s 5th Annual Business Development Conference, QC
- Guest Speaker; Grassroots Tourism Solutions; and Identifying Ecotourism Opportunities
Manitoba CFDC’s Regional Conference, MB
- Guest Speaker; Community Development Strategies
Discover Manitoba Conference and Expo, MB
- Guest Speaker; Grassroots Aboriginal Tourism Development
International Indigenous Tourism Expo, Saskatoon, SK
- Guest Speaker; Ecotourism & Outdoor Adventure
Eco-North 2002 Conference, Sudbury, ON
- Guest Speaker; Grassroots Tourism Solutions; Ecotourism Operator Standards
Creating the Northern Experience Conference, The Pas, MB
- Guest Speaker; Tourism Performance Marketing
First National Denesuline Economic Symposium, Prince Albert, SK
- Guest Speaker; Identifying Ecotourism Opportunities
Northern Ontario Tourism Outfitters Association (NOTO) 75th Anniversary AGM Conference, Sudbury, ON
- Guest Speaker; Customer Service Standards
Marketing Turistico Conference, Santiago, Chile
- Guest Speaker; Cooperative Marketing; Customer Service Standards
Meadow Lake Tribal Council, SK
- Guest Speaker; Identifying Ecotourism Opportunities
First International Ecotourism Conference Santiago Chile
- Honoured host and keynote speaker