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 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 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.
Sharon 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 MoreAlison Evans, from the Hagwilget Village First Nation, brings a deep commitment to fostering connections and partnerships with Indigenous businesses, communities, and networks. As co-owner of Gulf Island Seaplanes, she is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming travel experience, ensuring every passenger feels valued from the moment they book their trip to the time they reach their destination.
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 MoreChyanne Trenholm grew up in Campbell River and is a proud member of the Homalco First Nation.
Learn MoreLeslie Brown was born and raised in Haida Gwaii, where she and her family run a small, family-owned business. An active member of her community, Leslie is currently involved in the Tourism Industry in Haida Gwaii.
Learn MoreKathy is 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 MoreKathy is 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.
Lori 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 MoreLeanna Gravelle, from Ktunaxa/Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation, brings a wealth of experience to ITBC, from her role as Director of Operations and Programming at the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre for the Ⱡkamnin̓tik Children’s Truth and Reconciliation Society, located within the St. Eugene’s Golf Resort and Casino. For over 24 years, she has been a Board Member and Bare Trustee with the St. Eugene Mission Development Corporation, working to share Ktunaxa culture, language, knowledge, and history with diverse audiences, including resort guests, students, corporate groups, and industry professionals. Her role involves developing programs and experiences that support Ktunaxa youth, Elders, and knowledge carriers, fostering pride in their heritage and enhancing their understanding of Indigenous identities.
Learn MoreKiʔsuʔk kyuyit q̓api niskiⱡ, suʔkni ku ʔupxnaⱡaʔni Hu qakⱡik Leanna Gravelle. ʔaⱡ ka ʔa·knik̓ n̓ini Roberta ȼ Pat Gravelle, ʔaⱡ ka·kuk̓pukam n̓ini Mary Louise Mission ȼ Anne ȼ Alexander Gravelle, ka ʔaȼmiⱡ Joe and Helen Mission ȼ Catherine and Ambrose Gravelle.
I am Leanna Gravelle; my parents are Roberta and Pat Gravelle, my grandparents are Mary-Louise Mission and Annie and Alexander Gravelle, and my great-grandparents are Joe and Helen Mission and Catherine and Ambrose Gravelle.
Leanna Gravelle, from Ktunaxa/Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation, brings a wealth of experience to ITBC, from her role as Director of Operations and Programming at the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre for the Ⱡkamnin̓tik Children’s Truth and Reconciliation Society, located within the St. Eugene’s Golf Resort and Casino. For over 24 years, she has been a Board Member and Bare Trustee with the St. Eugene Mission Development Corporation, working to share Ktunaxa culture, language, knowledge, and history with diverse audiences, including resort guests, students, corporate groups, and industry professionals. Her role involves developing programs and experiences that support Ktunaxa youth, Elders, and knowledge carriers, fostering pride in their heritage and enhancing their understanding of Indigenous identities. Her background includes extensive leadership experience as a Councillor for the Tobacco Plains Indian Band and chair of the Tobacco Plains Development Corporation and nearly 20 years in Social Development and Education roles within her community. She has also contributed significantly to the Ktunaxa Nation’s Traditional Knowledge, Language, Education, and Employment sectors and has taught the Ktunaxa language at the College of the Rockies (COTR). Leanna’s dedication to Indigenous tourism is driven by her understanding of its role in strengthening Nations and fostering partnerships. Through her broad expertise in strategic planning and development, she will continue to guide Indigenous tourism in British Columbia, promoting the sharing of Indigenous histories and languages for future generations.Desiree Baker, a proud member of the ‘Namgis First Nation (Alert Bay, B.C.), brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Indigenous Tourism BC's Board of Directors. Desiree's company, REV, thrives on her profound understanding of cultural protocols and the complexities of First Nations governance and relationships. With over 30 years of experience across Community and Economic Development, Health Services, Child & Family Services, Business Services, and Tourism, she is a trusted leader and advocate within Indigenous and government sectors. Her work is centered on building relationships and empowering First Nation communities, government entities, and health authorities.
Learn MoreIndigenous Tourism BC adheres to the disclosure requirements included in the Best Practice Guidelines developed by the provincial government.
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