Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 COTA essay contest! We received many wonderful submissions and were truly impressed at the energy, enthusiasm, and passion demonstrated by applicants.
We are pleased to share the winning essay, written by Catherine Quinn of Mistissini. In her writing, Catherine shares her journey as owner of MistissiniBnb, highlighting her passion for sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship, and Cree-led tourism.
Read Catherine Quinn's essay here
My name is Catherine Quinn, and I am a proud Cree woman from Mistissini. I am the founder of MistissiniBnB, a Cree-led guesthouse rooted in our cultural values of hospitality, respect, and community. What began as a small step toward financial independence, has grown into a thriving business that welcomes guests from across Eeyou Istchee and beyond. Today, I am applying to attend the Indigenous Tourism conference in Edmonton because I believe this opportunity will not only strengthen my business, but also create ripple effects that benefit my Nation and future generations.
I started MistissiniBnB (formerly known as Mistissini Bed & Breakfast) in 2023, with the dream of offering more than just a place to stay. I wanted guests to feel Cree hospitality in its truest form; warm, genuine, and connected to the land. From the moment visitors walk through our doors, they are welcomed and invited into a space that reflects our culture, and given small touches like bannock and tea that reminds them they are part of something meaningful.
In just two years, MistissiniBnB has grown into a profitable business with a growing number of five-star reviews on Google, repeat guests, and strong partnerships with organizations like the Cree Health Board and Cree School Board. Starting off with just four bedrooms to now six, with plans of making a seventh bedroom for 2026. Our location in the heart of Mistissini allows guests to experience the beauty of Eeyou Istchee while supporting a Cree-owned business. My all-women team; including myself, my partner, and community members, reflects the leadership of Indigenous women in driving sustainable and inclusive tourism.
Tourism has given me independence, stability, and a sense of purpose. But more importantly, it has allowed me to showcase the strength of Cree culture to visitors, while also inspiring other local entrepreneurs to pursue their own paths.
The Indigenous Tourism Conference represents a chance to learn, to share, and to grow alongside other leaders who are shaping the future of Indigenous Tourism. I believe I should be chosen because my work already aligns with the conference’s mission: to uplift Indigenous voices, preserve cultural traditions, and build sustainable economies rooted in who we are.
At MistissiniBnB, sustainability is central to my vision. We are integrating eco-friendly practices such as composting, non-toxic cleaning products, and plans for further upgrades for smart energy systems to reduce waste and conserve resources. Our next phase of expansion includes creating a cultural space with a teepee and firepit for occasional community activities, allowing guests to experience Cree traditions in an authentic and respectful way.
Attending the conference would provide me with the tools, networks, and inspiration to bring these projects to life. I want to learn from other Indigenous entrepreneurs across Canada who are balancing cultural preservation with modern tourism demands. I also want to share the Cree experience; our challenges, our successes, and our vision for the future.
If selected, I will return home with knowledge and strategies that go far beyond my own business. I will share what I learn with other Cree entrepreneurs, especially youth and women, who are exploring tourism as a career path. I believe representation matters, and when younger generations see Cree women leading in business, it not only inspires, but I believe it could opens doors for them.
I also commit to writing and sharing a reflection after the conference so that my community benefits from the insights I gain. The connections I make in Edmonton will help me build partnerships that strengthen MistissiniBnB and expand opportunities for Cree cultural tourism. By investing in me, you are investing in a vision where Eeeyou Istchee is not just a destination, but a living example of Indigenous-led hospitality, culture, and resilience.
I am applying for this opportunity not only for myself but for my community. MistissiniBnB has shown me the power of tourism to create independence, pride, and cultural exchange. With the support of the Indigenous Tourism Conference, I know I can take our work further; elevating Cree hospitality, strengthening sustainable practices, and mentoring others along the way.
Eeyou Istchee has so much to offer the world. By choosing me, you are helping ensure that its story is told with pride, authenticity, and vision for the future.
As our essay contest winner, Catherine won a trip for two to the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC), the world’s largest conference dedicated to Indigenous tourism. At the conference, she had the chance to learn, connect, and celebrate with Indigenous tourism leaders and innovators from around the world.
Congratulations to Catherine, and thank you to all who entered the contest! We look forward to our next essay contest, which is scheduled to launch in Summer 2026.
