Guided by the Land: Spotlight on Indigenous Tourism Businesses & Events

Tourism can transform communities when done on Indigenous terms. It creates jobs, revitalizes languages and invites travellers to experience living cultures rather than static exhibits. This week we explore two Alberta businesses—Mahikan Trails and Painted Warriors—whose medicine walks and land‑based skills are attracting visitors from around the world, as well as the partnerships that power their success. We also preview the 2026 Indigenous Business Gathering in Saskatoon and a national webinar exploring research collaborations in Indigenous tourism. Together, these stories show how trust, collaboration and respect for the land drive a growing sector and generate prosperity for Indigenous entrepreneurs.

Why Indigenous tourism matters

Indigenous tourism is one of the fastest‑growing segments of the travel industry. Beyond economic benefits, it offers a corrective to mainstream tourism by centering Indigenous voices, knowledge and stewardship. Authentic Indigenous experiences educate visitors about history and contemporary life while creating opportunities for language preservation and youth employment. According to the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), Indigenous tourism contributed $1.86 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2019 and supported more than 39,000 jobs—numbers that continue to climb as travellers seek meaningful, community‑led experiences.

However, Indigenous tourism also faces challenges. The legacy of colonialism means that many communities lack infrastructure or marketing resources, and there is always a risk of cultural appropriation when outsiders develop experiences without community input. That’s why trust and collaboration are essential. As Travel Alberta notes, building Indigenous tourism requires partnerships rooted in respect, shared purpose and mutual benefit. The relationship between Mahikan Trails and Painted Warriors illustrates this model.

Mahikan Trails: Medicine walks rooted in tradition

Mahikan Trails, based near Sundre, Alberta, is a family‑owned business led by sisters Brenda Holder and Tracey Klettl. The company offers medicine walks, workshops and courses that teach visitors about plant medicines, land stewardship and Cree traditions. Their programs invite guests to slow down, listen and engage with the land with respect. As the company’s website explains, Mahikan Trails is “Indigenous‑owned and family‑based” with a deep connection to lineage and land. Participants learn how Kwarakwante ancestors lived from the land for millennia, identify medicinal plants and craft simple remedies.

Medicine walks take place year‑round in Banff, Sundre and on the Mahikan Trails property. Each walk is tailored to the season and the knowledge keepers leading it. In the summer, participants might gather wildflowers and learn about their healing properties; in the winter, they may focus on evergreen trees and survival skills. Workshops also cover topics like “Make Your Own Medicine,” where visitors spend one to three days preparing tinctures, salves and teas. Group experiences are available for organizations seeking team‑building or cultural education.

What sets Mahikan Trails apart is its commitment to stewardship. The company prioritizes responsible engagement with the landscape, encourages guests to take only what they need and emphasizes gratitude for plant nations. Visitors leave with practical knowledge, deeper respect for Cree culture and a renewed connection to the natural world. As one participant wrote in a review, “Brenda was very informative and engaging… I highly recommend going out on the nature walk at Mahikan Trails!”. Another visitor noted that the guides are “full of great stories, and tons of information on plant uses and native history”.

Painted Warriors: Land‑based skills and cultural immersion

Painted Warriors, co‑founded by Tracey Klettl (sister of Brenda Holder) and her husband, offers a different but complementary experience in Alberta’s foothills. Their programs teach Indigenous land‑based skills like tracking, archery, horse riding and snowshoeing, paired with rustic cabin stays. Rooted in Ojibway, Cree and Mohawk traditions, Painted Warriors invites guests to reconnect with the land and to understand how Indigenous knowledge sustains life on the prairies. Participants might learn to make moccasins, set up a tipi or track wildlife—all under the guidance of experienced instructors.

According to Travel Alberta, the partnership between Mahikan Trails and Painted Warriors demonstrates how collaboration can drive growth in Indigenous tourism. Since 2021, Travel Alberta and Indigenous Tourism Alberta have invested $8.85 million in Indigenous tourism, empowering operators like these sisters to expand and diversify their offerings. In June 2025, they extended their memorandum of understanding, committing an additional $2 million per year until 2028. Tracey Klettl emphasized that to develop Indigenous tourism, “we have to work together” and that partnerships are essential. By lifting each other up, Mahikan Trails and Painted Warriors attract more visitors than either could alone.

