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Northern Indigenous Lodge Network Corridor

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Tourism Corridor Strategy Program

Northern Indigenous Lodge Network Corridor

Overview

"Empowering Indigenous-owned accommodation development across northern Canada through a collaborative network of resources and shared expertise."

 

The Northern Indigenous Tourism Lodge Network Corridor is a visionary initiative to create a fully Indigenous-owned lodging network across Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Northern British Columbia. By uniting new and existing lodges under a shared framework, the project meets rising demand for authentic Indigenous tourism while preserving cultural integrity, empowering communities, and providing immersive visitor experiences. 

The Corridor spans Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Northern British Columbia, connecting remote regions through an Indigenous-owned and operated lodging network. 

Corridor approach

The Tourism Corridor Strategy Program (TCSP) helps communities, provinces and territories plan and grow resilient, inclusive and regenerative tourism economies from coast to coast to coast. In support of the Strategy, the goal for the Tourism Corridors is to bring people, places and industries together to strengthen local wellbeing and accelerate sustainable destination development.

 

Northern Indigenous Lodge Network corridor objectives

Guided by community leadership and local context, each Corridor defines objectives that reflect regional priorities while building on the shared goals of the Tourism Corridor Strategy Program.

  • Indigenous ownership and leadership: Expand Indigenous control and ownership across the lodging network.

  • Collaboration and partnerships: Encourage cooperation among Indigenous communities and tourism stakeholders.

  • Cultural experiences: Offer immersive experiences rooted in Indigenous traditions and values.

  • Economic empowerment: Generate revenue, jobs, and business opportunities through community-based tourism.

  • Culturally aligned infrastructure: Develop accommodations that reflect Indigenous identity.

  • Capacity building: Support staff training, centralized booking, and operational services.

  • Sustainable investment: Secure long-term funding for Indigenous-led tourism growth.

Key attractions and experiences

Participating partners

  • Government of Yukon
  • Northwest Territories Tourism
  • Tahltan Central Government
  • Local Indigenous communities and businesses
     

Investment opportunity in the corridor

The Northern Indigenous Tourism Lodge Network Corridor presents a timely investment opportunity in Canada’s underdeveloped yet culturally rich northern tourism sector. As a fully Indigenous-owned and managed lodge network across Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Northern BC, the Corridor is positioned to meet growing global interest in authentic, culturally grounded travel. Supported by community interest, national tourism strategies, and proven international models, it offers values-aligned, long-term investment potential. 

Potential investment opportunities in this corridor include:

Lodge development & infrastructure

  • Build new Indigenous-owned lodges in strategic northern locations
  • Upgrade existing lodges to enhance capacity and the guest experience
  • Invest in sustainable infrastructure like renewable energy and water systems
     

Shared services & operational support

  • Fund centralized systems for booking, staffing, and procurement
  • Establish regional hubs for logistics, maintenance, and admin support
     

Cultural & experience development

  • Support land-based, community-led experiences rooted in Indigenous traditions
  • Invest in artisan markets, cultural centres, and traditional learning spaces
     

Workforce & skills training

  • Provide training in hospitality, guiding, and tourism management
  • Support youth employment, mentorship, and cultural learning programs
     

Marketing & brand building

  • Develop a unified Corridor brand and coordinated marketing strategy
  • Fund digital tools, media campaigns, and outreach to high-value guests
     

Financing & capital access

  • Provide startup and expansion funding through grants or impact investment
  • Create blended finance models to lower risk and support community ventures

 

Current Investment in the Corridor 

Several initiatives are already underway or planned:

  • Lead funding from Destination Canada supports research, engagement, and strategic planning.
  • Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) leads regional outreach, capacity building, and collaboration with Indigenous operators.
  • Partners and stakeholders contribute funding, in-kind support, and land-based knowledge, including Indigenous corporations, development groups, and First Nations governments across Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Northern BC.
  • Federal and territorial governments provide support through tourism, economic development, and Indigenous relations portfolios.  
  • Communities and lodge operators offer time, space, and expertise to help shape the Corridor’s strategy.
     
See All Investment Opportunities

Get involved

To learn more about this Corridor, including partnerships, investment opportunities, community engagement initiatives and volunteer opportunities, please contact us:

Jennifer Horsnell
Senior Director, Destination Development
horsnell.jennifer@destinationcanada.com 

Eduardo Lafforgue
Director of Tourism
Government of Yukon
Eduardo.Lafforgue@yukon.ca 
 

Donna Lee Demarcke
CEO
Northwest Territories Tourism
executive@spectacularnwt.com 
 

Resources and downloads

Strategy: Northern Indigenous Lodges Strategy Summary 

 

Insights:  Access the Tourism Data Collective for national and regional insights, including market profiles, current tourism assets and capacity, and forecasting.  

 

Investment Readiness:  Find a project to invest in , or download tools to help your region attract and manage investment.

 

Destination Development Toolkits: Practical guides for communities building their first tourism plan.