The Board of Directors at Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) provides strategic direction and leadership to the organization. The ITBC Board is composed of six regional, six at large, and one ex-officio position for a total of 13 positions.
Some of the professional duties of the Board of Directors are:
There are currently three standing committees: Finance, Governance and Marketing. Each board member serves a two-year term and is elected by voting Stakeholders as needed at the AGM.
To learn more about the roles and responsibilities of ITBC’s Board of Directors, read the bylaws here.
Brenda Baptiste builds capacity and opportunity with the belief that tourism can balance socio-economic development for Indigenous people. A member of the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), Brenda graduated as a Registered Nurse specializing in Indigenous health, with a focus on community development.
Learn MoreLori Simcox has a BBA from Simon Fraser University and an MBA from Royal Roads University. She is a Certified Management Consultant and a member of Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation. Lori has led consulting projects for the federal government, and works as a senior project manager in several sectors of economic development for Tsleil-Waututh Nation in North Vancouver.
Learn MoreSharon Bond is the CEO of Kekuli Aboriginal Foods, Inc. and owner of Kekuli Cafe in West Kelowna. The successful Indigenous cafe won the Westbank Chamber of Commerce Award for Aboriginal Business of the Year, BC Achievement Award for businesses with more than ten employees, Entrepreneur of the Year Award from ANTCO (Kamloops, BC) in 2010, and the Food & Beverage award from ITBC in 2013.
Learn MoreFrank Antoine is the co-founder of Moccasin Trails, a cultural tourism company based in Kamloops, BC. He worked at Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort for more than a decade and was vital in the development and marketing of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism programs and projects in the Skwlax community.
Learn MoreChyanne Trenholm grew up in Campbell River and is a proud member of the Homalco First Nation.
Learn MoreThroughout high school and University Jenna has always worked in tourism. During the summers in high school she worked in a variety of tourism jobs during the week, and on the weekends Jenna was on the Field Hockey BC provincial team. Jenna’s first job was working the front desk at the Nk’Mip Campground and RV Park, answering phones, booking reservations and doing site checks.
Learn MoreMy name is Leslie Brown. I am born and raised on Haida Gwaii. I am a small business owner with my husband and children. We are a family owned business here on Haida Gwaii. I am an active member in our community and currently working within the Tourism Industry on Haida Gwaii. I was a Board member for ItBC, representing the North and would seek the same opportunity again from the Stakeholders.
Learn MoreSavannah Nadeau grew up on the traditional lands of the Ulkatcho First Nations which are located in the Chilcotin. She currently lives on the traditional lands of the Ktunaxa Peoples in the East Kootenays.
Learn MoreSavannah Nadeau grew up on the traditional lands of the Ulkatcho First Nations which are located in the Chilcotin. She currently lives on the traditional lands of the Ktunaxa Peoples in the East Kootenays.
Savannah is the Events & Catering Manager for St. Eugene Golf Resort and Casino. At an early age she was introduced to the tourism industry through a family-owned restaurant in Nimpo Lake, BC. When she started her career in events, she realized the strong connection and impact that tourism has on the industry. She believes that tourism is the heart of BC, sharing this beautiful province with visitors from around the world but also protecting the lands, waterways and cultures that are so important to our history.
Savannah volunteers for the local Search and Rescue Team and is an active contributor on their Membership and PR committee. Joining this team was a perfect combination, combining her passion for the outdoors and helping those who are in need. Savannah likes to be innovative, think of different ways to help things run smoothly and lay out details for projects no matter how small or big! Nothing goes planned without a detailed checklist and notes which is directly linked to her organized personality.
Savannah embraces culture and community. She looks forward to continuing to make an impact in the tourism industry and learning from others around her
I showcase and educate people from around the world on Indigenous culinary. I have been specializing in Indigenous cuisine for more than 13 years. My goal is to work with communities to elevate their culinary experiences.
Learn MoreMaria is a longstanding Tofino local with family ties to the land. As the Assistant General Manager at Tin Wis Best Western, Maria prides herself on the many hats she wears at Tin Wis. She plays an integral role in the guest experience, leading a staff of 75 and overseeing many day-to-day operations.
Learn MoreRecipient of “Youth Entrepreneur of the Year” 2019 ANTCO. Recipient of “Young Indigenous Business of the Year” 2021 for BC Achievement Foundation. 27 year old Indigenous Leader from Nuxalk Nation, and I am the owner/operator of Kekuli Cafe in Merritt and Kamloops.
Learn MoreRecipient of “Youth Entrepreneur of the Year” 2019 ANTCO. Recipient of “Young Indigenous Business of the Year” 2021 for BC Achievement Foundation. 27 year old Indigenous Leader from Nuxalk Nation, and I am the owner/operator of Kekuli Cafe in Merritt and Kamloops.
Dedication and leadership have driven my success over the last decade. From being the first Indigenous Cuisine Franchise in Canada at 22, to being the President of BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres at 25. I have had the opportunity to create safe spaces for our young aspiring indigenous people. Including hosting Gathering our Voices 2016-2023, and being a co-developer for an MBA in Advanced Reconciliation through UVic.
Indigenous Governance, Youth mentorship, Leadership Training, Cultural Gatherings, Reconciliation implementations, and Economic Development. These are a few skillsets that all coincide with the work I will bring to Indigenous Tourism of BC. I believe that our Youth are not the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today. If we are thinking of tomorrow, it’s already too late.
am Nuu Chah Nulth married into and a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation; and mother of four beautiful children. As an experienced educator, coach, mentor, and certified life skills instructor, I remain committed to being a lifelong learner.
Learn Moream Nuu Chah Nulth married into and a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation; and mother of four beautiful children. As an experienced educator, coach, mentor, and certified life skills instructor, I remain committed to being a lifelong learner.
She completed the Indigenous Corporate Relations and Knowledge Management programs Royal Roads University. In addition I have attained certificates in tourism programs through Malaspina College, (VIU) and other managerial and computer courses through PBS in Vancouver. All of which helped become founder and creator of the Bella Bella Business Service Centre, Bella Bella Call Centre, http://www.nalaservices.com/
Kathy taught at the Heiltsuk College in Bella Bella for several years. She has supported and been a participant on the tribal journeys for the past seven years. She enjoys canoeing and being out on the water.
Indigenous Tourism BC adheres to the disclosure requirements included in the Best Practice Guidelines developed by the provincial government.
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