News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
I-CEDAR program registration is open for new, existing, or ready-to launch Indigenous business ventures
The Indigenous Community Entrepreneurship Development & Action Recovery (I-CEDAR) program is a fully-funded training program for Indigenous BC Residents with a new or existing business.
The Indigenous Community Entrepreneurship Development & Action Recovery (I-CEDAR) program is a fully-funded training program for Indigenous BC Residents with a new or existing business.
The program runs for 14 weeks and focuses on planning and development in the domestic Indigenous tourism sector. Participants will attend 3 courses a week starting in September 2024, and once they have completed the program will have a fully developed business plan and a certification from the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.
For more information and to register for the program visit the I-CEDAR program homepage.
ITAC Launches Original Original Accreditation Program
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has officially launched The Original Original Accreditation program that identifies market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences which are truly authentic offering high quality and high value to visitors.
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) has officially launched The Original Original Accreditation program that identifies market-ready Indigenous tourism experiences which are truly authentic offering high quality and high value to visitors.
The Original Original Accreditation enables ITAC to apply consistent and fair criteria to any Indigenous business seeking formal recognition as being ‘Market Ready’. Accredited businesses will fall into three categories of Market Ready, depending on the market they are prepared to serve, which include Business Ready, Visitor Ready or Export Ready. This accreditation program is important to travel trade associations, international tour operators, travel agents, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), local communities and others to promote a quality tourism experience. The program also enables Indigenous tourism businesses to access lucrative travel trade networks and new visitor/consumer markets.
Find BC Indigenous Businesses with the ITBC Trip Planner App
The Indigenous BC Trip Planner app is a trip planning and educational tool that guides visitors through the Indigenous territories of BC and their unique, immersive experiences. Use the app to discover places to go, places to stay, and things to do in BC. Find authentic Indigenous experiences and businesses, learn common Indigenous words and phrases, and hear traditional songs, stories, and legends.
Tourism businesses can share the app with their guests or connect with Indigenous businesses to discuss potential partnerships.
The Indigenous BC Trip Planner app is a trip planning and educational tool that guides visitors through the Indigenous territories of BC and their unique, immersive experiences. Use the app to discover places to go, places to stay, and things to do in BC. Find authentic Indigenous experiences and businesses, learn common Indigenous words and phrases, and hear traditional songs, stories, and legends.
Tourism businesses can share the app with their guests or connect with Indigenous businesses to discuss potential partnerships.
Guide for Developing Tourism & Media Relationships in Indigenous Communities | Indigenous Tourism BC
As many non-Indigenous tourism & media organizations look to develop respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities, Indigenous Tourism BC has compiled an information toolkit to help individuals understand and build relationships with the First Peoples of BC.
It is important to note that each Indigenous Nation and Community differs in their approach to partnership. The document was developed to the best of Indigenous Tourism BC's knowledge to respond to common themes and questions received from partners. It is not a substitute for proper communication with Indigenous Nations and Communities.
As many non-Indigenous tourism & media organizations look to develop respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities, Indigenous Tourism BC has compiled an information toolkit to help individuals understand and build relationships with the First Peoples of BC.
It is important to note that each Indigenous Nation and Community differs in their approach to partnership. The document was developed to the best of Indigenous Tourism BC's knowledge to respond to common themes and questions received from partners. It is not a substitute for proper communication with Indigenous Nations and Communities.
Destination BC and Indigenous Tourism BC Present: Illahee
In April, Destination BC with ITBC launched Illahee: a video series featuring Indigenous story tellers, to help audiences deepen their connection with BC’s nature by listening to three Indigenous leaders describe their unique relationships to the land and sea.
One of the videos features Chief Frank Antoine of the Bonaparte First Nation, sharing what he’s learned by listening to the wind in the mountains of the Thompson Okanagan.
The videos will be shared with consumers through paid and owned channels as part of the extensive global BC Effect marketing campaign.
Illahee means “our lands and our place within them.” Choosing this name honours the intent of the Chinook Jargon Language to serve as a means of connecting people from diverse backgrounds to each other and to these lands.
