Indigenous Tourism BC Cultural Safety: Free Online Training Sessions on June 25 & 26

Cultural Safety Training is a two-day virtual session held June 25th and 26th, from 10am-12pm each day over Zoom, facilitated by Shelley Joseph from Ladders 2 Kindness.  

This course starts with a journey through Canada's history of colonization and oppression, and teachings of Indigenous ways of being. Participants will each develop actionable items to ensure they can provide trauma-informed and culturally safe services to and for Indigenous people.

We will delve into the intricate dynamics of lateral violence and lateral kindness, examining its roots in trauma and its manifestations, so we can move forward in the right direction for our common humanity.

It is a transformative journey, where Indigenous wisdom meets contemporary practice. Let’s build a kinder, more connected future together.

This workshop is provided by Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) and the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative (ITTI), at no cost to participants.

Register →

Please extend the invitation for ITBC's Cultural Safety training to anyone in your network.  This is a great opportunity for a shared learning experience.

Eligibility for this course includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people – all are welcome!  

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

September 30 marks the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, honouring the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis survivors of the residential school system.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation gives everyone in Canada a shared time to commemorate children who lost their lives at residential schools – and to recognize the hardships of those who survived, as well as the Inter-generational trauma passed on to their families.

For events happening throughout the region in honour National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, visit ThompsonOkanagan.com/indigenous.

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More Information & Resources

Government of Canada Resources

Information on how and why the holiday was created, how the day relates with Orange Shirt Day on the same day, mental health supports, and how people can learn more about Indigenous peoples, culture, and history throughout Canada.  

Orange Shirt Day Website

Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwépemc (Shuswap) from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation, on her first day of school, where she arrived dressed in a new orange shirt, which was taken from her. It is now a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

On September 30, Canadians are encouraged to wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.

BC Museums Association (BCMA)

The BC Museums Association urges Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast to use September 30 as an opportunity to learn, reflect, make connections, and take action in redressing more than 150 years of injustice.

This webpage discusses the history of September 30/Orange Shirt Day/National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and share resources to help institutions plan for the day.

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) - 6 Ways to Effect Change

Indigenous Tourism BC shared a list of ways for Canadians to accept personal responsibility and take action on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. ITBC recommends that this day be a time of reflection that Canada is responsible for the deaths and suffering of Indigenous children at residential schools across the nation. This is a time to step forward as a witness to the hard truths, and accept responsibility to learn and change. Reconciliation is not just the responsibility of government–it is a responsibility that belongs to all Canadians.

United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, 13 September 2007. Today, the Declaration is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of indigenous peoples. It establishes a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity and well-being of the indigenous peoples of the world and it elaborates on existing human rights standards and fundamental freedoms as they apply to the specific situation of indigenous peoples.

Host an Event at the Indigenous Artisan’s Trail (IArT) Venue near Peachland

The Indigenous Artisan’s Trail (IArT) Venue is now available to companies and entrepreneurs to reserve for events, free of charge, from July to October 2022.

Operated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) Indigenous Tourism Program, IArT is located at the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Inspiration Centre on Route 97, above Peachland (3960 BC-97C).

IArT can be reserved for single or multiple days to be used for public or private events, such as:

• Meetings

• Workshops

• Markets

• Artist studio, gallery, and retail space

• Performance art with music and dancing

• Food and beverage tastings

• And more…

The IArT Venue comes with a secure, air conditioned, accessible indoor space with an outdoor stage facing the Tourism Inspiration Centre patio and seating area. The Tourism Inspiration Centre has a parking, bathrooms, and storage.

Public events will be featured on the ThompsonOkanagan.com and social channels.

To schedule your event, submit an Expression of Interest form or email Indigenous@TOTABC.com with any questions.

About IArT

Indigenous Artisan’s Trail (IArT) is a collaboration between TOTA and Indigenous Tourism BC launched in 2019 to connect visitors to Interior Salish arts and culture in the Thompson Okanagan. IArT has hosted exhibits in partnership with the Rotary Centre of the Arts and UBC Okanagan, as well as art and jewelry created by Indigenous artists outside the Kelowna Art Gallery.

In 2022, IArT is available to rent to host events related to tourism, arts, and culture at the Tourism Inspiration Centre.

