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

  1. a) Provide marketing, booking and promotion services for Cree outfitting operations.
  2. b) Provide business, management, accounting and professional services for Cree outfitters.
  3. c) 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.