In April, Destination BC with ITBC launched Illahee: a video series featuring Indigenous story tellers, to help audiences deepen their connection with BC’s nature by listening to three Indigenous leaders describe their unique relationships to the land and sea.
One of the videos features Chief Frank Antoine of the Bonaparte First Nation, sharing what he’s learned by listening to the wind in the mountains of the Thompson Okanagan.
The videos will be shared with consumers through paid and owned channels as part of the extensive global BC Effect marketing campaign.
Illahee means “our lands and our place within them.” Choosing this name honours the intent of the Chinook Jargon Language to serve as a means of connecting people from diverse backgrounds to each other and to these lands.
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.
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:
Inspiring ITAC member businesses across the country to rebuild or refocus their business offering through targeted business support, education, and training.
Leveraging partnership opportunities and investments with the Provincial Territorial Indigenous tourism associations to maintain their membership and infrastructure.
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:
$1.9 billion in direct GDP contributions
1,900 Indigenous tourism businesses
40,000 Indigenous tourism employees
Service Feature: Moccasin Trails Consulting
Moccasin Trails Consulting works to support urban and rural economic development - specifically in Indigenous tourism, partnership building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations in B.C. Services include speaking engagements, tourism & economic development, training programs, corporate training, and workshops.
Moccasin Trails Consulting can support your organization towards working with and build positive relationships with Indigenous communities.
Moccasin Trails Consulting supports urban and rural economic development, specifically in Indigenous tourism, partnership building between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations, inspiring keynote presentations, skills development, training, and more in B.C.
Services
Public Speaking: Presentations and keynotes can be tailored to small or large groups participating in conferences, lectures or workshops.
Tourism & Economic Development: Strategic planning, community engagement, and cultural programming/
Training Programs & Workshops: Facilitate training programs and workshops to deliver Indigenous specific curriculum developed by your university, school, or organization.
Team Building & Workshops: Youth empowerment, ceremonies and ceremonial education, Indigenous Cultural Awareness training, and other corporate workshops.
Moccasin Trails Consulting can support your organization towards working with and build positive relationships with Indigenous communities. Learn more at MoccasinTrails.com.
About the Founders
Moccasin Trails Consulting is Indigenous-owned and deeply rooted in Indigenous values, cultures, teachings, and beliefs. The founders, Greg Hopf and Frank Antoine, have been immersed in Indigenous cultures and traditional practices and are now looking forward to sharing their traditional knowledge and professional expertise with you and your organization.
Resource Roundup | Indigenous Tourism Supports
The TOTA and ITBC Tourism Resiliency Program has created a roundup of resources for Indigenous tourism businesses.
Sunset from atop Battle Bluff, Thompson Valley
Credit: Destination BC/Andrew Strain
We are here to help with the challenges your business is facing.
Through the TOTA and ITBC Tourism Resiliency Program, Indigenous tourism businesses should be aware of the following complimentary supports:
B.C. Indigenous Agricultural Development Program
Open until funds are allocated.
This two-step program is designed to support your government, community or organization make informed decisions, access professional business and financial planning services for enterprises in the food and agriculture sector and for food security planning activities, and support skills training and build business management capacity. The program stream for governments, communities and organizations offers Agricultural Opportunities Assessments (Step 1 of the Program) and Financial and Business Planning (Step 2) with services from a Qualified Business Consultant, as well as optional top-up funding to support community engagement during your projects.
Each Applicant is only eligible to receive a total of up to $15,000 of funding through the Indigenous Agriculture Development Program during the funding cycle of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (2018-2023), in addition to up to $4,000 of Community Engagement Top-up Funding (up to $2,000 for each Step 1 or 2 project). The maximum funding available for an Agriculture Opportunities Assessment Project (Step 1) is $5,000 (plus the optional top-up funding) and the maximum funding available for a Financial and Business Planning Project (Step 2) is $10,000 (plus the optional top-up funding).
aNakaatchihtow Arts and Culture Project Grant
Deadline August 30, 2021.
Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) is investing $175,000 towards supporting Métis artists through a new Arts and Culture grant program. The Ministry of Culture, Heritage and Language is excited to pilot the Nakaatchihtow (Skills) Arts and Culture Project Grant this summer which will strengthen Métis cultural visibility in our communities and across the province. The grant is committed to the creation and dissemination of all forms of art through innovative means. The grant encourages artists to showcase their work using untraditional spaces and platforms creatively or by animating different areas of their region or community. Project grants are awarded to a maximum of $30,000 each, though awards may be given for projects as low as $5,000 each.
Indigenous Cultural Heritage Micro-Grant (FPCC)
Deadline August 31, 2021.
The Indigenous Cultural Heritage Micro-Grant (ICH MG) supports the performance, preservation or sharing of Indigenous heritage, increasing knowledge sharing with Elders or assisting in the development of cultural heritage skills in Indigenous communities. Accepted projects will be initiated and directed by B.C. First Nations and related organizations that have demonstrated commitment to their Indigenous cultural heritage practices and a mandate or focus that includes Indigenous heritage. This can include First Nations bands and tribal councils, First Nations schools, daycares and adult education centres and not-for-profit societies registered in B.C. Funding provided through this grant is up to $2,000
Canada-France Agreement - Museum Assistance Program
Deadline August 31, 2021.
The Museums Assistance Program (MAP) – Canada-France Agreement component provides funding for joint missions between French and Canadian heritage organizations, to create ties and enhance competencies of museum professionals. Partnerships may relate to research on development and diversification of audiences. Projects that further the development of official language minority communities are given a priority for funding support. The Program provides financial assistance to Canadian museums and related institutions for activities that: facilitate Canadians’ access to our heritage; foster the preservation of Canada’s diverse and rich cultural heritage (other than built heritage), including representative collections of Indigenous cultural heritage; and foster professional knowledge, skills and practices related to key museum functions. Maximum funding per project is $50,000. Project funding under the Canada-France Agreement component will not normally exceed 50% of eligible expenses incurred in Canada.
Our Living Languages: First Peoples’ Voices in BC.
Penticton Museum. Until September 30, 2021.
About 60 per cent of Canada's Indigenous languages are spoken in British Columbia - 203 First Nations communities speak 34 distinct languages.
Find out more about the efforts being made by 13 BC First Nations communities to preserve and revitalize their languages for future generations in the exhibit -
EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED.
Indigenous peoples in British Columbia maintain deep connections to the lands, waters, animals, and supernatural realms of their unique Territories. These connections are more important now than ever before, as we all realize what Indigenous BC has long known–our health and wholeness are written upon the land.
Know Before You Go
B.C. is in Step 3 of its Restart Plan and is thrilled to welcome visitors from across Canada and the USA for safe and responsible travel in the province. Get travel ideas, offers, and the latest information at exploreBC.com.
We look forward to welcoming back fully vaccinated American visitors as of August 9, and fully vaccinated visitors from other countries who meet the entry criteria starting September 7. If they meet the entry criteria, fully vaccinated travellers will not have to quarantine upon arrival to Canada. Find out if you can enter Canada, here.
If you are a tourism industry partner seeking updates about COVID-19, please visit Destination BC’s corporate website, here.
Tourism Resiliency Program Supports
We hope these resources are helpful. We are here to help with the challenges your business is facing. As part of TOTA's Tourism Resiliency Program you can access the following supports:
1-1 Advisor Services with a TOTA team member
Expert Business Mentorship with an Okanagan College business professor
Mental Health Support through the Canadian Mental Health Association
Micro Loans through Community Futures
Email Recovery@TOTABC.com for quick questions or to schedule 1-1 call/video with a TOTA advisor
Kekuli Cafe Opening New Location in Kamloops
Kekuli Cafe is adding a third location in Kamloops, across from the Royal Inland Hospital.. The other two fast-casual Indigenous eateries are in Westbank and Merritt, as well as a food truck.
Kekuli Cafe is adding a third location in Kamloops. The other two fast-casual Indigenous eateries are in Westbank and Merritt, as well as a food truck. The new spot will be located across from the Royal Inland Hospital.
Indigenous Tourism BC Labour Market Research, Indigenous Tourism Labour Strategy and a Guide to Wise HR Practices
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has released “Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Research: Roots to a Future Research Findings 2020-21”, the “BC Indigenous Tourism Strategic Plan,” and “Wise Ways: A Guide of Smart Practices to Attracting and Retaining Indigenous Talent” to support a path to build on past success and create growth for Indigenous tourism employment.
