Latest news with #Werk
Hamilton Spectator
18-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Indigenous tourism feels the pinch from decline in US visitors and funding cuts
Dean Werk was supposed to be gearing up for a busy summer on the Fraser River in British Columbia. Instead, the Métis owner of Great River Fishing Adventures is watching his calendar empty out as American clients, once the lifeblood of his business, cancel trips one after another. Earlier this year, Werk's company — known for helping clients catch and release some of the biggest sturgeon on the river — lost a US group worth $85,000. 'We worked for two years to put this package together for them. And that booking got cancelled,' Werk said. Soon after, a $65,000 booking was also lost. Werk is concerned this is just the beginning and the sector could face a situation similar to the pandemic, when Indigenous tourism saw international travel collapse and struggled for years to partially recover. Across Canada, Indigenous businesses are reporting a significant drop in tourism from the United States. The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) projected US bookings will fall nearly 70 per cent compared to last year, with advanced bookings for flights between Canada and the US expected to remain down by more than 70 per cent each month through September. Operators point to tariffs, geopolitical tensions and shifting travel advisories as key factors. Robert French, who manages Big Land Fishing Lodge in Newfoundland and Labrador, has seen similar declines and described the trend as reciprocal. 'Canadians going to the US have decided to stay at home. And I think this is vice versa. A lot of US people are trying to start to stay home and travel within their own country,' French said. For many Indigenous operators, the loss of American visitors is devastating. US travelers have historically accounted for the bulk of bookings, with international guests spending more and staying longer than domestic tourists. Werk said Indigenous tour operators often depend on the US market for as much as 60 to 80 per cent of their clientele. According to government documents, Indigenous tourism in Canada has still not recovered after the pandemic. The businesses generated $4 billion in 2019, but by 2023, that number had dropped to $3.7 billion — and the real value is even lower when adjusted for inflation. Now, as the industry hoped for a full rebound, operators are facing a new wave of challenges with even fewer safety nets. A central concern for the sector is the steep drop in federal funding . In Budget 2024, Ottawa invested $2.5 million for ITAC (which is not part of the government). That's less than 10 per cent of the $33 million the organization requested for operations, marketing and development as part of a 2030 strategy to make Canada a world leader in Indigenous tourism. The funding cuts forced ITAC to lay off about half its staff and halt support for smaller provincial organizations, putting their futures in jeopardy. Keith Henry, CEO and president of ITAC, said the reductions risk setting the industry back a decade and damaging its reputation among major tourism buyers and sellers. This year, federal support has fallen even further. For 2025-2026, Indigenous Services Canada funding is down to $1.25 million, Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada has dropped to zero and Destination Canada's contribution is now $1.9 million. The total reduction amounts to $4.55 million, representing about a 68 per cent cut to ITAC in a single year. Henry said the sector is being told by the federal government that tourism is 'poised to do great in 2025,' but that message does not reflect the reality for Indigenous operators on the ground. The operators are also seeing a decline in tourists from other international origins beyond the US as a result of tensions between Canada and the US, and conflicts elsewhere. Henry said the situation is a serious setback for Indigenous-led tourism across the country. 'We've seen a continued decline of federal government support for Indigenous tourism. It feels like Canada has lost any true vision or interest to invest and believe in Indigenous-led tourism, despite public words,' Henry said. Indigenous Services Canada has yet to respond to Canada's National Observer's request for comment and further information. Meanwhile, international arrivals are dropping sharply . In March 2025, trips to Canada by US residents fell 6.6 per cent year over year, while arrivals from overseas residents plunged 17.4 per cent. The numbers are continuing to decline as trade tensions persist. In response to the decline in international tourists, ITAC has ramped up domestic marketing efforts, launching the 'Original Original' campaign to encourage Canadians to explore Indigenous tourism in their own backyard. The association has increased its presence through advertising, television commercials and bus wraps in major cities, such as Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg, Halifax and Vancouver as well as the North. Henry said the efforts are crucial for raising awareness among Canadian travelers, but domestic tourism cannot make up for the loss of international visitors, especially Americans. 