The Canadian Government has announced $755,000 in funding to support Indigenous tourism under the Signature Indigenous Tourism Experiences Stream (SITES).

The funding will assist the Kwanlin Dün First Nation in expanding accommodations at the Sky High Wilderness Ranch, increasing its capacity to host larger groups and create economic opportunities for the community.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation chief Sean Uyenets'echᶖa Smith said the funding represents a significant milestone for the community.

"The purchase of Sky High Wilderness Ranch in 2023 marked a historic milestone for the Kwanlin Dün First Nation," he said.

"Owning this tourism business, located in the heart of our traditional territory at Łu Zil Män (Fish Lake), will empower our First Nation.

"This means more opportunities for citizens and all Yukoners to connect to the land and our culture."

The $10 million SITES program, launched in May 2024, is part of the broader $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund announced in the 2022 Budget.

Administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA), SITES focuses on developing culturally rich, Indigenous-led tourism projects.

NACCA's advisory committee, composed of representatives from Indigenous tourism associations, evaluates initiatives for their potential to benefit communities and attract further investment.

Minister of Tourism Soraya Martinez Ferrada said the initiative reflects the economic opportunities available in Indigenous tourism.

"The economic opportunities in Indigenous tourism are immense, but we need to ensure that Indigenous people remain the people who will benefit most from this growth," she said.

"Today's announcement with Kwanlin Dün First Nation will create local economic opportunities and advance reconciliation.

"As we continue to invest in these initiatives, I look forward to seeing the difference this program makes in communities across the country."

Indigenous tourism contributed $1.7 billion to Canada's GDP in 2022, providing employment for 32,000 people.

Approximately 36 per cent of Indigenous tourism businesses are owned by women, demonstrating the sector's role in empowering diverse communities.

The fund's other stream, the Micro and Small Business Stream, supports smaller-scale Indigenous tourism businesses to become visitor and export-ready.

Yukon Minister of Tourism and Culture, John Streicker, emphasised the impact of the investment on the territory's tourism profile.

"On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I congratulate Sky High Wilderness Ranch and the Kwanlin Dün First Nation on securing new federal funding toward business expansion and enhanced visitor experience," he said.

"This investment will not only boost the Yukon's profile as a premier destination for Indigenous tourism but also strengthen connections to culture and traditions.

"We look forward to the opportunities it will create to engage with the land and link us to our culture."