Indigenous Tourism BC 2021 Annual General Meeting Hosts Conversations About Rebuilding, Reconciliation and Recovery
Coast Salish Territories, November 16, 2021 – Indigenous Tourism BC hosted the 2021 Indigenous Tourism BC Annual General Meeting online on November 16, 2021, from the shared traditional territory of the Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam, and Squamish Nations. Brenda Baptiste, Chair of ITBC’s Board of Directors, delivered the opening remarks and introduced Dennis Thomas from Tseil-Waututh Nation, who welcomed the online audience.
Sharon Bond-Hogg, Co-Chair of ITBC also greeted the virtual attendants and shared prayers for all affected by recent flooding in BC. The flooding follows a summer of wildfire response, ongoing residential institution findings, and continued Covid-19 restrictions that present a challenging environment for Indigenous tourism in BC.
Paula Amos, Chief of Marketing and Experience Development, presented a summary of the ITBC 2020/2021 Annual Report. This year, ITBC shifted from a focus on international travellers to domestic travellers and saw increased Stakeholder engagement with our team and ITBC’s corporate content. The Indigenous Alignment Strategy 2021-2024, a document to guide sustainable growth and rebuild Indigenous tourism in BC, was released in Fall 2021. The financial audit confirmed that the received $4.58 M in relief funding was distributed, and a total of almost $9 M distributed in the past 18 months.
Brenda Baptiste thanked all outgoing and returning board members for their contribution to Indigenous Peoples in BC and welcomed all newly-elected members to the House of Tyee. ITBC conducted this year’s board elections online, and Wendy Ham of AFOA served as Chief Electoral Officer. Ham delivered the final results, counted on November 15, and ITBC welcomed the 2021-2022 House of Tyee members:
Meet the House of Tyee:
Member, Region, Stakeholder
Jared Teneese, Kootenay Rockies Regions, St Eugene Resort and Casino
Lori Simcox, Vancouver Coast & Mountain Region, Takaya Tours
Sharon Bond, Thompson Okanagan Region, Kekuli Cafe
Evangeline Clifton, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Shear Water Resort
Leslie Brown, Northern BC, Davidson’s Descendants
Chyanne Trenholm, Vancouver Island, Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours
Brenda Baptiste, At-large, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
Erin Brillon, At-large, Totem Design House
Jenna Bower, At-large, Nkmip Desert Cultural Centre
Cheryl Chapman, At-large, Xat’sull Heritage Village
Frank Antoine, At-large, Moccasin Trails
Trevor Cootes, At-large, Huu-Ay-Aht Tourism
Following the conclusion of AGM business, a distinguished panel, including Brenda Baptiste, Richard Porges (Destination BC, President and CEO), and Walt Judas (Tourism Industry Association of BC, CEO), discussed creative use of technology, compassion, and commitment to truth as emerging essentials for tourism as a contributor to reconciliation in Canada. ITBC’s Senior Advisor, Tewanee Joseph, moderated the discussion.
Honourable Melanie Mark, BC Minister of Tourism Arts Culture and Sports, announced plans to distribute an additional $3 M in grant funding dedicated to Indigenous tourism via the Tourism Relief Fund. Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations, shared that Indigenous Peoples are now writing their own stories and that Indigenous tourism is a part of that. Tewanee Joseph presented advice for Indigenous tourism in an accelerated digital reality. He discussed participation in an Indigenous-led concept for a bid to host Olympic games in 2030.
The day ended in acknowledging the service of outgoing members of ITBC’s House of Tyee, including George Taylor, Inez Cook, and Chris Bower. In addition, staff, Stakeholders, partners, and family members paid special tribute to the life of longtime board member Lillian Hunt, who passed away this year, and honoured her legacy and commitment.
Thank you to all Stakeholders and Partners who attended the ITBC 2021 AGM. We are excited to work with the new ITBC leadership to strengthen cultural revitalization and paddle forward together.
