Ontario Tourism Education Corporation

Otec Indigenous Tourism Series

Tailoring essential tourism skills training to Indigenous operators and leaders by utilizing a Two-Eyed Seeing approach and placing value on Indigenous ways of knowing

opportunity

Creating tourism training workshops that are specifically designed to reflect the unique realities and needs of Indigenous tourism businesses, their managers, owners, and frontline workers.

what we did

CES adapted three of OTEC’s flagship tourism training programs to be in tune and relevant within the context of Ontario’s Indigenous tourism industry.

challenges

Due to the pandemic and the need for filling critical gaps in Ontario’s tourism workforce, supporting Indigenous employees is especially important for the growth and recovery of the industry. There is also a need for creating more awareness and support to encourage Indigenous peoples to consider tourism as a means for cultural preservation and creating socio-economic benefits within their communities. 

results

The workshops were thoughtfully and culturally revised while maintaining the client’s original intellectual property and learning outcomes. The approach utilized the concept of Two-Eyed-Seeing and integrating western industry knowledge with Indigenous ways of knowing. For each of the 3 workshops (Indigenous Service Excellence, Leading for Excellence, and Coaching for Excellence), a participant guide, facilitator’s guide, and a PowerPoint presentation were all developed and beautifully designed to ensure seamless and turnkey delivery. The workshops follow a welcoming and engaging format, sharing stories of Indigenous tourism champions as well as using inspiration from Indigenous Teachings and Traditional Knowledge. Each of the 3 workshops covers key topics and themes ensuring participants feel confident as service professionals, leaders, and coaches within their businesses.