After being granted $25,000 in January 2025 for her business expenses, including studio space and insurance, Carey Perkins is still awaiting the funds. Perkins, a Kanienʼkehá:ka from Akwesasne and the owner of Niio Perkins Designs known for her beadwork jewelry, expressed frustration over the delay in receiving funding from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
Perkins is one of many small business owners who were anticipating financial support through ITAC but have not yet received it. The delay has forced Perkins to fall behind on her studio space insurance and eventually led her to vacate the space in August 2025.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) focuses on promoting and enhancing authentic Indigenous tourism in Canada through various initiatives, as outlined in its 2023-24 annual report. In early 2025, $3.3 million in federal funding was allocated to 136 Indigenous tourism businesses through the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS) administered by ITAC.
Concerns over the delayed funding have prompted Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to investigate the situation further. ITAC’s President and CEO, Keith Henry, acknowledged that some recipients are still awaiting payments from the MSBS program but assured that efforts are being made to settle outstanding balances as revenues become available.
For Perkins, the requirement to spend the funds before receiving them has hindered her business growth plans. She expressed disappointment in having to shift her focus from retail to creating unique pieces, limiting her ability to serve the community. A similar situation was experienced by Aïcha Smith-Belghaba, another MSBS grant recipient, who has struggled with the impact of delayed funding on her catering and Indigenous culinary experiences business, Esha’s Eats.
Issues with late payments extended to other Indigenous-owned businesses following an Indigenous tourism conference organized by ITAC in Edmonton. Nathan Rainy Chief, from the Blood Tribe, highlighted the challenges faced by his business, 49 Dzine, in receiving payment for services provided at the conference.
Despite the setbacks, ITAC is hopeful for future funding opportunities, including a potential contribution from a U.K.-based charity, the Passion Project Foundation. However, until the anticipated funds materialize, ITAC has implemented cost-cutting measures and reduced operations.
