Indigenous Tourism BC Announces $6M Tourism Training Initiative  

COAST SALISH TERRITORIES (VANCOUVER), October 25, 2023: Led by Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), the $6 million Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative will support current and aspiring Indigenous tourism workers and employers by providing Indigenous-led and culturally focused training and educational opportunities. Employers and people working in the Indigenous tourism sector will be able to grow their skills and education through new programs designed to attract and retain Indigenous tourism talent, develop careers, and strengthen the sector.

“Prior to the pandemic, Indigenous tourism was the fastest growing sector in British Columbia’s tourism industry,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “People want to participate in authentic Indigenous experiences and have a deeper understanding of the people and places they visit. By supporting workforce training in Indigenous tourism, we’re ensuring people are trained in culturally appropriate ways and with the skills they need to help fill jobs in this fast-growing industry.”  

The Tourism Training Initiative will assist Indigenous communities, businesses, employees, and entrepreneurs to enhance their education and skills in Indigenous storytelling, marketing, social media, and workplace safety, and earn certifications required to work in the hospitality and tourism industry, including FOODSAFE and Serving It Right.

ITBC provides training, awareness, product development, and marketing to support a sustainable, authentic Indigenous cultural tourism industry in BC while contributing to cultural preservation and economic independence for Indigenous individuals, businesses, and communities in British Columbia.

“ITBC has been integral in setting the path towards success for our expansion into the Vancouver Harbour,” said Alison Evans, owner of Gulf Island Seaplanes. “We have had one-on-one training, and advice in many areas to help build our skills in marketing, photography, social media, and event planning. We feel so supported as small business owners which is incredibly important, and it helps boost our confidence.”

With the support of our dedicated partners, ITBC continues to create new opportunities for Indigenous Peoples to pursue economic, social, and cultural development through tourism.

It is anticipated that more than 240 Indigenous tourism businesses will benefit from the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative, including 45 communities and more than 1,400 people.

This funding will help build back a strong and diverse tourism workforce, make education and skills training affordable, and prioritize underrepresented populations, including Indigenous Peoples.

 Quotes:

“We all want First Nations to have the support and skills training they need to get the jobs they want. We are working hard to remove barriers, connect employers with the skilled workers they need, and fill in-demand jobs in BC’s growing economy.”  Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction

“Indigenous Tourism BC is thrilled to receive this boost in funding and support for training initiatives, which will strengthen the industry and the provincial economy. We look forward to ramping up this project as the training and development areas are crucial to our long-term plans and empowering Indigenous communities and people. We thank our partners for their commitment as we advance important economic opportunities, growth, and reconciliation.” Brenda Baptiste, Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC

 Quick Facts:

• A labour market report by ITBC found that, in 2017, B.C. had more than 400 Indigenous tourism businesses, which provides 7,400 full-time jobs, with 48% of jobs filled by Indigenous people.
• Indigenous Tourism BC works closely with tourism, business, education, and government organizations to help Indigenous tourism businesses in BC offer quality experiences and actively promotes these experiences to visitors and residents.
• The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport committed $2 million in funding for the initiative, and the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction committed $4 million to support the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative until March 2026.

Learn More:

To learn more about Indigenous tourism in British Columbia, visit https://www.indigenousbc.com

Media Relations Contacts:

Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport
Media Relations
(250) 882-0918

Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Media Relations
(250) 812-9118

Nine Point Agency for Indigenous Tourism BC
Kaya Arai
(778) 379-4988

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