After receiving approval in January 2025, Carey Perkins was set to receive a $25,000 grant to fund her studio space, insurance, and overhead costs. However, more than a year later, she has yet to receive the funds.
Perkins, a member of the Kanienʼkehá:ka community from Akwesasne, is the owner of Niio Perkins Designs, known for its exquisite raised beadwork jewelry.
She is one of many small business owners who were anticipating financial support from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) but have not seen any funds materialize.
“Now everything is falling apart,” she lamented.
“I fell behind on my studio space insurance payments, and it became increasingly challenging to sustain the space. Eventually, I had to vacate in August 2025.”
ITAC’s primary objective is to foster and enhance authentic Indigenous tourism throughout Canada by focusing on development, marketing, leadership, and partnerships, as outlined in its 2023-24 annual report.
In early 2025, approximately $3.3 million in federal funding was allocated to 136 Indigenous tourism businesses through the Indigenous Tourism Fund’s Micro and Small Business Stream (MSBS), administered by ITAC.
A representative from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada stated via email that they are addressing concerns directly with ITAC to ensure that all rightful recipients receive their due reimbursements.
“ISED is treating this matter with utmost seriousness and will conduct a thorough review,” the statement read.
ITAC’s President and CEO, Keith Henry, a member of the B.C. Métis Federation, acknowledged that some individuals are still awaiting payments from the MSBS program.
“While 90% of the approved MSBS projects from 2024-2025 have been settled, around 10% remain outstanding. We are committed to clearing all outstanding payments once the funds are available,” Henry assured in an email to CBC Indigenous.
Henry shared that between 2023 and 2026, ITAC endorsed 322 development projects, including those backed by the MSBS funding, with 300 supported by ISED.
Out of the 322 projects, 274 have been paid, leaving 48 pending grants, Henry noted.
“ITAC is actively exploring revenue options and self-funding solutions to the best of our abilities,” the email stated.
“Our continuous efforts are geared towards ensuring timely payments, meeting cash flow requirements, and securing a stable future.”
Spending Obligations Before Receipt
Perkins expressed disappointment in her dealings with ITAC, feeling like she failed at expanding her business beyond her community.
“I signed the contract only to be informed that I had to utilize the funds and complete the project by March 31, 2025,” Perkins shared.
She found it peculiar that she was required to spend the funds before actually receiving them. Previously, her Mohawk business in Cornwall, Ont., was the sole one of its kind, offering studio classes and a storefront.
Perkins intends to pivot her focus from retail to creating unique art pieces, limiting her ability to serve the community, a task she cherished.
“Now, I’m catering to museums or galleries, which is truly unfortunate,” she expressed.
‘Cascading Impact’
Aïcha Smith-Belghaba, another grant recipient awaiting her $25,000 MSBS funding approved in January 2025, echoed Perkins’s sentiments.
“This has not only affected my business but also other small businesses, my mental well-being, and finances,” she disclosed.
Smith-Belghaba, the owner of Esha’s Eats specializing in catering and Indigenous culinary experiences, had plans to expand her business and engage local and Indigenous businesses for support.