In January 2025, Carey Perkins, a Kanienʼkehá:ka business owner from Akwesasne, was granted $25,000 for her business, Niio Perkins Designs, to cover various expenses. However, more than a year later, she has yet to receive the funds, causing significant challenges for her studio space and operations.

Perkins is part of a group of small business owners who were expecting financial support from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) but have not received it, leading to financial strain and operational difficulties.

ITAC, as per its 2023-24 annual report, focuses on promoting authentic Indigenous tourism through development, marketing, leadership, and partnerships. Earlier in 2025, ITAC, in collaboration with the Indigenous Tourism Fund, distributed approximately $3.3 million in federal funding to 136 Indigenous tourism businesses.

Following concerns about delayed payments, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has committed to investigating the issue and ensuring that the rightful recipients receive their grants. ITAC’s President and CEO, Keith Henry, acknowledged some outstanding payments from the Micro and Small Business Stream program and assured that efforts are being made to settle all pending dues.

For Perkins, the delayed funding has disrupted her plans for expansion and forced her to shift focus from retail to art, impacting her ability to serve the community effectively. Similarly, Aïcha Smith-Belghaba, another grant recipient, expressed how the delay has affected her business, mental health, and financial stability.

Several Indigenous-owned businesses also reported late payments after an Indigenous tourism conference hosted by ITAC, raising concerns about the timely disbursement of funds to support these enterprises.

Despite challenges with delayed payments, ITAC remains hopeful for future funding opportunities, including an anticipated contribution from a U.K.-based charity. The organization is actively seeking financial support to sustain its operations and continue promoting Indigenous tourism in Canada.