Who we are

Our efforts are focused on realizing the vision for which COTA was created under the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA). We are committed to transforming Eeyou Itschee Baie-James vast potential into a viable economic reality.

How are we doing this? By focusing on three critical issues:

 

  1. Enhancing air access for tourists to the region through our Master plan for air access
  2. Fostering the development of market ready tourism packages through coaching, product development support, and training
  3. Facilitating bookings and tourist visits through our creation of a Destination Management Company  (DMC)

To achieve real progess and ensure that the Cree remain the primary benificiaries of future development, we are working with partners and Cree entrepreneurs in making Eeyou Itschee a world class tourism destination.  We need to focus on all these fronts to build a sustainable tourism model for this generation – and those of future generations.

Although many challenges exist, COTA is dedicated to achieving results through the effective use of the natural resources offered by our vast region – and the dedication and efforts of every single Cree beneficiary. Our staff and partners look forward to these challenges and believe that there is a bright future for tourism which in turns offers an exciting opportunity to showcase our culture, traditions and the beauty of our natural environment.

To learn more about our current projects, please click here

To learn more about becoming a member of COTA, please click here

The specific objectives of COTA are:

Implement Section 28.6 of the JBNQA

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