As the 2024 National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (Sept. 30) approaches, we are thinking about this important day of recognition, and how we can offer our support for the recovery and growth of Indigenous communities in Ontario’s Highlands. 

The National Day for Truth & Reconciliation honours Indigenous children who were removed from their homes at the hands of the colonial government and churches, many of them not making it back home. This day also honours generations of residential school Survivors, their families, and their communities. 

Over the past several years, OHTO has compiled a list of resources to support Ontario’s Highlands’ tourism operators as they in turn strive to learn more about Indigenous history, and how they can do their part in supporting Indigenous communities. 

As we honour our Indigenous communities during Truth & Reconciliation, we issue an invitation to tourism operators to explore these resources to learn more about how to be a better ally for Indigenous peoples, and support them all year long. 

Ways to Become an Indigenous Ally

The National Day for Truth & Reconciliation can be a good reminder to reflect on our current understanding of Indigenous culture and issues, and to take the time to learn more. 

Watch a Webinar

  • Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Q&A: 

    Guest speaker Aimee Bailey Màmiwi Anishinàbikwe, Sturgeon Clan) from the Circle of Turtle Lodge. Learn more about the history of the Indigenous People of Canada, the History of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, a comparison of Indigenous & Western Values, and how to develop your own Land Acknowledgement Statement. 

  • Understanding How and Why to be an Indigenous Ally

    Guest speaker Christine Luckasavitch, owner of Waaseyaa Consulting. Listen to a discussion-based workshop to help audiences beetter understand how to be a good ally to Indigenous People in an industry-based context. 

Read an Article

Wear Orange

Did you know that Sept. 30 was previously known as "Orange Shirt Day"? Started by Phyllis Webstad, Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots organization that used Sept. 30 as a day to honour the children who survived Indigenous Residential Schools, and to remember those who did not. Wearing an orange shirt on Sept. 30 is one way of supporting Indigenous voices and creating a tangible reminder of their past and present. 

Support an Indigenous Organization

Make a donation to an Indigenous organization or community who is working to make changes and bring awareness to Indigenous issues. Your donation can ensure we are all working together to create a better future for these communities.

Follow OHTO's Lead

As an organization, OHTO acknowledges and is grateful that Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of this land, and beyond, from time immemorial.  We acknowledge our responsibility in working towards reconciliation to ensure current and future Indigenous Peoples can live in a welcoming, safe and secure community. 

We are listening and responding, and honour those who are no longer with us. We join Indigenous Peoples in friendship with humility and a genuine desire to be a positive force for change through demonstrating solidarity and support for their communities while respecting their cultures, rights, and self-determination.  

One of OHTO’s goals is to facilitate opportunities to support Indigenous truth and reconciliation, create meaningful partnerships with Indigenous-owned tourism operators and community organizations, and facilitate our tourism industry efforts towards embarking on their own journeys towards Indigenous Allyship.   

If learning more about OHTO’s ongoing work in supporting Indigenous communities and increasing Indigenous cultural awareness interests you, please book a Discovery Call with OHTO by clicking here. 

Responsible Tourism
Embracing Indigenous Knowledge at Madawaska Kanu Centre
Why You Should Work with Indigenous Tourism Ontario
Truth & Reconciliation: Learning to be a Better Ally for Indigenous Peoples