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Destination Cape Breton and Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network Sign Historic Partnership Agreement

MOU commits both organizations to growing authentic Mi’kmaw L’Nu tourism across Unama’ki – Cape Breton Island

Wagmatcook, NS — Destination Cape Breton (DCB) and the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITEN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today formalizing a shared commitment to advancing Mi’kmaw L’Nu tourism across Unama’ki – Cape Breton Island.

The agreement was signed by the boards of both organizations and represents a significant step toward building a more inclusive, authentic and culturally rich destination experience on the Island.

The MOU establishes a framework for DCB and NSITEN to work together with Mi’kmaw L’Nu business owners, operators and organizations to identify and support collaborative tourism initiatives — from promoting authentic cultural experiences to building capacity through training and professional development designed specifically for the Mi’kmaw L’Nu tourism sector. The partnership also commits both organizations to exploring cross-cultural training for the broader Unama’ki – Cape Breton Island tourism industry.

Grounded in the principles of Two-Eyed Seeing / Etuaptmumk, the partnership reflects a shared dedication to approaches that honour both Mi’kmaw and Western knowledge systems. The agreement also aligns with both organizations’ commitment to addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action.

“This partnership reflects our deepest commitment to building a destination that honours the culture and knowledge of the Mi’kmaw L’Nu people. Authentic Indigenous tourism experiences are a cornerstone of what makes Cape Breton Island extraordinary, and this MOU signals our determination to grow those experiences with intention, respect and purpose.” — Terry Smith, CEO, Destination Cape Breton

“NSITEN looks forward to working alongside DCB and utilizing specific cultural protocols to ensure Mi’kmaw L’Nu voices, businesses and culture are meaningfully included and represented in the future tourism landscape of Unama’ki. It is our hope that this will be the start of many new ally partnerships that will open new doors aimed at action-oriented steps towards reconciliation through the tool of tourism. This MOU will identify and build on initiatives that will showcase the unique Indigenous experiences and offerings found here on the Island. This important agreement is a foundation for genuine collaboration of what we hope will be a more equitable future for Indigenous tourism in Nova Scotia.” — Robert Bernard, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network

The MOU has a three-year term running through March 31, 2029, with the option to renew. The Executive Committees of both organizations will meet annually to review progress on shared initiatives.

Photo L-R: Terry Smith, CEO of Destination Cape Breton; Warden Bonny MacIsaac, Municipality of the County of Inverness and Vice-Chair of Destination Cape Breton; Andrea Stevens, Chairperson of the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network; Robert Bernard, Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network.