After being approved for a $25,000 grant in January 2025 to cover studio space, insurance, and overhead expenses, Carey Perkins, a Kanienʼkehá:ka entrepreneur from Akwesasne, has not yet received the funds. Perkins, the owner of Niio Perkins Designs known for her raised beadwork jewelry, is one of many small business owners left in limbo by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s (ITAC) delayed funding disbursement.
Perkins expressed her frustration, stating, “Now it’s just, everything is collapsing.” Due to the delay, she fell behind on insurance payments for her studio space, eventually leading her to vacate the premises in August 2025.
ITAC, which focuses on fostering authentic Indigenous tourism in Canada through various initiatives, including the Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS), distributed approximately $3.3 million in federal funding to 136 Indigenous tourism businesses early in 2025. However, some recipients like Perkins are still awaiting their allocations.
Responding to the delayed payments, a representative from Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada assured that they are investigating the matter to ensure rightful recipients are reimbursed. Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC, acknowledged the outstanding payments from the MSBS program, emphasizing their commitment to settling all dues once revenues are available.
Despite facing setbacks, Perkins and Aïcha Smith-Belghaba, another grantee awaiting her $25,000 funding, remain hopeful but disappointed by the impact on their businesses. Smith-Belghaba, the owner of Esha’s Eats, had plans for business expansion and supporting other Indigenous ventures, which have been hindered by the delayed grant.
Additionally, delays in payments post an Indigenous tourism conference organized by ITAC have affected businesses like 49 Dzine, owned by Nathan Rainy Chief. Rainy Chief raised concerns over unresolved payments to service providers, stressing the importance of honoring Indigenous protocols and supporting community members.
ITAC’s financial challenges have been exacerbated by delayed payments and reduced federal funding over the years, prompting Henry to seek alternative funding sources to sustain operations. Despite expectations of financial support from a U.K.-based charity, delays in funding disbursement have forced ITAC to implement cost-cutting measures until the anticipated funds materialize.
Tag: rewrite-pending
