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WHO WE ARE
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is a non-profit, stakeholder-based organization committed to growing a sustainable, culturally rich Indigenous tourism industry.
Empowering the Future of Indigenous Tourism
We aim to empower Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities to create world-class tourism experiences deeply rooted in their cultures and recognize authentic Indigenous tourism’s power in shaping Indigenous futures. By staying responsive to the needs of Indigenous communities and aligning every initiative with Indigenous values, we aim to build a sustainable and prosperous Indigenous tourism industry in British Columbia.
Our Vision and Mission
Our Vision is a prosperous and respectful Indigenous cultural tourism industry sharing authentic products that exceed visitor expectations.
Our Mission is to provide training, awareness, product development and marketing to support a sustainable, authentic Indigenous cultural tourism industry in BC while contributing to cultural preservation and economic development.
Our Values
“We Raise our Hands” defines our corporate identity. The Indigenous gesture of raising hands is a way to acknowledge and honour our ancestors, as well as give thanks for the opportunity to live and work within our ancestral lands. The hands in the ITBC Corporate logo also welcome the world to share our living Indigenous cultures.
Authenticity
We stay true to ourselves, our communities, and our traditions. This authenticity empowers us to honour our connection to the land, people, and culture, sharing these with pride.
Together
We believe we are stronger together. We create a collaborative environment where everyone thrives by supporting and respecting each other, our partners, and our communities.
Passion
Our work is driven by passion. We are deeply committed to our mission, bringing heart, courage, and dedication to everything we do.
Impact
We strive to create meaningful, lasting change. As industry leaders, we are dedicated to achieving results that uplift Indigenous communities and leave a positive legacy.
Inspired by what the Anishinaabe Peoples call the Seven Grandfather Teachings, we also uphold these guiding principles: Truth leads us to authenticity, Humility fosters compassion and understanding, Love unites us through kindness and devotion, Respect honours the world around us, Honesty upholds integrity in all interactions, Bravery empowers us to face challenges with courage, and Wisdom guides us to apply knowledge for the betterment of all.
What We Do
We take pride in promoting authentic experiences that resonate with the rich traditions of Indigenous communities while driving economic growth and cultural preservation. We meet our Stakeholders where they are and support their journey by providing training, resources, cooperative projects, marketing programs, networking opportunities and strategic partnerships.
We are recognized globally as leaders in this field, ensuring that the stories, lands, cultures, and people are celebrated and respectfully shared with the world.
Why It Matters
Every initiative we undertake is a step toward a future where Indigenous tourism is not just a thriving industry but a cornerstone of cultural preservation and mutual respect. We invite you to join us on this journey.