'Domestic travellers spend less and don't stay as long. International customers spend six to eight hundred dollars per person, versus a Canadian who spends maybe one to two hundred. The math doesn't make sense if we lose those international guests,' Henry said. While operators struggle with lost bookings and shrinking federal support, many are now contending with a new set of pressures making recovery even harder. In Churchill, Manitoba, David Daley is facing a 'triple hit.' Daley, a Métis long-distance dogsled racer who runs Wapusk Adventures, said wildfires have forced evacuations across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, creating confusion for tourists and immediate ripple effects for local businesses, as the province urges people to avoid 'unnecessary travel' to the region. 'We're open for business, but then the province is saying we're closed for business. It's a mixed message that the tourists are getting,' Daley said. 'That's not very good news for the tourism industry.' He said there is no emergency fund to support operators through disasters like wildfires, leaving many exposed to sudden losses. On top of this, costs are spiraling. Daley said since the pandemic, insurance premiums for his hotel have soared, adding yet another burden to an already fragile sector. He has also diversified his offerings beyond dog sledding to e-bike rentals, a storefront, a hotel and Aurora viewing, but can't fully offset the uncertainty and financial strain facing the business. 'How many rooms do you have to rent to just pay your insurance? Never mind your loans to own up a piece of property like that?' he said. Indigenous tourism business operators have also reported rising costs for fuel, food, and equipment. Werk said uncertainty is weighing heavily on everyone in the industry and the federal government needs to recognize the scale of the crisis and act decisively. 'It's not just one year. It's cumulative over potentially the next three or four years until we get this all straightened out,' he said. 'If things don't change, I'm not sure how much longer we can keep going.' Sonal Gupta / Local Journalism Initiative / Canada's National Observer Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
National Observer
17-06-2025
- Business
- National Observer
Indigenous businesses feel the pinch from decline in US tourists and federal funding cuts
Dean Werk was supposed to be gearing up for a busy summer on the Fraser River in British Columbia. Instead, the Métis owner of Great River Fishing Adventures is watching his calendar empty out as American clients, once the lifeblood of his business, cancel trips one after another. Earlier this year, Werk's company — known for helping clients catch and release some of the biggest sturgeon on the river — lost a US group worth $85,000. 'We worked for two years to put this package together for them. And that booking got cancelled,' Werk said. Soon after, a $65,000 booking was also lost. Werk is concerned this is just the beginning and the sector could face a situation similar to the pandemic, when Indigenous tourism saw international travel collapse and struggled for years to partially recover. Across Canada, Indigenous businesses are reporting a significant drop in tourism from the United States. The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) projected US bookings will fall nearly 70 per cent compared to last year, with advanced bookings for flights between Canada and the US expected to remain down by more than 70 per cent each month through September. Operators point to tariffs, geopolitical tensions and shifting travel advisories as key factors. "It feels like Canada has lost any true vision or interest to invest and believe in Indigenous-led tourism, despite public words,' Keith Henry, CEO and president of ITAC. Robert French, who manages Big Land Fishing Lodge in Newfoundland and Labrador, has seen similar declines and described the trend as reciprocal. 'Canadians going to the US have decided to stay at home. And I think this is vice versa. A lot of US people are trying to start to stay home and travel within their own country,' French said. For many Indigenous operators, the loss of American visitors is devastating. US travelers have historically accounted for the bulk of bookings, with international guests spending more and staying longer than domestic tourists. Werk said Indigenous tour operators often depend on the US market for as much as 60 to 80 per cent of their clientele. According to government documents, Indigenous tourism in Canada has still not recovered after the pandemic. The businesses generated $4 billion in 2019, but by 2023, that number had dropped to $3.7 billion — and the real value is even lower when adjusted for inflation. Now, as