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) has released “Indigenous Tourism Labour Market Research: Roots to a Future Research Findings 2020-21”, the “BC Indigenous Tourism Strategic Plan,” and “Wise Ways: A Guide of Smart Practices to Attracting and Retaining Indigenous Talent.”
This project launched in November 2019 in response to a critical labour shortage and growing demand for labour in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous tourism industry. This project is funded by the Province of British Columbia and Government of Canada through the Sector Labour Market Partnerships program.
“Indigenous Tourism is one of the fastest growing parts of the tourism sector and we want to ensure businesses have people to do the work so they can continue to grow,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Creating tools to attract, train and retain Indigenous people to obtain critically important jobs in the tourism sector can advance economic and cultural reconciliation and increased understanding for our culture and practices by visitors near and far.”
The research report shows there were 488 Indigenous tourism businesses in British Columbia in early 2020. These businesses were employing 4,248 people, with a potential of inspiring another 14,500 Indigenous people to build careers in the tourism industry. This research report, strategy and smart practice guide will support a path to build on this success and create growth for Indigenous tourism employment.
ITBC Chair Brenda Baptiste says, “We were preparing for continued growth with this project when the global COVID-19 pandemic was announced. In the footsteps of our ancestors, we shifted our focus to strategies to support Indigenous people and Indigenous tourism businesses to navigate the pandemic and devastating impacts on the tourism industry.”
The research report follows the Literature review which summarizes studies and research on the Indigenous tourism labour force (available online at https://www.indigenousbc.com/corporate/content/uploads/2020/11/REPORT-2020-ITBC-Labour-Market-Research-Literature-Review-2020-04-17-FINAL20200630.pdf). The Indigenous Tourism Labour Strategy outlines strategic approaches and partnerships, training and recruitment supports for Indigenous people, while the “Wise Ways” guide offers ideas on how to recruit and hire Indigenous staff, and build a workplace that retains Indigenous talent.
Baptiste adds, “Our industry has experienced incredible success over the past several years, and we anticipate employment returning to 2019 levels by 2024. ITBC will ensure Indigenous tourism experiences and First Nations have the capacity to grow our industry and continue to showcase our culture, history and story that make British Columbia truly unique among global tourism destinations.”
To learn more about Indigenous Tourism BC and the recent labour market research, visit www.indigenousbc.com/corporate
Research Report Highlights:
Of all Indigenous tourism businesses, the 2019 size of the workforce was roughly 4,248.
A Conference Board of Canada study for Tourism HR Canada in 2018 uncovered that 16% of Indigenous people wanted to work in tourism but could not find a job.
The Indigenous population available for work and interested in working in tourism is estimated at 14,497.
33% of Indigenous tourism employers experienced challenges recruiting workers for their business in 2019. Reasons include not being able to provide candidates with competitive salaries (41%), lack of access to appropriate housing (38%), and lack of appropriate training/educational opportunities (38%).
Those positions cited by Indigenous tourism employers as being most challenging to recruit (10+%) were linked to cook, guiding, retail sales, driver, cleaner, desk clerk, chef, and musician positions.
There are several constraints to Indigenous tourism businesses and Indigenous people that limit Indigenous business development and deter people from entering and advancing in the Indigenous tourism industry, such as Indigenous community infrastructure like internet connectivity and affordable internet, transportation, and housing.
There is a growing demographic of Indigenous people suited to careers in the tourism industry. However, there is increasing competition both within and beyond the Indigenous tourism sector.
Quick Links
Moccasin Trails and Indigenous World Winery Selected to Receive Indigenous Tourism Grants
WestJet and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) are providing nine, $10,000 grants to Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada, including two Thompson Okanagan Indigenous tourism businesses: Moccasin Trails and Indigenous World Winery.
WestJet and the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) are providing nine, $10,000 grants to Indigenous tourism businesses across Canada that have been devastated by the shutdown of the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants were originally earmarked through the WestJet/ITAC strategic national partnership, signed in November 2019.
