Manic Monday | We can make history, we will make history, we are making history, together!

After 2 years of working in collaboration, we could not have been more proud than hearing Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) CEO Keith Henry announce that Kelowna and the Thompson Okanagan as next year’s location for the International Indigenous Tourism Conference. While Kelowna will play host to the meetings make no mistake this will be a regional initiative that will see our three Indigenous Nations of the Syilx, Secwepemc, and Nlaka’pamux showcasing the history, culture and most importantly the future of their communities going forward. Working closely with Chiefs and Councils, Indigenous Tourism BC, Tourism Kelowna and of course the entire team at ITAC we believe we can showcase to the world the importance of a unified and progressive approach as we build a tourism product and the associated experiences that are inclusive, authentic, respectful, and build economic strength and sustainability for our collective tourism industry.

We all have a lot of work ahead in the coming year to ensure that this conference not only highlights the region and our Interior Salish people but brings together an insightful and inspirational program that will set the tone for the future.

Plan to be in Kelowna next November, or better yet join us over the next 12 months, as we prepare to welcome upwards of 1,000 delegates to the 2019 conference. We can make history, we will make history, we are making history - together!

Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO