Giiwe | The Original Original
Giiwe Earns "The Original Original" Accreditation: What This Means for Our Community
At Giiwe, our mission has always been rooted in authenticity, connection, and the sharing of Indigenous culture. Today, we are honoured to share a significant milestone in our journey: Giiwe has officially received The Original Original accreditation from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).
For us, this is more than just a certificate—it is a national "stamp of approval" that recognizes the role that Giiwe has in authentic Indigenous tourism. But what exactly does this mean for our business, our partners, and, most importantly, for you?
What is "The Original Original"?
The Original Original is Canada’s national mark of excellence for Indigenous tourism. Managed by ITAC, this accreditation program is designed to identify and promote Indigenous tourism businesses that offer truly authentic, high-quality, and safe experiences.
To earn this mark, Giiwe underwent an assessment to ensure we meet high-level industry standards. This means we have been verified as a majority Indigenous-owned business that operates with the professionalism and safety protocols required to thrive in the global tourism market.
What This Means for Giiwe
Receiving this accreditation is a testament to the hard work we put into every tour, event, and product. By meeting these certified standards, Giiwe is now part of an elite group of operators recognized on a national stage.
The benefits for our business are immense:
Global Visibility: Giiwe will now be featured prominently through ITAC’s Destination Indigenous marketing, appearing in national magazines, media communiques, and international travel itineraries.
Professional Growth: We gain exclusive access to specialized business development resources and networking opportunities with global travel trade partners.
A Trusted Reputation: This accreditation tells the world that Giiwe is not just a local favourite, but a business that meets international tourism standards.
What This Means for You
While this is a big win for Giiwe as a business, the real value of this accreditation belongs to you—our guests, partners, and customers.
For the Explorers: Our Tours
When you book a tour through Giiwe, you aren’t just signing up for a walk or a talk; you are engaging in a verified, authentic Indigenous experience. The Original Original mark provides you with the peace of mind that our tours are held to the highest safety and quality standards in the country. You can trust that the stories shared and the paths taken are rooted in genuine heritage and respect.
For the Visionaries: Our Events
For organizations and individuals looking to collaborate on events, this accreditation confirms that Giiwe is "Market Ready." It proves that we have the established policies, professional insurance, and operational excellence needed to manage large-scale events with reliability and care. When you work with us, you are working with a professional partner recognized for excellence at a national level.
For the Supporters: Our Shop
Authenticity matters. When you shop at Giiwe, this accreditation serves as your guarantee that you are supporting a verified Indigenous entrepreneur. In a world where Indigenous designs are often appropriated, The Original Original mark ensures that your purchase directly supports Indigenous creators and honors the cultural integrity of the products you bring into your home.
Looking Ahead
Earning The Original Original accreditation is a proud moment for Giiwe, but it is also a promise. It is a promise that we will continue to uphold these high standards, ensuring that every time you connect with us, you are experiencing the best of what Indigenous tourism has to offer.
We invite you to celebrate this milestone with us to see what’s coming next, and thank you for being a part of our journey "home."
