Introducing New Members of the ITBC Board of Directors

Brenda Baptiste builds capacity and opportunity with the belief that tourism can balance socio-economic development for Indigenous people. A member of the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), Brenda graduated as a Registered Nurse specializing in Indigenous health, with a focus on community development.

Sharon Bond is the CEO of Kekuli Aboriginal Foods, Inc. and owner of Kekuli Cafe in West Kelowna.  The successful Indigenous cafe won the Westbank Chamber of Commerce Award for Aboriginal Business of the Year, BC Achievement Award for businesses with more than ten employees, Entrepreneur of the Year Award from ANTCO (Kamloops, BC) in 2010, and the Food & Beverage award from ITBC in 2013. 

Maria is a longstanding Tofino local with family ties to the land. As the Assistant General Manager at Tin Wis Best Western, Maria prides herself on the many hats she wears at Tin Wis. She plays an integral role in the guest experience, leading a staff of 75 and overseeing many day-to-day operations.

Recipient of “Youth Entrepreneur of the Year” 2019 ANTCO. Recipient of “Young Indigenous Business of the Year” 2021 for BC Achievement Foundation. 27 year old Indigenous Leader from Nuxalk Nation, and I am the owner/operator of Kekuli Cafe in Merritt and Kamloops.

Throughout high school and University Jenna has always worked in tourism. During the summers in high school she worked in a variety of tourism jobs during the week, and on the weekends Jenna was on the Field Hockey BC provincial team. Jenna’s first job was working the front desk at the Nk’Mip Campground and RV Park, answering phones, booking reservations and doing site checks.

Alison Evans, from the Hagwilget Village First Nation, brings a deep commitment to fostering connections and partnerships with Indigenous businesses, communities, and networks. As co-owner of Gulf Island Seaplanes, she is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming travel experience, ensuring every passenger feels valued from the moment they book their trip to the time they reach their destination.

Leanna Gravelle, from Ktunaxa/Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation, brings a wealth of experience to ITBC, from her role as Director of Operations and Programming at the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre for the Ⱡkamnin̓tik Children’s Truth and Reconciliation Society, located within the St. Eugene’s Golf Resort and Casino. For over 24 years, she has been a Board Member and Bare Trustee with the St. Eugene Mission Development Corporation, working to share Ktunaxa culture, language, knowledge, and history with diverse audiences, including resort guests, students, corporate groups, and industry professionals. Her role involves developing programs and experiences that support Ktunaxa youth, Elders, and knowledge carriers, fostering pride in their heritage and enhancing their understanding of Indigenous identities.

Desiree Baker, a proud member of the ‘Namgis First Nation (Alert Bay, B.C.), brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Indigenous Tourism BC's Board of Directors. Desiree's company, REV, thrives on her profound understanding of cultural protocols and the complexities of First Nations governance and relationships. With over 30 years of experience across Community and Economic Development, Health Services, Child & Family Services, Business Services, and Tourism, she is a trusted leader and advocate within Indigenous and government sectors. Her work is centered on building relationships and empowering First Nation communities, government entities, and health authorities.

Lori Simcox has a BBA from Simon Fraser University and an MBA from Royal Roads University.  She is a Certified Management Consultant and a member of Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation.  Lori has led consulting projects for the federal government, and works as a senior project manager in several sectors of economic development for Tsleil-Waututh Nation  in North Vancouver. 

Chyanne Trenholm grew up in Campbell River and is a proud member of the Homalco First Nation.

Kathy is Nuu Chah Nulth married into and a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation; and mother of four beautiful children. As an experienced educator, coach, mentor, and certified life skills instructor, I remain committed to being a lifelong learner.

Leslie Brown was born and raised in Haida Gwaii, where she and her family run a small, family-owned business. An active member of her community, Leslie is currently involved in the Tourism Industry in Haida Gwaii.