Quebec Aboriginal Tourism Continued and Admirable Growth

Press Release

WENDAKE, November 16, 2015 – Quebec Aboriginal Tourism (QAT) held its 2014-2015 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Innu territory – the magnificent community of Essipit – recently on November 10. QAT presented very positive outcomes for the past year and the new Board of Directors was appointed in the presence of members from across Aboriginal Quebec. The AGM was also an opportunity to network with aboriginal tourism industry partners.
The meeting kicked off on a strong and authentic note with meaningful speeches from Chief Martin Dufour of the Innu community of Essipit and from Chief Ghislain Picard of the Assembly of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador. This annual meeting of QAT served as a platform to present the highlights of the past year which culminated with the remarkable success of the International Aboriginal Tourism Conference that took place in March at Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

This year as well there was strong growth in the aboriginal tourism sector. This growth was based on strong and dynamic partnerships through structuring agreements and collaborative initiatives with the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec, Parks Canada, Quebec Outfitters Federation, Aventure Écotourisme Québec, Tourisme Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Culturat, Cree Outfitting and Tourism Association, etc.
“Throughout Quebec, Aboriginal Tourism is rapidly growing. We are proud to represent the interests of entrepreneurs from all the Nations and to be the spokesperson of an industry that reflects the identity and distinctive culture of the Aboriginal people in all its richness and diversity,” said Dave Laveau, QAT Executive Director for the past five years. “The number of aboriginal tourism enterprises that have entrusted us to represent them has increased by a significant 25% since last year and by no less than 121% since 2011-2012. We are grateful and driven to support the socioeconomic development of aboriginal communities through tourism. This is our way of fostering closer ties between peoples from everywhere,” added Dave Laveau. Moreover, aboriginal tourism will continue to benefit from the professionalism and enthusiasm of Dave Laveau since prior to the AGM, the Board of Directors renewed his contract for the next five years.

The success of our association can also be measured by the 70% increase in the number of visits to our website www.quebecaboriginal.com, our strong presence on social media and high visibility in media via this year’s marketing initiatives targeting overseas markets and regions across Canada.
New Appointments to the Board of Directors

QAT is also pleased to announce the appointment of a new Board of Directors, made up of new and re-elected members.

“It is with great pride that we welcome four new members on our Board of Directors this year. Once again, we will be able to leverage the contribution, expertise and cultural wealth of a Board that is representative of the aboriginal Nations of Quebec, with members from different sectors of our industry,” said Steeve Gros-Louis, QAT President. “I would like to thank Jean Picard of The Indian Craftsmen of Québec and Pierre Larouche of the Société de développement économique ilnu of Mashteuiatsh for their contribution over the past years on the Board of Directors. I would also like to extend our thanks to Suzette Jeannotte and France Brind’amour who had to leave us in the course of their term. “
QAT’s Board of Directors for 2015-2016:

• Steeve Gros-Louis, President
Active Member – La Sagamité Restaurant, Wendake

• Rita Mestokosho, Vice-President
Delegate Member – Innu Council of Ekuanitshit

• Michelle Bélanger, Secretary-Treasurer
Active Member – Musée des Abénakis, Odanak

• Benoît Audette, Director
Active Member – Pourvoirie Shipu, Maliotenam

• Christian Bouchard, Director
Active Member – Nunavik Parks

• Andrew Coon, Director
Delegate Member – Cree Nation of Mistissini – Tourism Department

• Brigitte Lalo Malec, Director
Active Member – AGARA Complex, Uashat

• Robert Lancup, Director
Associate Member – Office de tourisme de Québec

• Marc Plourde, Director
Associate Member – Quebec Outfitters Federation

The meeting was also an opportunity to warmly thank and highlight the contribution of Thérèse Picard, QAT’s Administrative Assistant of the last ten years, before her well-deserved retirement. The heart and soul of our association, she has made her mark as a reference for QAT employees.
About QAT

QAT is a sectoral tourism association recognized by Tourisme Québec and represents over 100 aboriginal tourism enterprises and Band Councils from all the aboriginal Nations in the province. QAT’s mission is to provide the aboriginal tourism entrepreneurs of Quebec with a representative body that safeguards their interests, supports their development and offers a range of products and services that promote business development, improve business practices and increase visibility in tourism markets.

Each year, Aboriginal Quebec welcomes over 800,000 visitors, sustains around 3,500 jobs and generates an estimated $169 million in economic benefits.

To view the full 2014-2015 Annual Report and for more information about QAT, visit aboriginalquebec.com

-30 –

Source: Patricia Auclair, Communication Advisor
Tel: 418-843-5030 Mobile: 418-254-5067
pauclair@tourismeautochtone.com

ILR5