Indigenous Tourism BC Celebrates a Successful AGM

Syilx Territory: Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) Stakeholders gathered for the 2019 Indigenous Tourism BC Annual General Meeting at the 2019 International Indigenous Tourism Conference, held on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Nation in partnership with Nlaka’pamux and Secwepemc Nations in Kelowna, BC.

Brenda Baptiste thanked our partners for their consistent support in the development of a healthy and vibrant Indigenous tourism industry in BC: “Indigenous Tourism BC Stakeholders are changing the landscape of tourism in BC. And together, we are contributing to the identity of British Columbia.”

Highlights of the ITBC annual report are the successful 2019 marketing and development strategies, including the launch of a mobile-first consumer website, as well as enhanced programming to support the continued success of market-ready tourism operators and Indigenous entrepreneurs. The AGM concluded with the 2019 Board of Directors election.

ITBC thanks returning Board of Directors members for their dedicated service and welcomes all new members to the 2019/2020 House of Tyee.

Member                       Region                                                   Stakeholder

Kaylene Earl                Kootenay Rockies Regions                     Lakeshore Resort 

Lori Simcox                  Vancouver Coast & Mountain Region     Takaya Tours

Sharon Bond                Thompson Okanagan Region                 Kekuli Cafe

Chris Nelson                Cariboo Chilcotin Coast                          Copper Sun Journeys 

Paulette Flamond         Northern BC                                           Indigenous Artists’ Market

George Taylor              Vancouver Island                                   Lelala Productions

Brenda Baptiste           At-large                                                   Nk’Mip Cultural Centre

Chris Bower                 At-large                                                   Swiws Spirit Tours

Inez Cook                    At-large                                                   Salmon ‘n’ Bannock Bistro

Thank you to all Stakeholders and Partners who attended the ITBC 2019 AGM. Our most important priority is our leadership and our people. We are excited to work with the new ITBC leadership to strengthen cultural revitalization and support economic prosperity for all Nations in BC.