27th ITBC Annual General Meeting (AGM 2024) and Indigenous Tourism Gathering

Celebrating Our Commitment to Indigenous Tourism

On November 4-5, 2024, on the shared territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) welcomed 102 attendees, including ITBC Stakeholders, Partners, and First Nations Community Members to our 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel in Vancouver.

This year’s AGM was a powerful gathering filled with insightful discussions, knowledge sharing, and meaningful networking. It underscored our shared commitment to advancing Indigenous tourism across British Columbia. Each session, presentation, and conversation highlighted the remarkable dedication of our community and the transformative growth of Indigenous tourism, creating positive impacts for First Nations communities across the province.

CULTURAL WELCOME AND OPENING REMARKS

The AGM started with cultural protocols, including a warm welcome, drumming, and traditional songs led by Willie Lewis of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Nicholas Kofi of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and Alec Guerin of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. 

ITBC Chair Brenda Baptiste opened the event before handing the reins to ITBC Social Media & Digital Strategy Manager Deanna Wampler, who served as the Master of Ceremonies for the two-day event.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

Chief Financial Officer Henry Tso confirmed a quorum of 43 voting members (Tier 3 and Tier 4 Stakeholders) who approved the 2024 Annual Report, Financial Statement, and appointment of auditors. 

This session included the announcement of ITBC’s newly elected board members, led by Chief Electoral Officer Allison Colthorp. ITBC thanked returning Board of Directors members for their dedicated service and welcomed all new members to the House of Tyee.

ITBC also honoured George Taylor, former board member and esteemed First Nations cultural leader, for his years of service.  Brenda Baptiste, ITBC Chair, expressed, “George Taylor’s lifelong commitment to preserving and sharing the culture of the Kwakwaka’wakw Nation and Canada’s First Nations is truly inspiring. His efforts have brought the rich traditions of song, dance, and storytelling to audiences worldwide while creating meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth to connect with their heritage. His leadership, vision, and dedication to showcasing the beauty of Indigenous culture have earned him deep respect in the tourism industry and beyond. We are proud to honour George’s contributions and his steadfast commitment to Reconciliation, education, and cultural pride”.

ITBC expresses heartfelt gratitude to George and his wife, Melanie Taylor, for their many years of dedication and meaningful contributions to Indigenous tourism. Their commitment has left a lasting impact on the industry and the communities they serve.

Meet Your Board

At-large

• Sharon Bond, Kekuli Café (re-elected)
• Alison Evans, Gulf Island Seaplanes (Acclaimed)
• Maria Clark, Best Western at Tin Wis (re-elected)

Kootenay Rockies Director

• Leanna Gravelle, St. Eugene Resort Hotel (Acclaimed)

Thompson Okanagan Director

• Desiree Baker, Grandpa’s Heart at Nicklen Lake  (Acclaimed)

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Director

• Lori Simcox, Takaya Tours (Acclaimed)

Returning Board Members

• Brenda Baptiste, At-large, Nk’Mip Campground, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Nk’Mip Cellars
• Jenna Bower, At-large, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
• Elijah Mack, At-large, Kekuli Cafe (Merritt and Kamloops)
• Chyanne Trenholm, Vancouver Island Region, Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours
• Kathy Brown, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Region, Seequest Development Corporation
• Leslie Brown, Northern BC Region, Davidson’s Descendants

ITBC expressed gratitude to departing board members Kukpi7 Frank Antoine (At-large, Moccasin Trails), Savannah Nadeau (Kootenay Rockies, St. Eugene Resort Hotel), and Paul Natrall (At-large, Mr. Bannock) for their outstanding service and commitment.

ITBC LOOKING FORWARD: INITIATIVES AND REGIONAL UPDATES

ITBC Chief Marketing and Development Officer Paula Amos and Chief Finance Officer Henry Tso shared an introductory update on year two of ITBC’s Five-Year Strategy 2023-2028: Strengthening Our Roots and Branches.

