Mission and Objectives

Mission

Our mission is to develop and implement a collective vision for a world-class sustainable tourism industry in Eeyou Istchee that is in harmony with Cree culture and values and that involves a partnership with Cree communities, institutions, and businesses.

Objectives

Implement Sections 28.4 and 28.6 of the JBNQA

  •  Provide marketing, booking and promotion services for Cree outfitting operations.
  • Provide business, management, accounting and professional services for Cree outfitters.
  • Conduct feasibility studies related to establishment or siting of individual outfitting facilities or a network of outfitting facilities.

Community Awareness and Capacity Building

  • Place a priority on increasing awareness of tourism as a sustainable economic development opportunity.
  • Increase the capacity of local and regional institutions to provide services by improving access to information.
  • Support and undertake training and skill development initiatives that recognize Cree skills and industry standards.
  • Support and encourage human resource development related to tourism.

Industry Development

  • Promote partnerships among Cree businesses, communities, and institutions.
  • Represent the interests of COTA members at meetings with governments, commissions, other organizations, and non-native developers.
  • Support the development of Cree tourist products that exceed market standards by creating quality standards and by recognizing success with awards.
  • Ensure the participation of the Cree Nation in the development and promotion of tourism and outfitting activities.

Communications

  • Ensure effective communications with Cree stakeholders including Tallymen, governments, communities, and industry.
  • Promote COTA’s vision, objectives, activities, and accomplishments.
  • Promote a positive image of the membership.
  • Develop alliances and coordinate with other tourism and indigenous organizations to work toward common goals.
  • Serve as a liaison between Cree tourism and outfitting operators, the tourism industry, and the markets they serve.
  • Incorporate current technology to increase the ease and efficiency of communications and reduce the associated costs.

Marketing

  • Increase market share by researching the feasibility of regional projects that promote the communities.
  • Conduct product development and market research that include visitor statistics and product inventories.

Financial Development

  • Actively seek funding and other resources from governments, the private sector, and other sources.
  • Develop, where appropriate, revenue-generating activities.