Indigenous — TOTA News Centre

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

Learn more and register →

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation

The Thompson Okanagan Indigenous Tourism team has compiled information resources for Indigenous tourism operators to reference and share.

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

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 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).

TOTA NewsThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationJuly 7, 2022TOTA, Indigenous

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.

Learn how to get involved as a business and as a individual →

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) 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

The $30-million 150 Time Immemorial program is a partnership between the Province, the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation and Heritage BC. The partners will administer the program on behalf of the Province through application-based grants.

Resource, Thompson OkanaganThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationNovember 24, 2021Indigenous, Province of BC

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.

Application deadline: October 22, 2021

Resource, Thompson OkanaganThompson Okanagan Tourism AssociationOctober 10, 2021Indigenous

News & Resources

TOTA News Alerts

Follow @TOTABCNews

Official Corporate Website