the industry hoped for a full rebound, operators are facing a new wave of challenges with even fewer safety nets. Federal support plummets A central concern for the sector is the steep drop in federal funding. In Budget 2024, Ottawa invested $2.5 million for ITAC (which is not part of the government). That's less than 10 per cent of the $33 million the organization requested for operations, marketing and development as part of a 2030 strategy to make Canada a world leader in Indigenous tourism. The funding cuts forced ITAC to lay off about half its staff and halt support for smaller provincial organizations, putting their futures in jeopardy. Keith Henry, CEO and president of ITAC, said the reductions risk setting the industry back a decade and damaging its reputation among major tourism buyers and sellers. This year, federal support has fallen even further. For 2025-2026, Indigenous Services Canada funding is down to $1.25 million, Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada has dropped to zero and Destination Canada's contribution is now $1.9 million. The total reduction amounts to $4.55 million, representing about a 68 per cent cut to ITAC in a single year. Henry said the sector is being told by the federal government that tourism is 'poised to do great in 2025,' but that message does not reflect the reality for Indigenous operators on the ground. The operators are also seeing a decline in tourists from other international origins beyond the US as a result of tensions between Canada and the US, and conflicts elsewhere. Henry said the situation is a serious setback for Indigenous-led tourism across the country. 'We've seen a continued decline of federal government support for Indigenous tourism. It feels like Canada has lost any true vision or interest to invest and believe in Indigenous-led tourism, despite public words,' Henry said. Indigenous Services Canada has yet to respond to Canada's National Observer's request for comment and further information. Domestic marketing Meanwhile, international arrivals are dropping sharply. In March 2025, trips to Canada by US residents fell 6.6 per cent year over year, while arrivals from overseas residents plunged 17.4 per cent. The numbers are continuing to decline as trade tensions persist. In response to the decline in international tourists, ITAC has ramped up domestic marketing efforts, launching the 'Original Original' campaign to encourage Canadians to explore Indigenous tourism in their own backyard. The association has increased its presence through advertising, television commercials and bus wraps in major cities, such as Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg, Halifax and Vancouver as well as the North. Henry said the efforts are crucial for raising awareness among Canadian travelers, but domestic tourism cannot make up for the loss of international visitors, especially Americans. 'Domestic travellers spend less and don't stay as long. International customers spend six to eight hundred dollars per person, versus a Canadian who spends maybe one to two hundred. The math doesn't make sense if we lose those international guests,' Henry said. Additional pressures mount While operators struggle with lost bookings and shrinking federal support, many are now contending with a new set of pressures making recovery even harder. In Churchill, Manitoba, David Daley is facing a 'triple hit.' Daley, a Métis long-distance dogsled racer who runs Wapusk Adventures, said wildfires have forced evacuations across Manitoba and Saskatchewan, creating confusion for tourists and immediate ripple effects for local businesses, as the province urges people to avoid 'unnecessary travel' to the region. 'We're open for business, but then the province is saying we're closed for business. It's a mixed message that the tourists are getting,' Daley said. 'That's not very good news for the tourism industry.' He said there is no emergency fund to support operators through disasters like wildfires, leaving many exposed to sudden losses. On top of this, costs are spiraling. Daley said since the pandemic, insurance premiums for his hotel have soared, adding yet another burden to an already fragile sector. He has also diversified his offerings beyond dog sledding to e-bike rentals, a storefront, a hotel and Aurora viewing, but can't fully offset the uncertainty and financial strain facing the business. 'How many rooms do you have to rent to just pay your insurance? Never mind your loans to own up a piece of property like that?' he said. Indigenous tourism business operators have also reported rising costs for fuel, food, and equipment. Werk said uncertainty is weighing heavily on everyone in the industry and the federal government needs to recognize the scale of the crisis and act decisively. 'It's not just one year. It's cumulative over potentially the next three or four years until we get this all straightened out,' he said. 'If things don't change, I'm not sure how much longer we can keep going.'