Congratulations to the Thompson Okanagan Recipients of the 2020/2021 WestJet/ITAC grants!
Moccasin Trails: Kamloops
Indigenous World Winery: Kelowna
The grant recipients will be spotlighted on WestJet’s social channels and its newsroom over the next year.
The recipients of these grants were given the news in March 2021 and their reactions were captured in a new WestJet/ITAC video. The video features Robert & Bernice Louie of Indigenous World Winery and Greg Hopf of Moccasin Trails.
The WestJet/ITAC strategic national partnership is a three-year commitment that outlines how the airline will foster opportunities for Indigenous tourism by showcasing Indigenous People’s culture and history while bringing global audiences to take part in Indigenous tourism experiences.
For the full listing of the grant recipients, visit westjet.com/en-ca/best-of-travel/indigenous-tourism.
For more information about Indigenous experiences across Canada, visit DestinationIndigenous.ca
A Tasting of Indigenous Cultures Workshop
In partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive, you will be guided through an exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in B.C.
Join this National Indigenous History Month workshop to immerse yourself in authentic Indigenous food & beverage in British Columbia.
In partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive, you will be guided through an exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in B.C. Meet Paul Natrall, a second-generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s successful Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, and Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of the Okanagan’s picturesque Indigenous World Winery. Viewers will learn how to make authentic bannock from the comfort of their homes, and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine. When you taste Indigenous World wine, you are tasting fruit from the land that has supported the Syilx people for over 10,000 years.
Celebrate National Indigenous History Month this June
National Indigenous History Month through June invites Canadians to celebrate local First Nations cultures, while reflecting on the storied history of the country’s Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is hosting a series of free virtual workshops celebrating National Indigenous History Month (June 2021) and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2021). Two Thompson Okanagan Indigenous tourism companies are taking part in the workshops: Indigenous World Winery and Moccasin Trails. For a list of Indigenous tourism experiences in the Thompson Okanagan, see the Indigenous Tourism BC website.
National Indigenous History Month was introduced in June 2009 as a way to educate, connect, and promote reconciliation in Canada. In 1996, National Indigenous Peoples Day was declared, with the date of June 21 chosen to coincide with the summer solstice and the start of berry-picking and fishing season – both important traditions in Indigenous cultures. The holidays invite Canadian residents to celebrate local First Nations cultures, while reflecting on the storied history of the country’s Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous Tourism BC Virtual Workshops
Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is thrilled to host a series of free virtual workshops celebrating National Indigenous History Month (June 2021) and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21, 2021), in partnership with Destination BC and sponsored by Daily Hive. An engaging opportunity for people everywhere to learn about Indigenous cultures, history and tourism in BC, the workshops are anchored by themes of food and beverage, arts and culture, and wellness.
Two Thompson Okanagan Indigenous tourism companies are taking part in the workshops: Indigenous World Winery and Moccasin Trails. For a list of Indigenous tourism experiences in the Thompson Okanagan, see the Indigenous Tourism BC website.
Taking place throughout the month of June, the upcoming sessions include:
A Tasting of Indigenous Cultures – Tuesday, June 15 at 2pm PST / 5pm EST
An immersive exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine in BC. Viewers will meet Paul Natrall, second-generation chef and owner of Vancouver’s Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, and Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of the Okanagan’s picturesque Indigenous World Winery. Learn how to make authentic bannock from home and learn about the history and practices behind Indigenous wine.
Register: https://bit.ly/33U30W5
Celebrating Living Indigenous Arts & Culture – Thursday, June 17 at 2pm PST / 5pm EST
Travel virtually to the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay, BC with Sara Fulla, where you’ll learn about the history and cultural significance of Potlatches as well as the artistic practices of cedar weaving, song and dance. Viewers will then be transported to the remote Great Bear Rainforest in Klemtu, BC where they will meet Sierra Hall at Spirit Bear Lodge. From harvesting traditional foods and wildlife watching to viewing petroglyphs and historical tours, Spirit Bear Lodge fosters deep connections to place and land.
