The future looks bright for Fort SimpsonSA国际影视传媒檚 KSA国际影视传媒檌yeli Tourism Services after a $25,000 investment from the Indigenous Tourism Fund (ITF). 

SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e looking at things going a lot better,SA国际影视传媒� said Gilbert Cazon, who owns the business with his wife Mary Jane Cazon. 

SA国际影视传媒淲e were very happy [when we learned about the funding],SA国际影视传媒� he added. 

The ITF was established by the federal government in 2022, and is intended to support Indigenous tourism operators across the country. KSA国际影视传媒檌yeli Tourism Services received their funding through the ITFSA国际影视传媒檚 Micro and Small Business Stream. 

The business has been operating since 2010 and offers a range of services, from Dene cultural experiences to aurora viewing to culinary programs. The funding received from ITF will help expand its already long list of offerings. 

SA国际影视传媒淚t will help us expand our services,SA国际影视传媒� Cazon said. SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 not a lot of business in our area, so we have to be versatile. 

SA国际影视传媒淭his funding we got, it helps us continue with our services and start expanding.SA国际影视传媒� 

Cazon believes there is huge tourism potential in the Dehcho, but contends itSA国际影视传媒檚 SA国际影视传媒渟till an area that hasnSA国际影视传媒檛 really been marketed.SA国际影视传媒� 

One of the biggest draws of the region, in his opinion, is the rich Dene culture. 

SA国际影视传媒淲e want to bring people to our area and give our knowledge to the people that are coming to visit,SA国际影视传媒� he said. 

The natural splendor is also an attraction, he added. 

SA国际影视传媒淲e have the mountains, we have glaciers in our area, we have the river, and we have a lot of land thatSA国际影视传媒檚 so pristine, and a lot of wildlife. 

SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 some destinations in our area that are world heritage sites, like Nahanni National Park. WeSA国际影视传媒檙e kind of like the gateway to these different areas in our region.SA国际影视传媒� 

Arguably the best thing about the Dehcho, according to Cazon, is the transformative effect it can have on visitors. 

SA国际影视传媒淭he Dehcho is a beautiful area,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭hereSA国际影视传媒檚 a lot of scenery, thereSA国际影视传媒檚 a lot of wildlife, and thereSA国际影视传媒檚 a lot of time to be alone and get away from the physical paradigm and get into a spiritual paradigm. Coming to the Dehcho, because not a lot of areas are overpopulated, you have time to yourself and you have time to learn what you need to know, what should be valued for you. 

SA国际影视传媒淲hen youSA国际影视传媒檙e coming to the Dehcho, it will humble you. You will come away a better person for your visit.SA国际影视传媒� 

KSA国际影视传媒檌yeli Tourism ServicesSA国际影视传媒� ITF funding was announced by NWT MP Michael McLeod, who said that SA国际影视传媒淚ndigenous tourism has the power to create opportunities, transform Canadian tourism, and advance reconciliation.SA国际影视传媒� 

SA国际影视传媒淭hrough this Indigenous-led process, we are supporting communities in making their own decisions and developing tourism at their own pace,SA国际影视传媒� the MP added. SA国际影视传媒淚 look forward to seeing the difference that this funding makes in Fort Simpson.SA国际影视传媒