Tourism Series: Profile on North Slave RTO

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June 1, 2017

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“Tourism is a happy industry,” Amy Lizotte says when asked what she enjoys most about her work. She is the North Slave Regional Tourism Development Officer (RTO) and loves it.   

“The tourism industry in the NWT is filled with people who do what they love, who take a risk, start their own business and want to share their home and their culture with the world. I love meeting these people, learning from them and finding ways to support their business,” she says.

Amy has worked as the North Slave Office RTO for the last four years. In addition to issuing tourism operator licenses, her role involves supporting tourism operators through training, funding, networking and partnerships that support building new tourism products or activities. She works closely with all the Tlicho communities, as well as Yellowknives Dene First Nation and Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation to build community tourism plans and to support new tourism business development.

ITI Projects in the North Slave Region:

  • Investing in Communities: in 2017/18, $251,000 in funding is going towards community infrastructure development and new tourism product development. It supports established operators to diversify into new markets, encourages new Aboriginal tourism operators with startup assistance, and helps communities move forward with their tourism plans.
  • The North Slave Office is also working with NWT Tourism to develop stories that highlight the culture, landscape, and ‘product-ready’ experiences in the communities that can be promoted to tourists through social media.

RTO Tips: Not to Miss

  • The deep waters of Great Slave Lake will entice any fisher, explorer, or boating enthusiast. Many local tourism operators offer excursions on this pristine lake. Lutsel K’e, a traditional Chipewyan community, is located on the shores of this great lake.
  • Experience a traditional drum dance. Tradition is paramount in the NWT and there are plenty of opportunities to experience local culture. A visit to any North Slave Region community on Aboriginal Day (June 21) means you’ll have a front row seat to captivating traditions.