Our Team

Paula Amos is of Hesquiaht and Squamish Nation descent, born and raised in the Nuu-chah-nulth territory on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Paula has worked for the Indigenous Tourism Association of BC for the past 20 + years and has been a part of the industry growth and success by driving results in experience development, partnerships and marketing strategies to provide a voice for Indigenous tourism.

Paula sat on the steering committee for the groundbreaking Blueprint Strategy for Indigenous tourism in British Columbia. The Blueprint was the catalyst for developing Indigenous tourism in BC launched in 2006. The overall Indigenous tourism industry has grown by over 80% since the launch of the Aboriginal Tourism Blueprint Strategy.

She was also involved with the 2010 Aboriginal Tourism Working Group for the 2010 Winter Olympics, in partnership with the 2010 Bid Corporation. Paula views the development of the Indigenous cultural tourism industry as not only economic development and job potential but is also a driver for cultural pride, reconciliation and a new generation of entrepreneurs.

Paula Amos is an advocate and leader for Indigenous tourism community development and works in the important areas of collaboration and partnerships.

Henry holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Simon Fraser University and is a graduate of the accounting program at University of British Columbia. Henry began his career with a Chartered Accounting firm and has served Tourism British Columbia as Controller for British Columbia Magazine and Aboriginal Tourism Development. In his current role as the Chief Financial Officer for ITBC, Henry draws on his experience as a Chartered Professional Accountant, (CPA), Certified General Accountant (CGA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) to provide strategic leadership for finance and corporate services.

Dana’s involvement Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) began in 2005 when she first managed the development of the Stakeholder marketing program through Blue Ice Communications. Dana is the ITBC marketing lead and collaborates with Stakeholders and the marketing team to promote Indigenous tourism experiences.

Deanna Wampler, a member of the Haida Nation, empowers Indigenous businesses and communities to thrive in the digital landscape. As the lead for digital content and strategy at Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC), she drives storytelling initiatives that connect Indigenous history, present-day realities, and travel experiences, fostering respectful tourism and strengthening Indigenous economies. Named one of Canada’s Top 10 Social Media and Communications Instructors in 2022, Deanna simplifies social media strategies to amplify voices and build authentic connections. From online discussions to kitchen table conversations, she values every space where stories are shared and connections are made.

Reena brings over a decade of experience in both corporate and non-profit sectors. She earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from Bond University with a focus on Canadian Law and Practice, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Simon Fraser University. Her passion for Corporate and Aboriginal law drives her commitment to the Indigenous tourism industry. Reena utilizes her expertise to drive the organization’s corporate development, concentrating on governance, strategic planning, and economic growth. She is committed to creating sustainable and culturally enriching experiences that enhance Indigenous tourism in British Columbia.

Owner and operator of a consulting practice for 12 years, she works with the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations in Kamloops, providing business recovery and financial literacy support to entrepreneurs. For the past decade, she has also worked with the First Nations Market Housing Fund, a federal housing initiative to support and enhance individual homeownership throughout On Reserve lands across Canada. For the past two years, Gail has supported Indigenous tourism businesses throughout BC as project manager of various non-repayable grants delivered by ITBC. She is now the Capacity Building and Resilience Manager, with a focus on the development and implementation of capacity building programs, tools, and resources to support recovery for the Indigenous tourism sector.

Jordie Johnson | Sxoxomic is of Secwepemc decent, born and raised in Esk’etemc First Nation.  He has more than ten years experience working in corporate communications and community engagement.  Jordie has a great appreciation for Indigenous languages and protocols throughout the province and beyond.

Jordie holds a BA in Professional Communications from Royal Roads University, and a diploma in Sports Management from Thompson Rivers University.

Jordie worked more than eight years with the First Nations Health Authority, developing provincial wellness initiatives and supporting corporate communications.

Chatman Shaw was born and raised in Prince Rupert, BC, and is a member of the Nisga’a Nation community of Gitlaxt’aamiks. Chatman moved to Vancouver in 2005 to earn his degree in Business Administration, focusing on strategic management. With 15 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, Chatman brings a dynamic skillset with a wealth of experience in digital innovation, customer experience, and project management to ITBC.

Darnell Stager is an Urban Indigenous man, born and raised in Vancouver. He proudly identifies as Ts’msyen from Kitsumkalum and S’tat’imc from Lil’Wat First Nation. Darnell is committed to promoting and sharing Indigenous culture with others and believes a vibrant experience awaits every curious visitor.

With a strong passion for facilitating meaningful encounters, Darnell has made it his mission to support Indigenous Stakeholders and their goals to create captivating Indigenous experiences. His approach, founded in a solution-based mindset, has developed over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including his role as the General Manager of Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro.

Darnell’s unique blend of Indigenous heritage, extensive restaurant industry knowledge, and dedication to sharing Indigenous culture makes him a valuable resource for Indigenous tourism operators interested in creating authentic cultural experiences for visitors.

Kerry is a graduate of the School of Communication and Culture at Royal Roads University (BAPC). She teaches Communication and Digital Marketing as part of the Foundations in Innovation and Technology Certificate Program for Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, BC’s Indigenous public post-secondary institute. At Indigenous Tourism BC, she looks to share stories that contribute to Indigenous personal, social, and economic development.

Sally was born in Hong Kong and has resided in Greater Vancouver since 1993. Sally is dedicated to financial accounting, with four years of work experience in the public practice and over twelve years of accounting experience in the hospitality industry. Sally supports the protection and promotion of Indigenous cultures.

