Respectfully Acknowledging National Indigenous Peoples Day
Indigenous tour at Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre. Credit: Destination BC/Hubert Kang
In 1996, Canada declared June 21 as National Indigenous Peoples Day, a date which coincides with the summer solstice and the beginning of a season of berry picking, fishing, powwows, and gatherings for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Indigenous Tourism BC and Hon. Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport in BC, have shared a simple call to action to support Indigenous businesses and self-determination by exploring Indigenous Experiences Open in 2021.
Businesses and individuals can share photos with hashtag #IndigenousBC to stand behind the success of Indigenous peoples, families, and communities.
Also today, the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) announced the launch of a new campaign, The Original Original, which aims to educate travellers, modernize perceptions of Indigenous experiences, and rebuild the industry, which was disproportionately devastated by the pandemic.
Indigenous Tourism in the Thompson Okanagan
We acknowledge that the Thompson Okanagan region lies on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc Peoples.
In 2016, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia embarked on a new and innovative program to assist Indigenous communities in the Thompson Okanagan with tourism development. Working collaboratively, the two organizations jointly hired a Regional Indigenous Tourism Specialist based in the Thompson Okanagan, to develop and implement a cultural tourism strategy in alignment with TOTA and ITBC's corporate strategies.
TOTA’s Indigenous projects include:
In 2019, the International Indigenous Tourism Conference hosted nearly 800 delegates in Kelowna through a partnership with TOTA, Indigenous Tourism of British Columbia (ITBC), Tourism Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, Shackan Indian Band, and Lower Nicola Indian Band.
This summer, the IArT Mobile Gallery will house a digital art exhibit curated by Tania Willard of UBCO's Indigenous Art Intensive program. This authentic art experience brings Indigenous art from artists across Canada to the forefront of the Thompson Okanagan tourism experience.
The Thompson Okanagan Regional Pledge, "Seven Affirmations for Seven Generations," was created to share guidelines for sustainable tourism. The Pledge is based on the Indigenous Seven Generations Principle, which recognizes that decisions today have an impact for seven generations to come. Therefore, it is always our responsibility to consider the far-reaching and long term implications of our actions.
In this time of uncertainty, change, and growth, the Seven Affirmations for Seven Generations Pledge is more relevant than ever for the tourism industry. The affirmations provide a thoughtful way forward on a difficult journey. Watch the video released in 2020 to learn more.
TOTA continues to work to cultivate credible relations with the 33 Indigenous communities throughout the Interior and endeavours to develop economic opportunities that progress Indigenous Tourism within the region, whilst maintaining respect and cultural authenticity.
If you'd like to learn about Indigenous tourism experiences near you, Indigenous Tourism BC has listings of Thompson Okanagan Indigenous tourism companies on their website including:
Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort 📍 Chase | Visit Website
Jack Sam’s Restaurant 📍Chase | Visit Website
Indigenous World Winery 📍Westbank | Visit Website
Moccasin Trails 📍Kelowna/Kamloops | Visit Website
Syilx Trail Gift Store & Gallery 📍 Westbank / Kelowna
Kekuli Cafe 📍Westbank / Merritt | Visit Website
Spirit Ridge Resort 📍 Osoyoos | Visit Website
The Bear The Fish The Root and The Berry 📍Osoyoos | Visit Website
Nk’Mip Cellars 📍Osoyoos | Visit Website
Nk’Mip Cultural Centre 📍 Osoyoos | Visit Website
Nk’Mip RV Park & Campground 📍 Osoyoos | Visit Website
- The TOTA Team
Latest TOTA Updates
B.C. Safely Moved to Step 2 of Restart Plan as of June 15
Beginning on June 15, 2021, BC transitioned into Step 2 of BC’s Restart plan. TOTA compiled several resources for tourism businesses to prepare, including:
Moving from Step 1 to Step 2
Tourism Sector Restart Step 2 Toolkit
Visitor Travel Manners & DBC Messaging Guidance
Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant Extended to July 2
Business Transition to Step 3
Register for this Week's Webinar: Tourism Resource Roundup | Connect, Restart & Build Forward With B.C.'s Support Network
Wednesday, June 23, 2021 | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
As we approach the next steps of the BC Restart Plan and begin to welcome visitors back in British Columbia, the BC Tourism Resiliency Network is bringing together a panel of five tourism industry organizations to help you leverage key resources towards resiliency.
Tourism Hiring & Employment Resource Roundup
With the launch of BC’s Restart Plan and the summer season starting, the Tourism Resiliency Program advisors have received many questions around hiring employees, health & safety training, and maintaining employees through the season. The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program team has compiled the latest updates and relevant resources to support tourism businesses.
BC COVID-19 Safety Plan: Key Trends Infographic by go2HR
go2HR offers a free BC COVID-19 Safety Plan Review Service for BC tourism businesses to support a safe restart. go2HR has created a BC COVID-19 Safety Plan: Key Trends Infographic to show key areas of need and supports offered by the service.
Thank You to Supporters of the Agri-Tourism Entrepreneur Skills Training Program
The first cohort of graduates from TOTA’s Agri-Tourism Entrepreneur Skills Training Program came together to celebrate with a virtual graduation ceremony. After two months of online class sessions from 29 facilitators, 3 self-led certificates, mentorship meetings, and employment coaching, 14 participants graduated, ready to launch an agri-tourism product in the Thompson Okanagan region.
