My question is for the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Recently in my community and surrounding area of Sault Ste. Marie, also known as Baawaating, several events were held to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The weekend for truth and reconciliation in Baawaating was a two-day showcase of Indigenous arts, culture and heritage that were held in partnership between Indigenous Tourism Ontario and the Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, which is an Indigenous institute in my riding.

This event’s overall success and benefits cannot be understated in recognizing truth and healing in creating a path forward. One of these events showcased a special drone show that was used to illustrate a creation story about truth and reconciliation that was told by a local elder and former Ojibway teacher of mine, Barbara Nolan, which she narrated in both Nishnaabemwin and English.

Based on the success of the first-time event in my riding, can we count on our government to continue to provide these significant investments for Indigenous events throughout Ontario?

Interjections.

Some of the things you could have enjoyed over the weekend were shopping in an Indigenous vendor marketplace. You could have had some Indigenous food. You could have learned about Indigenous tourism experiences in Ontario and enjoyed some local Indigenous music. Since 2018, our government’s focus on supporting Indigenous tourism has contributed to Indigenous cultural expression and preservation.

To the minister: Can you please detail what further investment our government is making towards creating jobs for Indigenous people and expanding tourism offerings across the great province of Ontario?