The Potential and Opportunities Identified in Labour Market Research Literature Review

xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Watuth), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nations, October 2, 2020 –  Indigenous Tourism BC, in partnership with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training has published a literature review, the first step toward a strategy to address the barriers for Indigenous employment in the tourism industry.

This literature review, which will inform the BC Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Strategy, summarize the challenges and opportunities to overcome labour and skills shortages, and it also identifies three major areas to focus on moving forward:

1. The potential for the Indigenous workforce to meet the growing demand for tourism jobs;
2. Best practices to increase Indigenous retention, engagement and workplace development; and,
3. Increased engagement with non-Indigenous tourism businesses to employ Indigenous people.

“With the COVID-19 crisis, there are new challenges for Indigenous employment. As we learn to live in a new normal, this research is important to learn as much as possible about how to grow the Indigenous workforce and drive Indigenous tourism forward.” Brenda Baptiste, Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC.

This literature review is a part of the research phase which includes surveying and interviews. The next phase, utilizing the literature review and research is to develop a provincial strategic plan to create the BC Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Strategy. This strategy will inspire more Indigenous people to work in and develop careers in tourism and create support for Indigenous and other tourism businesses to attract and retain Indigenous employees. Indigenous Tourism BC aims for the strategy to begin implementation in 2021.

To learn more, read the BC Indigenous Tourism Labour Literature Review and the background of BC Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Strategy.

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For enquires:

Brenda Baptiste
Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC
Phone: 250-535-0556
Email: [email protected]

About Indigenous Tourism BC:

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is a non-profit, Stakeholder-based organization committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities and cooperative marketing programs, ITBC is a resource for Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities in BC who are operating or looking to start a tourism business. www.indigenousbc.com/corporate.