About the Tourism Inspiration Centre

The Tourism Inspiration Centre is the second busiest visitor centre in the Thompson Okanagan region, attracting over 45,000 people traveling to and from the Okanagan Valley. The venue is a perfect destination for connecting people from various communities in the Thompson Okanagan, enabling groups to meet in the middle.

The Tourism Inspiration Centre and IArT Venue are a short drive from several Thompson Okanagan communities, such as:

• 10 minutes from Peachland

• 30 minutes from Kelowna and Westbank First Nation

• 45 minutes from Penticton and Penticton Indian Band

• 1.25 hours from Merritt and Lower Nicola Indian Band

• 1.5 hours from Vernon and and Okanagan Indian Band

• 1.5 hours from Osoyoos and Osoyoos Indian Band

• 1.5 hours from Princeton and Upper Similkameen Indian Band

• 2 hours from Kamloops and Tk'emlups te Secwepemc

• 2 hours from Salmon Arm and Splatsin First Nation

To get a quote and schedule your event, submit an Expression of Interest form or email Indigenous@TOTABC.com with any questions.

Resources for Indigenous History Month & Indigenous Peoples Day 2022

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage, resiliency, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada. National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Canadians are encouraged to seek firsthand experiences and education about living Indigenous cultures and realities to inspire learning beyond the month of June.

Across the country, events will highlight the heritage, history and remarkable achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

Share your experience on social media by using the #NIPD2022 and #NIPDCanada hashtags.

Learn More →

Download Promotional Resources →

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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 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, while maintaining respect and cultural authenticity.

Learn About TOTA’s Indigenous Tourism Program →

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Get Involved

Indigenous Tourism BC has several ways for industry to get involved, such as:

• Download the Guide for Developing Relationships in Indigenous Communities.

• Become a Friends of ITBC Stakeholder, a program to recognize non-Indigenous partners that contribute to reconciliation through the support of Indigenous tourism.

• Visit the Indigenous Peoples Day Events Calendar, including Thompson Okanagan events at Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Hat Creek Ranch, and Clearwater.

• Download the Indigenous Tourism BC app to find and visit Indigenous tourism experiences in the Thompson Okanagan and BC.

• Follow Indigenous Tourism BC on Facebook and Instagram for a month-long calendar of inspirational and educational Indigenous digital content.

• Watch the new Everything is Connected video:

Glohaven Community Hub Partnership With Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

Glohaven Community Hub, a Thompson Okanagan software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform empowering tourism communities with innovative and sustainable destination management solutions, has announced a partnership with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC).

In recognition of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, Glohaven and ITAC are collaborating to amplify the voices of Indigenous-owned tourism businesses and to provide consumers with the opportunity to demonstrate economic reconciliation by consciously shopping for and supporting the unique products and experiences of Indigenous creators.

The objective of the partnership between Glohaven and ITAC is to provide Indigenous tourism communities and businesses with the digital infrastructure and direct-to-consumer sales channels they need to be more accessible to a broader audience of socially conscious consumers in the online world.

Glohaven and ITAC recognize the power of working together, leveraging each other’s unique skills and resources to support Indigenous tourism businesses with innovative, creative, and tangible sales and marketing solutions. Furthermore, this partnership contributes to the performance of Canada’s visitor economy as a sustainable Indigenous tourism destination.

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About Glohaven Community Hub

Glohaven is a community of people who’ve come together for the purpose of making tourism in Canada more innovative.

With a heart and soul for ‘local,’ Glohaven cares about people, the planet, and profits that create meaningful, impactful change.

Glohaven’s digital community hub is built from the “Inside Out” starting at the community level. Every community and its members can participate in the collaborative process to create a locally represented, inclusive online marketplace that reflects the unique products, values, and culture of each community. 

Glohaven is currently testing an open Beta version of its platform. This means Glohaven is not done developing the platform, but has enough features built to run the platform at its minimum functionality. Over time, the functionality of the platform will increase and new features will appear.

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About The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a national non-profit Indigenous tourism industry organization established in 2015. ITAC is the lead organization tasked with growing and promoting the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with groups and regions with similar mandates to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism businesses in a respectful protocol.

The head office of ITAC is located in Vancouver, BC, on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓ əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Sə̓lílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

SASCU supports the Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail with $50,000

The Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail celebrated Earth Day with an announcement of a $50,000 donation from Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union (SASCU) Financial Group toward the construction of the rail trail.

In Splatsin history, the railway represented a division of land and a loss of resources. Projects such as this one provide an opportunity for all involved to partake in reconciliation and to work together towards a common goal.

