FREE Indigenous Tourism Training & Certificates

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Build Your Career in Indigenous Tourism!

Indigenous Cultural Ambassador Training & Certification
Offered in Ottawa & Manitoulin Island | January to March 2025

Build your skills and work towards nationally recognized certification as a Heritage Interpreter — a role we call Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors. As a Heritage Interpreter, you’ll engage visitors through tours, workshops, and educational programming at museums, galleries, exhibits, and historical sites. Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors share their stories from their own perspective, playing a key role in growing Ontario’s Indigenous tourism industry.

Program Overview
This intensive 8-week program is perfect for those already working in tourism who want to build a career with a living wage, or for those with previous work experience in the sector. The program requires 1,200 hours of industry experience to qualify for certification (previous work experience can be applied). This training will help you:

  • Research Indigenous perspectives and teachings for museums, galleries, exhibits, historical sites or community onta
  • Welcome and provide orientation for visitors, sharing general information on your culture and territory
  • Respond to visitor inquiries and manage emergency situations
  • Assist in developing Indigenous exhibits and displays
  • Design, develop and maintain props and educational materials for Indigenous programming
  • Develop, present, and evaluate educational programming for various audiences (e.g., students, families, seniors)
  • Present your culture and community in an authentic and engaging manner
  • Coordinate volunteer activities, including recruitment, scheduling, supervising and evaluating
  • Assist with marketing and promotion of cultural programs
  • Contribute to facility operations, track and prepare reports
  • Enhance cultural programming through hands-on learning opportunities
 
Tourism Certifications
 In addition, you will receive standard tourism certifications that may be required in the field, including:
 
  • Indigenous Tourism 101
  • Service Excellence
  • Leading for Excellence
  • Coaching for Excellence
  • St. Johns First Aid
 
Living Allowance & Support
Participants receive a $600/week living allowance, paid to either the participant or their employer (if currently employed in tourism). A subsidy may be available to employers to bring participants up to the living wage in their region.
 
Program Dates & Locations
  • Ottawa: Hosted at Madahoki Farm – January 6-13, 2025 (followed by 6 weeks virtual or on-the-job training)
  • Manitoulin Island: Hosted at Manitoulin Hotel – January 13-20, 2025 (followed by 6 weeks virtual or on-the-job training)
 
Certification & Professional Development 
This program is to support you in pursuit of a national certification as a Heritage Interpreter with Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC). This professional certification recognizes an individual’s competence in the occupation measured against the National Occupational Standards. This training will provide the certification preparation package, and will support you through the written exam, performance evaluation (a video presentation), and work history verification (1,200 hours of work experience). Successful completion will earn the Tourism Certified Manager (TCM) designation, which boosts job opportunities, career advancement, and job satisfaction.
 

Ideal for Seasonal Tourism Workers
If you are currently employed in tourism, this training is an ideal way to upgrade your skills during the off-season. Employers benefit from having certified professionals on staff, improving guest experiences, increasing productivity, and boosting sales.

 
Front Line Indigenous Tourism Training
Ottawa - January 6-8 (20 free spots) | Manitoulin - January 13-15 (20 free spots)

This FREE 3-day intensive training is designed to elevate your skills in delivering a professional Indigenous tourism experience. Open to anyone Indigenous (FN, Métis, and Inuit) looking to build or enhance their career in tourism, this program provides valuable training and certification in Indigenous tourism sectors. No need to be enrolled in the full Indigenous Cultural Ambassadors program to participate.

Community-Based Tourism Awareness Program
This inclusive, supportive program welcomes anyone interested in learning how Indigenous tourism can drive cultural preservation, sustainable community development, and socio-economic growth.

Service Excellence
This workshop will empower you to become well-versed in service excellence, handle a variety of scenarios, and build meaningful relationships with guests.

Leading For Excellence
Gain the tools and inspiration needed to create memorable experiences for guests and enhance your business operations.

Coaching Excellence
Learn how to be an inspiring and effective coach, guiding others at your workplace and fostering a positive, high-performing environment.