Start and Grow Your Career in Tourism
Interested in an exciting career in tourism?
Our Cree tourism industry is growing and we want to help you can be a part of it! Whether you are exploring career options, planning your post-secondary journey, or upgrading your skillset, we are here to encourage and support Eeyouch/Eenouch youth and professionals every step of the way.
COTA Student Bursary Program
Pursue your education in tourism with support from COTA!
Tourism is a stimulating and rewarding career choice with so much opportunity for growth and adventure!
If you are pursuing tourism studies, COTA now offers student bursaries. Bursaries are available to Cree students who successfully complete their studies in one of five tourism sectors: accommodations, food and beverage services, recreation and entertainment, transportation, and travel services.
Bursaries range from $250 for graduates of a vocational program to as much as $3,500 for students who have successfully completed a doctoral degree. Up to three bursaries are available in each category of education established for this fund – please download our brochure and application for more information.
Your Future in Tourism: Annual Essay Contest
Do you want to attend the International Indigenous Tourism Conference in Montreal this coming February? Our essay contest is your chance to WIN an all-expense paid trip for two!
How to Win
Simply submit an essay of 500-750 words, choosing from three thought-provoking topics:
- Why should I be chosen to attend the Indigenous Tourism Conference?
- What makes Eeyou Istchee a “must-see” tourism destination?
- Why is a career in tourism the right choice for me?
The writer of the winning essay will receive a prize package that includes tickets to the conference, accommodations, and travel expenses. The winner will also share their passion and ambitions in a special feature in the COTA newsletter!
Entry Requirements
- Must be a Cree beneficiary
- Must be aged 18 years or older
Deadline
Submit essays to info@creetourism.ca by August 23
For more information about the essay contest, submission guidelines, and eligibility requirements, please email info@creetourism.ca.
Helpful Training Programs & Career Planning Resources
Build your skills, explore your options, and learn more about tourism career pathways.
Become an Eeyou Istchee Ambassador (FREE ONLINE TRAINING!)
Become an ambassador of Eeyou Istchee with this free online training!
You will…
- Perfect your hospitality and customer care
- Discover what there is to do and see in the region
- Learn how to use the region’s Official Tourist Guide and give basic tourism information.
Click here to sign up for the training!
If you have questions about this training program, please contact our office at 418-745-2220 or email info@creetourism.ca.
Discover Tourism (Tourism HR Canada)
Find out more about careers in tourism with this resource-rich website from Tourism HR Canada. Take the “Is Tourism Right for Me?” quiz, explore career pathways, and get inspired by tourism success stories.
ITAC's Tourism Digital Accelerator
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada provides its members with a suite of digital marketing tools, resources, and courses to support the development and literacy of online marketing. The Digital Training Incubator provides a range of training options includng one-on-one consulting, self-paced platforms, and mini-courses that are tailored to specific learning needs.
For more information, visit ITAC’s website.
Multi-Engine Aircraft Flying Code and Float Plane Instruments (Attestation of College Studies)
This short instruction program can help you train to become a pilot! This ACS is offered in partnership with the Centre québécois de formation aéronautique (CQFA) and the Cégep de Chicoutimi. It is open for registration until September 30, 2024.
