Indigenous Tourism Development Manager Collapsible Content

About the Position

Join a collaborative and purpose-driven team as the Indigenous Tourism Development Manager, supporting Explore Edmonton’s Destination Stewardship work. In this role, you will help strengthen Indigenous tourism experiences across the Edmonton region while supporting a visitor economy that contributes to community wellbeing and protects cultural and natural assets.

Reporting to the Director, Destination Strategy, you will lead initiatives that advance the priorities outlined in Walking Forward Together, Explore Edmonton’s Indigenous Tourism Development Strategy, and the Tourism Master Plan. You will work with Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs, and cultural partners to support the development of market- and export-ready Indigenous visitor experiences that reflect Edmonton’s unique sense of place.

You will also serve as an advisor across the organization, supporting teams in the respectful representation of Indigenous culture, strengthening Indigenous partnerships, and contributing to the ongoing development of the Indigenous Advisory Circle.

What You Will Do

Advance Indigenous Tourism Strategy

• Support the implementation of Indigenous tourism priorities aligned with the Tourism Master
• Plan and destination stewardship objectives.
• Help advance the Walking Forward Together strategy by translating priorities into practical initiatives and partnership opportunities.
• Identify trends, opportunities, and risks related to Indigenous tourism development and cultural representation.
• Provide updates and recommendations to the Director, Destination Strategy, and internal teams to strengthen Indigenous tourism initiatives.
• Ensure initiatives reflect regenerative tourism principles and economic reconciliation goals.

Build Partnerships & Support Destination Development

• Work with Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and cultural leaders to support the co-creation of Indigenous tourism experiences.
• Support Indigenous tourism operators in developing market-ready and export-ready experiences.
• Manage Explore Edmonton’s commitments under the MOU with Indigenous Tourism Alberta, including planning, tracking progress, and reporting.
• Act as a liaison with partners including Indigenous Tourism Alberta, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Travel Alberta, and local Indigenous communities.
• Identify partnership opportunities that support sustainable Indigenous tourism growth.

Provide Organizational Advisory Support

• Support internal teams in planning Indigenous-focused initiatives and partnerships.
• Share tools and resources that help staff navigate Indigenous partnerships and cultural protocols.
• Support the coordination and continued development of the Indigenous Advisory Circle.
• Maintain current information on Indigenous tourism contacts, partners, and operators.
• Assist with project planning, budget tracking, and reporting related to Indigenous tourism initiatives.

What You Will Bring

• Post-secondary education in tourism, humanities, marketing, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3+ years of experience working with Indigenous communities, businesses, or organizations.
  6–8 years of experience leading projects or initiatives, including planning and coordinating resources.
• Strong relationship-building skills grounded in respect, reciprocity, and long-term collaboration.
• Knowledge of tourism development or visitor experience design; familiarity with the Edmonton region tourism sector is an asset.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, including cross-cultural communication.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Sound judgment and the ability to navigate complex or sensitive situations with diplomacy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within the Edmonton region and occasionally beyond.