FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Launch of the Aboriginal Tourism Guide Atiik Askii: Land of the Caribou

SAULT STE. MARIE, Oct. 20 /CNW Telbec/ - A guide to developing community based tourism was released today during the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO) annual general meeting.

"Atiik Aski: Land of the Caribou is a result of a partnership among the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, First Nation and Métis," said
the Honourable Andy Scott, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians. "Community-based economic development is part of the new approach to economic development that the government supports to enable First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities and institutions to attain their economic development objectives."

"This project is a great example of federal, provincial and community collaboration in support of a community economic development initiative," said
the Honourable Liza Frulla, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "This partnership with the province of Manitoba and the communities has resulted in an approach to tourism development which may benefit other communities across Canada."

This guide is a case study of the Northwest Manitoba Regional Tourism Strategy and identifies and describes eight best practices derived from a
community tourism development strategic planning process carried out over two years by 13 communities - 12 located in northwestern Manitoba and one in eastern Saskatchewan. Eleven of the communities are Aboriginal: two Dene First Nations, six Cree First Nations and three Métis. The other two are Euro Canadian, representing a mix of cultural traditions and languages.

"Tourism today has many aspects," said Eric Robinson, Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Province of Manitoba. "Tapping into the growing
market by establishing partnerships and developing sustainable, environmentally sensitive tourism activities will empower Manitobans to seize
upon new economic opportunities."

Community and economic development practitioners undertaking community tourism development may find that considering and/or adopting the practices outlined in this publication in their planning processes can help stakeholders ensure and enrich a successful outcome.

To obtain a copy, contact your local Indian and Northern Affairs Canada office or contact the Indian Northern Affairs Canada Public Enquiries Contact
Centre at 1-800-567-9604.

For further information: Gilbert Savard, Director, Regional Secretariat,
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Manitoba Region, (204) 983-6195; Margot
Geduld, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Media Relations, (819) 994-2044;
This release is also available in electronic format at www.ainc-inac.gc.ca