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Saloon cuts funding for drag performers, putting some shows at risk
A lineup change is coming to The Saloon Bar, which is reducing funding for its long-running drag shows, forcing at least one of them to cancel. One of the longest-running gay bars in the Twin Cities, The Saloon is a staple in the drag community, hosting multiple shows a week ranging from competitions to variety shows. It's a proven platform for many performers and producers to break out into the drag scene and make money, with The Saloon typically paying performers for their talents. However, bar management is now paring back its investment in drag shows, only paying for performances of its Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday shows: Werk and Hot Pink. "We are at the point financially, especially with the economy downtown, where we just can't put out the kind of money that we were putting out for drag," Bobby Palmer, the Saloon's manager, said to Bring Me The News. "We still support all of our drag producers. We still support all of our shows and offer our space to everyone who wants to use it, but I need producers to come to the table now with a little more than just an idea." Previously funded shows are still welcome to perform at the Saloon and use its space, and they will not be charged for the platform. However, producers and cast will have to pay out of their pocket to put on their shows instead of being paid by the bar, and will rely on tips. The effects of this decision have already been seen with alternative drag show Ghoulfriends, which announced on May 8 that its final show would be on July 23. "Due to changes beyond our control, we are sorry to announce that July will be the final Ghoulfriends show," the story post read. "We thank you for the years of support, boos, and fun. You all made this an incredible experience for us, and we loved entertaining you all." Ghoulfriends was the first show to announce it would not be returning to the Saloon. However, the withdrawal of funds has left the future of multiple shows at risk, according to Slaymantha Fox, drag queen and producer of "Booked" and "Drag Show: The Musical." "Pretty simply, if we can't find the funding, the shows end. I can't speak for other producers, but personally, I can't afford to fund them myself, and honestly, most shows I don't make a profit other than tips," Fox said to Bring Me The News. "I created Booked because I was seeing a lot of performers coming up in the scene that weren't getting those bookings, and I just wanted to celebrate the underdogs to lift others up that otherwise wouldn't have a space." Booked has been a staple show at The Saloon since April 2022. According to Fox, Palmer had contacted them in late April to discuss the future of the bars' drag shows, and said they no longer had the funds to pay performers, with an exception for "Hot Pink," which has been the "headlining" show at The Saloon for years now, and its competition show "Werk." "You are going to start seeing a lot from me and possibly other producers asking for sponsorship... You might see GoFundMe's other forms to try and find the money to pay these performers because we don't want these shows to go away," Fox said live on Facebook on May 7. While the bar has said it is still supportive and welcomes drag performances in its space, the news of The Saloon's change spread within the community, causing many to voice their unhappiness at the situation. "I don't doubt there's a possibility of funds lacking. I just feel like this could've been done with a lot more communication,' frequent Saloon visitor, Juniper Foster said. "Seeing a drag space get relegated to one specific type of drag feels limiting and disappointing, especially in a city that has such a vibrant art scene." "I think it's easy to point the blame, and it's what humans do, right? We look for someone or something to direct our frustration, anger, and anxiety at. And until you have all the information, you'll only see it from one perspective," Fox said. "I encourage people to look deeper and do the math. Once I multiplied that across all the shows, it made more sense from a business standpoint. But I don't deny people's anger or frustration at the bar because it is upsetting." While Palmer told Bring Me The News that the bar is currently doing fine financially, the decision was made to ensure that it continues to stay afloat, saying that "the place is too important to too many people." Many have critiqued the decision, claiming that the bar profits heavily during Pride Month with its annual block party, which will take place from June 27-29. It features DJs, drag performers, and even a Ferris wheel. Tickets range from $44 for a day to $106 for a weekend pass. "I get what people think about it, but I need people to understand that Pride is very expensive to put on and it's very, very risky," Palmer said in response. "If we have bad weather, we are out of luck. I get what people think about it, but there is a large amount of anxiety and concern about it." Drag Queen Miz Diagnosis, formerly a host for Stand Up Saloon (SUS), a show cancelled months before this decision, said shows like SUS and Booked are "integral" to the local drag scene. "They were designed to push artists in a way that some shows don't. SUS always booked comedians to push themselves in front of a queer audience, and drag artists would get an opportunity to try stand up and/or comedic numbers for the first time," Diagnosis said to Bring Me The News. "Booked has monthly changing themes that allow its casts and guests to develop new numbers and work on passion projects/themes that may not be deemed 'marketable.' They were incubators for the art form of drag, and elevated it to new levels." The next Booked will be on May 23 at 8:30 p.m., and while the future remains uncertain, Fox said she has not given up yet. "I have a few leads on donors and sponsorship, but nothing confirmed or in writing yet. But I am hopeful," Fox said. "If we can stop pointing blame a bit and take a step back and come together as a community and find a positive constructive way forward we can solve this bump in the road. But people need to do the work, step up, and support each other." Upcoming shows at the Saloon can be found posted on their Instagram.