Key projects include: 

• The re-launch of Authentic Indigenous shared by ITBC Stakeholder Manager Jessie Penner
• Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative updates from Corporate Services Manager Chatman Shaw
• Brenda Baptiste, ITBC Chair, announced that ITBC will be leading the development of the BC First Nations-led Tourism Destination Fund, a community-led and managed fund unanimously supported by the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, the First Nations Summit Chiefs, and the BC Assembly of First Nations.
• The session was followed by regional updates from the ITBC Regional Indigenous Tourism Specialists (RITS) team. The eight-person team provided insights into regional successes, challenges, and the a-ha moments they experienced, reinforcing ITBC’s dedication to supporting diverse community needs across BC. 

INSPIRING PANEL AND NETWORKING EVENING

A panel moderated by ITBC Senior Writer Kerry Eno explored First Nations Community Perspectives on Tourism with Kukpi7 Hank Adams (Stswecem’c Xget’tem First Nation), Kukpi7 Frank Antoine (Bonaparte First Nation), Devin Rogers (SXDC Ltd.) and Leanna Gravelle (Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre for the Ⱡkamnin̓tik Children’s Truth and Reconciliation Society). The discussion highlighted their experiences and strategies for balancing tourism development with community values, economic interests and other big-picture interests like reconciliation and governance, meaningful partnerships, and creating opportunities for future generations. 

A lively networking event featured food, mocktails, and music by DJ O Show, where ITBC Communications & Engagement Manager Jordie Johnson provided updates on Indigenous Inclusion in the Invest in Iconics Strategy.

DAY TWO: PRESENTATIONS AND CREATIVE SESSIONS

The second day commenced with opening remarks from ITBC Chair Brenda Baptiste, followed by a series of presentations that highlighted key developments and insights.

• ITBC Brand Refinement shared by Jared Gill from 123w, unveiling ITBC’s refreshed mission and vision statements 
• The Avatrixx Methodology: Harmony Across Multiple Dimensions by Cowboy Smithx (Award-winning filmmaker of Blackfoot from Piikani & Kainai Tribes of Southern Alberta.) explored how his Avatriix Methodology has shaped his creative work, integrating traditional Indigenous narratives with modern media to amplify stories honouring culture and community.

The morning concluded with a panel discussion entitled Strategies that Fit: Tailoring Marketing Strategies to your Brand, moderated by Deanna Wampler (ITBC Social Media & Digital Strategy Manager) with panellists Inez Cook (Co-Founder, Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro + SnB on the Fly), Chris Tait (Tourism Manager, Klahoose Wilderness Resort, Klahoose Coastal Adventures & Gorge Harbour Marina Resort), and Joleen Mitton (Founder and Creative Director, Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week). This panel brought together Indigenous-owned businesses and discussed how marketing strategies align with the identity of each brand. The discussion focused on how these approaches help Indigenous businesses grow, increase visibility, connect with audiences, and foster stronger connections with local and global markets.

Following a lunch break, Darian Kovacs (Partner, Jelly Marketing & PR + Jelly Academy) presented How to Get Media Coverage, which examined best practices for telling digital stories and engaging with media and audiences. Darian emphasized the importance of authentic storytelling, building solid media relationships, and leveraging digital platforms to enhance brand visibility. His insights provided valuable tools for Indigenous tourism businesses to grow their presence and engage with the public in meaningful, impactful ways.

Patrick Lucas, from the  Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program, shared the final presentation on Eco-Tourism and Trails. Patrick presented the growing interest in Indigenous-led eco-tourism and hiking activities. He shared his extensive experience supporting First Nations across BC in planning, building, and maintaining high-quality nature trails that promote healthy, active living and eco-tourism initiatives.

Brenda Baptiste’s closing remarks capped off the AGM, followed by a preview of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week led by Joleen Mitton, the Founder and Creative Director of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week.

LOOKING FORWARD

As we conclude our 27th Annual General Meeting and Indigenous Tourism Gathering, we reflect on nearly three decades of growth and accomplishment. Together, we have established a thriving foundation for Indigenous tourism in British Columbia that is celebrated both here and around the world.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our Staff, valued Stakeholders, committed Partners, and the travellers who seek out Indigenous experiences in BC. Your support has been instrumental in shaping Indigenous tourism in BC into what it is today.

As we look forward to the next 25 years, we see boundless potential for Indigenous tourism. May this journey bring even greater strength, joy, and success to all who share our vision for a sustainable, culturally authentic Indigenous tourism industry that enriches the health and well-being of the land and its people.

📸 Photo credit: Point Blank Photo