Indigenous Tourism Ontario (ITO) and the Lab have partnered to launch the Skode Program, an initiative to spark new Indigenous tourism ideas and experiences that authentically represent, celebrate and promote Indigenous culture, heritage, language, cuisine and communities in Ontario.

In Anishinaabemowin, Skode means fire, and is pronounced Shkoh-deh. Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations are encouraged to apply and share the fire within their hearts.

The program matches selected applicants with a mentor, provides a $5,000 non-repayable contribution, plus additional ITO support to help take their new Indigenous tourism ideas to the next level.

“Supporting passionate entrepreneurs through their tourism journey is a common goal between ITO and the Ontario Tourism Innovation Lab,” said Kevin Eshkawkogan, President and CEO of ITO. “The Ontario Indigenous tourism industry makes up about 1/3 of the National industry and was the largest Indigenous tourism industry in Canada in 2019. Bringing this exciting new program to Ontario Indigenous communities to support continued tourism growth and innovation is something we are extremely proud to be a part of.”

Funders and supporters of the Skode Program include the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, TD Bank Group, CN, and the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival.
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The Skode Program application deadline is May 28th.

For more information go to
www.tourisminnovation.ca/ITO
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Congratulations to our Chatham-Kent (Round 2) "Spark" Program winners:

- Bria Atkins, The Crappie Store (Riverside Cabins on the Sydenham)
- Kelsey Nydam, Downtown Wallaceburg BIA (Wallaceburg Kayak Experience)
- Paul & Sara Spence, The Culinary Farm (On Farm Wood Fired Kitchen and Experiences)

Each will receive $3000, mentorship, and additional partner support to help them take their tourism initiatives to the next level. Stay tuned for updates on their progress.

Thanks to all of our Chatham-Kent (Round 2) "Spark" finalists who pitched new tourism ideas at the virtual session. We are inspired by your passion and creativity!

Thanks to our program partners Visit Chatham-Kent, Chatham-Kent Economic Development Services, Ontario's Southwest, Community Futures Development Corporation of Chatham-Kent, SOAR Innovation, Tourism Industry Association of Ontario, WEtech Alliance, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for collaborating with us to spark tourism innovation in the region.

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The Lab recently partnered with RTO9 and St. Lawrence College on a special Student Edition of the "Spark" Program to inspire tourism entrepreneurship and innovation.

​Ten groups of students developed new tourism ideas for the Kingston region, with three groups being selected as finalists to pitch their ideas to a judge panel of partner representatives.

Congratulations to the winning student group and their idea: Ontario Comes Together: A 4-Day Celebration of Food.

Congratulations to our Northern Ontario (Round 2) "Spark" Program winners:

- Matthew Larivee, Foxfire Heritage Farm (Northeastern Ontario)
- Erica Hogan, Hogan's Homestead (Algoma/Central)
- Bridget Taylor, Tall Pines Camp, Ontario, Wabaskang Lake (Northwest Ontario)

Each will receive $3000, mentorship, and an in-kind bundle of support services from Tourism Excellence North valued at up to $9,500. 

And congratulations to our runners up who will each receive mentorship and an in-kind bundle of support services from Tourism Excellence North valued at up to $9,500:

- Allison Easton, Graceful Roots (Northeastern Ontario)
- Ellen Barber, Red House Ice Cream (Algoma/Central)  
- Aric Fishman, Outdoor Skills And Thrills (Northwest Ontario)

We are excited to have them all join our "Spark" family!

Thanks to our partners Destination Northern Ontario and Tourism Excellence North for their leadership and support of tourism innovation across the North.

Follow our social media channels​ for updates on all of our "Spark" winners.

The "Spark" Mentorships & Grants Program​ will be expanding to new regions in 2021. Stay tuned for announcements. 
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​Join our "Spark" Mentor Network and support up-and-coming and early stage tourism innovators in Ontario by providing advice and guidance to help them take their new tourism ideas to the next level of development. Contact us at [email protected]​ for more information on the program and how you can be a mentor.