Cultural Guide Training Program

Wikwemikong Tourism is hosting a winter training series for the Cultural Guide Training Program (CGTP) that will build capacity for our tour operations and land-based learning programs on Manitoulin Island and Killarney. Additionally, in partnership with Madahoki and Indigenous Tourism Ontario we will be offering a national certification in Heritage Interpreter as well as Tourism Certifications in Service Excellence and Leading/Coaching for Excellence.

Program Overview

The Cultural Guide Training will bring together industry recognized training, traditional knowledge keepers and language speakers in a unique program to build the skill set of local guides to deliver land-based learning programs while providing an opportunity for cultural reclamation. The training will prepare the participants for cultural entrepreneurship in the growing Indigenous tourism sector but more specifically as professional Cultural Tour Guides with Wikwemikong Tourism and Point Grondine Park. Successful graduates will have guaranteed employment with Wikwemikong Tourism as Cultural Guides in the summer of 2025 with an opportunity to continue on the job training and additional CGTP certifications.

This winter’s program will run for eight weeks and offer both paid training for six participants and an open free training for tourism and hospitality professionals. Wikwemikong Tourism will be hosting Anishinaabe Guiding 101 (AG101) which will teach participants the fundamentals of tour guiding through an Anishinaabe lens.

AG101 – Our story, through our lens.

In Class (2 days)

• Tour Planning
• Guest Safety/Risk Management
• Guide Roles
• Lead Guide

(Check in, storyteller, route planning/weather, safety/first aid)

• Assistant Guide

(Site prep, packing/unpacking, time management, media)

• Engagement-Storytelling/Presentation

KYC -Know your customer

• Authenticity & Cultural Integrity -Seven Grandfather Teachings as Guiding Principles.

Practical (5-7 Days)

• FIT Authentic Anishinaabe Experiences
• Group Itineraries
• Product/Tour Development

AG 101- Industry Certifications

• First Aid & CPR
• Safe Food Handlers

AG101- Anishinaabe Knowledge Modules

• Mukwa Adventures- Land Based Learning & Hard adventure planning
• Anishinaabe history of the great lakes, Treaty Relationships and wampum teachings
• Anishinaabemowin

HERITAGE INTEPRETER

This program is to support you in pursuit of a national certification as a Heritage Interpreter with Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC). This professional certification recognizes an individual’s competence in the occupation measured against the National Occupational Standards. This training will provide the certification preparation package, and will support you through the written exam, performance evaluation (a video presentation), and work history verification (1,200 hours of work experience). Successful completion will earn the Tourism Certified Manager (TCM) designation, which boosts job opportunities, career advancement, and job satisfaction.

As a Heritage Interpreter, you’ll engage visitors through tours, workshops, and educational programming at museums, galleries, exhibits, and historical sites. The program requires 1,200 hours of industry experience to qualify for certification (previous work experience can be applied). This training will help you:

• Research Indigenous perspectives and teachings for museums, galleries, exhibits, historical sites or community
• Welcome and provide orientation for visitors, sharing general information on your culture and territory
• Respond to visitor inquiries and manage emergency situations
• Assist in developing Indigenous exhibits and displays
• Design, develop and maintain props and educational materials for Indigenous programming
• Develop, present, and evaluate educational programming for various audiences (e.g., students, families, seniors)
• Present your culture and community in an authentic and engaging manner
• Coordinate volunteer activities, including recruitment, scheduling, supervising and evaluating
• Assist with marketing and promotion of cultural programs
• Contribute to facility operations, track and prepare reports
• Enhance cultural programming through hands-on learning opportunities

CGTP REGISTRATION

Tourism Certifications- Open Program (14 Free Spots)

In addition, we will be offering Free courses open to First Nation participants to receive standard tourism certifications that may be required in the field, including:

• Indigenous Tourism 101
• Service Excellence
• Leading for Excellence
• Coaching for Excellence

Program Overviews

These courses are free and open to the public and you do not have to be enrolled in the full Cultural Guide Training Program to participate.

Open Program Registration

Living Allowance & Support

Six Participants receive a $600/week living allowance.

Program Dates & Locations

Manitoulin Island– January 27-March 28

Deadline to apply: January 17, 2025