Authentic Indigenous Criteria

Indigenous Tourism BC’s Authentic Indigenous Designation highlights businesses that provide genuine cultural experiences, support their communities, and prioritize sustainability.  This means visitors can engage with Indigenous cultures meaningfully and respectfully, knowing their visit helps preserve traditions, empower local communities, and protect the environment.

Criteria for Application:

• Indigenous Owned & Operated: The business is an ITBC stakeholder who has provided Indigenous heritage through appropriate documentation.
• Local Consent: The business has consent to operate from local First Nation(s). Businesses must follow protocol where needed.
• Tourism-Related Business: At least 60% of the business’s revenue volume must come from visitors.
• Sound Governance: The business sits in good standing for all applicable business licenses, insurance and legislative requirements.
• Working Together Readiness: The business must be ready, willing and able to engage with ITBC staff and marketing partners. This includes: 
  • Helping ITBC understand marketing priorities
  • Providing any available materials to activate marketing with ITBC, such as good quality images, videos, content, etc. 
  • Working together to elevate promotional opportunities, such as sharing stories, generating content, etc. 
• Market Readiness: The business is market-ready or export-ready. For more information, please visit the following links:
  • Tier 3: Market-ready requirements
  • Tier 4: Export ready requirements
• Culture: The business offers culturally authentic experiences rooted in Indigenous traditions, values and practices.
• Community: The business supports the economic development and wellbeing of locals and the community.
• Sustainability: The business makes strong efforts to protect both local Indigenous culture and the environment.