Leah is of mixed heritage, belonging to the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) Nation of Six Nations of the Grand River in Ontario, part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Born and raised off-reserve in British Columbia, she also comes from European and Lunaapeew (Delaware) ancestry.

Leah has been a Digital Marketing Specialist for over nine years, specializing in social media management, content creation, data-driven strategies, SEO, SEM, and PPC advertising. She is dedicated to simplifying digital marketing processes and crafting campaigns that drive engagement. A graduate of Jelly Academy with additional studies in Strategic Online Marketing at BCIT, she has made a significant impact on non-profit organizations and small businesses across Canada.

Paisley is a member of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation and is dedicated to continuously learning about her Indigineity which makes up an important part of her ancestry. As Marketing and Stakeholder coordinator, Paisley supports the marketing team to uplift Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. Paisley is especially proud to work on the Authentic Indigenous program at ITBC and be apart of the Indigenous Toursm Industry as it continues to grow and thrive.

Kristina Monica Guerra is a proud Filipina from the Philippines and a seasoned Communications and Public Relations professional with over a decade of experience in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines and Singapore.

In Canada, she previously supported the Immigrant Employment Council of BC and Totem Media, a Vancouver-based digital marketing agency, where she specialized in client management, content development, and social media management.

She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Communication from the University of the Philippines and an Advanced Diploma in Business Management from British Columbia Institute of Technology. As a published writer, her work has been featured in several magazines in the Philippines, further showcasing her passion for storytelling and communication.

London Camaclang is of Filipino, English and Scottish ancestry and is grateful to live, work and play on the unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples for most of her life.

With extensive experience growing small businesses with her family, London brings a well-rounded and people-oriented approach to leadership. Her background is in human resources, recruitment, team engagement and training, however, she has used these skills to build strong operations, lead sales teams and manage client relationships. She is passionate about empowering individuals and continues to provide personalized coaching for small businesses to engage their teams effectively.

She has built professional networks through various projects with post-secondary schools and trade organizations, seeking to expand educational outreach programs and remove barriers for underrepresented groups. London worked in hospitality for 7 years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Art History from the University of British Columbia, with a minor in Asian Canadian and Asian Migration studies.

Her creative background as an artist and creator brings a storytelling focus to her work. You’ll find her hiking, dancing and painting in her free time.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Stefanie’s family is from the Nak’azdli Whut’en (Dene of North BC). Stefanie is an administrative professional with more than three years experience supporting Indigenous people in health and healing on a provincial level. She previously supported the Indian Residential School Survivors Society as an Office Manager, supporting more than 30 staff members throughout six regional offices with travel planning and expense reporting. Stefanie has a certificate in Professional Administration from the Vancouver Community College. An avid traveller, Stefanie enjoys her trips with friends and family both locally and internationally, recently to New Zealand and Australia. Fun fact: Stefanie also speaks German.

Jamie worked for a wealth management company for two decades before entering the tourism industry in 2020. A graduate of the Tourism and Professional Development program at Okanagan College, Jamie joined the ITBC team in early 2021, contributing to the team as Indigenous Coordinator, Training and Development, and as Indigenous Tourism Resiliency Program Advisor. 

Jamie works to assist Indigenous communities in the Thompson Okanagan region to support Indigenous individuals and businesses develop the skills, abilities, and tools to offer market-ready tourism products, programs, and services. She supports Indigenous organizations and communities through information–marketing business skills and training programs in Indigenous economic and business development efforts in order to promote Indigenous culture, products, and services. · Jamie believes that Indigenous-led cultural tourism can balance socio-economic development for Indigenous people and communities.

As a proud member of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, Wendy has spent two decades in the food and beverage industry, with ten years in managerial roles where she focused on the professional development of her team. Her dedication to creating supportive and inclusive environments has been instrumental in her past successes, and we are confident that she will bring the same level of commitment and excellence to our team.

In her new role, Wendy will work closely with Indigenous communities, cultural leaders, and tourism businesses to develop and promote unique and authentic Indigenous tourism experiences. Her extensive background in team building, customer relations, and operational excellence makes her a valuable addition to our team.

Rocky, a proud member of the Beaver First Nation, brings over 30 years of expertise in hospitality and tourism, with a focus on heritage operations and First Nations relations, particularly in economic development with the Kwantlen First Nation. In 2019, he left city life behind to embrace his passion for history, following the Gold Rush Trail to the Cariboo. Settling in the charming village of Wells, Rocky spent the past five years as the Commerce and Indigenous Relations Manager for Barkerville Historic Town and Park, collaborating closely with eight partner First Nations in the region.

A natural storyteller, Rocky is thrilled to step into his new role as the Regional Indigenous Tourism Specialist for the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, where he aims to enhance the value of Indigenous tourism. Known for his love of nature and often spotted with a camera, Rocky finds deep connections with the land, nurturing his respect for the world we all call home.

Sy-Lynne Bell, a member of the Haida Nation, brings over 15 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality sector, along with 4 years in community economic development. Throughout her career, Sy-Lynne has been dedicated to advancing Indigenous business development and promoting sustainable tourism practices. Her background equips her to work effectively with stakeholders, fostering the growth of Indigenous businesses and Northwest communities.

Jessie Penner, of Onyota’a:ka (Oneida) and European descent, was born and raised in Ontario on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lunaapeewak, and Attawandaron peoples. With eight-plus years of experience in Indigenous education strategy, Jessie specializes in capacity building and fostering meaningful relationships. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies with a specialization in Cultural Diversity from the University of Waterloo.