The 2026 Indigenous Business Gathering (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) – March 3–4

Beyond individual operators, Indigenous tourism thrives when governments and industry create spaces for networking and collaboration. The 5th Annual Indigenous Business Gathering, hosted by the Government of Saskatchewan, is one such platform. Taking place March 3–4 2026 at the World Trade Center Saskatoon, the event highlights the strengths of Indigenous‑owned businesses and connects them with multinational companies, Crown corporations, municipalities and government agencies. Participants can explore supply‑chain partnerships, joint ventures and procurement opportunities. The event features Indigenous economic development corporations, business exhibitions and a pre‑event social on March 3. Early registration is encouraged due to high demand.

The gathering underscores the growing recognition of Indigenous enterprises in mainstream business. Networking with non‑Indigenous partners can unlock new markets and resources, while Indigenous‑owned companies bring unique values of sustainability and community benefit. Attendees will learn from keynote speakers, participate in matchmaking sessions and showcase products ranging from tourism experiences to resource development services.

Webinar: Indigenous tourism in the U.S. – March 5

In the United States, the National Extension Tourism Network (NET) is hosting a webinar titled “Indigenous Tourism in the US – Exploring Research and Extension Collaborations” on March 5 2026 at 2 p.m. Eastern. The webinar will examine how tourism can support economies, peoples and cultures across 574 federally recognized Tribal Nations and numerous state‑recognized tribes. The NET notes that tourism development can revitalize languages and traditions but risks cultural appropriation and economic leakage if not guided by community voices. Panelists from universities and Indigenous organizations will discuss collaborative research, highlight successful projects and outline strategies for respectful tourism growth. Registration is open to academics, practitioners and community members.

Building trust‑based partnerships

Indigenous tourism success stories share common threads: respect for cultural protocols, authentic storytelling, environmental stewardship and trust between partners. The partnership between Travel Alberta and Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) exemplifies this. Since 2021, Travel Alberta has collaborated with ITA to understand operator needs and to invest resources that empower Indigenous entrepreneurs. Travel Alberta’s investments—totaling at least $8.85 million and rising—allow ITA to provide training, marketing and product development support. This collaboration not only boosts tourism revenue but also helps communities preserve languages and traditions.

Moreover, partnerships extend beyond funding. At Mahikan Trails and Painted Warriors, the sisters uplift each other’s businesses through referrals, joint marketing and shared infrastructure. They demonstrate that collaboration, not competition, drives long‑term success. Their story inspires other Indigenous entrepreneurs to seek alliances that honour cultural protocols and deliver high‑quality experiences.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite growth, Indigenous tourism faces ongoing challenges. Many communities still lack equitable access to financing, training and digital marketing. Operators must navigate complex regulations, protect sacred knowledge from commodification and ensure that tourism benefits local people rather than outside investors. Climate change also threatens cultural tourism; for example, wildfire smoke can reduce visitation and damage cultural landscapes.

Opportunities, however, abound. Digital platforms allow operators to reach global audiences. Partnerships with universities and extension services (as highlighted in the NET webinar) can provide research support and training. Government funding and programs like the Indigenous Tourism Alberta‑Travel Alberta memorandum offer financial resources. Most importantly, travellers’ growing appetite for authentic, respectful experiences means demand is strong. When Indigenous communities lead, tourism can be a powerful engine of cultural revitalization and economic self‑determination.

Conclusion and call to action

Indigenous tourism is not simply about selling experiences; it is about inviting the world to see and respect the land and cultures through Indigenous eyes. By supporting businesses like Mahikan Trails and Painted Warriors, attending gatherings like the Indigenous Business Gathering, and tuning into educational webinars, travellers and industry leaders can help build a sustainable tourism sector rooted in trust and collaboration. To discover more experiences or to plan your own cultural tour, contact Powwow Times at [email protected]. Together we can support Indigenous entrepreneurs, strengthen communities and walk lightly on the land.

Tips for responsible Indigenous tourism

Travellers who participate in Indigenous tourism can make a positive impact by following a few simple guidelines. Do your research to ensure you are booking with community‑owned operators who prioritize cultural integrity and environmental sustainability. Ask before photographing ceremonies or sacred objects, and avoid sharing photos of sacred sites on social media. Respect protocols by listening to your guides, using first names rather than tribal names unless invited, and refraining from touching regalia or sacred items. Buy local by purchasing crafts, food and art directly from Indigenous artisans instead of souvenir shops. Finally, give back—whether by tipping your guides, donating to community programs or volunteering your skills. Responsible tourism builds relationships based on reciprocity and ensures that your visit benefits the people who graciously share their land and stories.