The economic and land management benefits are the tip of the iceberg; the rail trail will promote a healthy lifestyle and exercise, family outings, the appreciation of nature and knowledge of the land as well as an improved understanding of the Secwepemc values and culture.

The announcement was made at Splatsin Community Centre where the first pilot section will be constructed between Splatsin and Enderby. The second section approved for construction will begin in Sicamous (km 0) to Mara (km 19.8) to address rock scaling, road crossings, bridge decking, safety signage, preliminary grading, and erosion.

The Capital Fundraising Campaign encourages corporate and community donors to support the rail trail project by making donations, as many grant applications require a matching financial commitment to qualify. All contributions are tax-deductible. Every dollar donated is leveraged for grants to construct additional kilometres on the rail trail.

Learn More →

Donate →

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada Releases Third Edition of Nations, an Indigenous Lifestyle Magazine

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to announce the release of the third edition of Nations, ITAC’s annual Indigenous lifestyle magazine celebrating 140 export-ready Indigenous tourism experiences from coast to coast to coast. This year’s edition features stories in categories such as wildlife, nature and adventure; culture and heritage; Indigenous culinary; and accommodations and relaxation.

This year’s edition of Nations includes individual features of Indigenous storytellers and artisans and explores exciting topics such as how to see the northern lights with an Indigenous eye; shared traditions and storied history; Indigenous wildlife tours and safaris; and sustainability in Indigenous tourism. The online version of this magazine includes enhanced content where readers can further engage with stories by clicking the “Explore Further Online” icons throughout the magazine.

Turning a corner from COVID-19, Indigenous tourism businesses are ready to welcome visitors back. Nationally, ITAC believes a full recovery of the Indigenous tourism industry is possible by 2025-26 and continues to leverage strong domestic and global demand for exceptional, export-ready Indigenous tourism experiences.

Download a copy of the Nations, an Indigenous Lifestyle Magazine →

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) Releases Revised Three-Year Strategic Plan

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has released its 2022-25 Strategic Plan: Building Back Better, which will focus on revitalizing the Indigenous tourism industry from the ongoing devastating impacts of COVID-19.

As the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada recovers from COVID-19, ITAC has set sights on moving forward in the most adaptable and sustainable manner possible, contributing meaningfully towards several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2022-25 Strategic Plan has three main priorities:

1. Inspiring ITAC member businesses across the country to rebuild or refocus their business offering through targeted business support, education, and training.

2. Leveraging partnership opportunities and investments with the Provincial Territorial Indigenous tourism associations to maintain their membership and infrastructure.

3. Strengthening ITAC as the national leader and advocate for Indigenous tourism operators and stabilizing funding through the federal government, partners, and membership.

While COVID-19 has paused the Indigenous tourism industry’s growth, ITAC has revised its targets to build back to pre-COVID levels by 2025, three years sooner than projected. This includes:

1. $1.9 billion in direct GDP contributions

2. 1,900 Indigenous tourism businesses

3. 40,000 Indigenous tourism employees

View ITAC's revised Strategic Plan →

150 Time Immemorial Grant Program | Apply by December 24, 2021

Indigenous communities, local governments and eligible organizations can apply for funding under the 150 Time Immemorial Program for projects that promote and educate British Columbians about diversity, inclusion, reconciliation and resiliency.

Funding will be provided to successful applicants through three streams:

1. Indigenous Cultural Heritage Infrastructure grants;

2. Sense of Place grants; and

3. Cultural Heritage Stewardship grants.

Eligible applicants include:

• A local government established by or under British Columbia statute

• An Indigenous government or organization

• A not-for-profit society registered in B.C. in good standing and governed by Indigenous people (at least 51% of directors identify as Indigenous)

The deadline for submission is December 24, 2021.

First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative Accepting Applications

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers are accepting new applications for the First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI).

The program helps neighbouring First Nations and municipalities develop and implement long-term planning for community economic development initiatives and land use, while building respectful and sustainable government-to-government partnerships.

This intake will welcome eight First Nation-municipal partnerships across Canada, with a new regional approach starting in BC and Quebec.

Note that the program is now offering two streams: a three-year standard participation and a two-year accelerated option. Both will start in December 2021.

Neighbouring First Nations and municipal governments are encouraged to apply.

Application deadline: October 22, 2021.