Accessibility in tourism

Accessibility in tourism is a major challenge which can limit the access and enjoyment of amenities for persons facing barriers. Increasing access equitability results in increased social and economic inclusion, elevating the quality of services and experiences offered in the tourism sector.

This webinar will highlight some of the challenges and barriers individuals with specific limitations may face in the tourism industry.

We will also highlight new Saskatchewan projects that focus on increasing accessibility for all and share tales of inspiring reasons behind these changes that extend much further than the bottom line. Sharing success stories of programs and funding initiatives that can support planning, integration and implementation of these important changes will ideally result in increasing accessibility in the Saskatchewan tourism industry to benefit everyone.

Recorded live, May 25, 2023

Speakers

Kelly Fiddler, Saskatchewan Board Member, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

Kelly Fiddler is from the Waterhen Lake First Nation. Mr. Fiddler has over 23 years’ experience in economic development. He has his Bachelor of Commerce Degree and an Arts & Science Degree from University of Saskatchewan and has certification as an Aboriginal Economic Development Professional through the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (CANDO). Kelly has proudly worked at the Saskatchewan Indian Equity Foundation, Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations, and within the Provincial government within numerous Ministries such as Economy and Enterprise Saskatchewan. Mr. Fiddler is currently undertaking the Masters in Business Administration at the Cape Breton University, and works with the Mosquito Economic Development Corporation. Kelly also sits on the Board of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada as the Saskatchewan representative, and is Co-Chair of the recently created Indigenous Destination Saskatchewan (IDSK).

Kyla Bouvier, Founder, Back2Nature Wellness & Adventures

Kyla Bouvier is the owner and founder of Back2Nature Wellness & Adventures. She has a lifelong passion for the outdoors and promotes an inner journey in the outdoors! She has a passion for assisting others in cultivating self-awareness and connection with self in an outdoor experience. Her experience comes from working as a biologist for the past 20 years and spending time outdoors herself to gain awareness and increase her creativity. Kyla has been guiding participants on outdoor adventures for the past four years. She is a certified Paddle Canada Instructor and has been trained as an outdoor field leader through the Outdoor Council of Canada and holds certification as a hiking, winter, overnight and paddling field leader. Kyla is also trained in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. Additionally, she is a self-awareness educator with certifications in Embodiment Breathwork, BodyTalk, Access Bars, Conscious Living Investigation and Reiki. Through her own life experiences, Kyla has transformed and aligned by investigating her own internal environment and goes through life with a self-reflective mindset.

Lorraine Forster, Co-owner, Prairie's Edge Development Corporation

Lorraine Forster is co-owner of Prairie's Edge Development Corporation along with her husband Zenon. Lorraine attended the University of Manitoba where she received a Bachelor of Science degree and then continued her education at the University of Saskatchewan where she graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Lorraine and Zenon opened Humboldt Veterinary Services and operated a large animal health consulting business then transitioned into land development over 15 years ago and haven’t looked back. Lorraine and Prairie’s Edge Developments have won numerous awards including various ABEX Awards for marketing, community involvement, and young entrepreneur of the year, Mark of Excellence Awards, and was named one of the Saskatchewan Future 40. Family is extremely important to Lorraine, which is why she strives to create family friendly lake communities. Lorraine loves to spend time with her husband and children supporting other small businesses in Saskatchewan and experiencing outdoor adventures.