Register: https://bit.ly/3eZktmw
Honouring Wellness – Tuesday, June 22 at 2pm PST / 5pm EST
Restore your spirit through an exploration of Indigenous wellness rituals. Frank Antoine, co-founder of the Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, will host a smudging ceremony and attendees will learn about the colonization of Indigenous wellness practices. Viewers will then meet Dennis Thomas of Vancouver’s Takaya Tours, an Indigenous owned eco-tourism venture. Indigenous peoples have travelled the land and waters of traditional territory for thousands of years, and Dennis will share his ancestral knowledge, fostering an appreciation for wilderness and Indigenous culture. Learn how nature and sustainability, through an Indigenous worldview, contribute to social wellbeing.
Register: https://bit.ly/3ft3J5V
Included on each event page are links to purchase relevant products or reserve future travel experiences relating to each workshop topic, including sage sticks for smudging and pre-made mixes to bake bannock at home.
State of the Indigenous Tourism Video Released by Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) released a State of Indigenous Tourism Industry video showcasing the devastating impact of COVID-19. This emotional video showcases members from across Canada, including Thompson Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, an Indigenous tour company operated by TOTA’s past Board Chair, Frank Antoine.
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) released a State of Indigenous Tourism Industry video showcasing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the Indigenous tourism industry at their 2020 AGM on December 15. Tied to ITAC’s second wave response and advocacy efforts to the Federal Government, ITAC hopes to receive the requested $18.2 M to support the Indigenous tourism industry and its immediate needs.
This emotional video showcases members from across Canada, including Thompson Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, an Indigenous tour company operated by TOTA’s past Board Chair, Frank Antoine. In the video, Frank speaks about the challenges for Indigenous tourism companies at 3:24, 4:00, 6:02, and 8:14.
Watch the State of Indigenous Tourism Industry Video
About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is the lead organization tasked with growing 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 other groups and regions with similar mandates. By uniting the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada, ITAC works to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism businesses in a respectful protocol. Due to COVID-19, ITAC recently released a report on the financial challenges facing Indigenous tourism operators and recommended stimulus solutions. As well, a 2020-2021 revised action plan focused on sustaining Indigenous tourism in the face of COVID-19 was released in March.
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Launches Mobile Indigenous Artist Studio
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
November 13, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kelowna—The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has partnered with First Nations communities in the Interior to create a mobile space where artists’ works can be displayed and sold.
“We are honoured to be a part of an initiative that showcases to the world the designs and culture of the Indigenous people of the Thompson Okanagan region,” says TOTA President and CEO Glenn Mandziuk. “The goal of IArT is to promote awareness to cultural appropriation, encouraging guests and consumers to purchase only authentic art, through the recruitment of artisans whose work reflects the history and culture of the Thompson Okanagan Three Nations, and we are proud to provide a venue for these art pieces.”
The trailer is sponsored by TOTA and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC) and was funded in part by the Western Economic Development Fund, the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust and the Rural Dividend Fund, will travel to areas within the Thompson Okanagan starting in March 2020. Currently, there are almost a dozen artists involved in the project, with many more slated to come on line.
“The IArT trailer is a great opportunity for many artists, to express themselves, assist in the preservation of our beautiful art and tools, and share our stories and culture,” says trailer manager Amanda Adams. “This opportunity brings together three Nations—Secwepemc, Nlaka’pamux and Syilx/Okanagan—and shows their support, dedication and commitment to keeping their history, culture and ways of life alive and prosperous.
“Possibilities are endless when you learn, work, and grow together.”
“Our government values the significant contributions of Indigenous artists to B.C.’s identity and creative economy, and I am so excited that through the IArT Trailer’s unique vision, people all across the Thompson Okanagan will be able to experience the power of Indigenous art,” said Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Lisa Beare.
“The trailer is contributing to an authentic cultural experience that can only be found in this part of the province and ensuring more Indigenous cultures are represented in B.C.’s art
community.”
“The trailer is meant to grow the number of cultural and experiential travellers contributing to the year-round economic growth of First Nation communities throughout the Thompson Okanagan,” said Mandziuk.
“It is time to tell their authentic story of resilience and renewal through their art.”
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Media Contacts:
Glenn Mandziuk
President and CEO
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
ceo@totabc.com
Ellen-Walker Matthews
Vice-President Destination Development
Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association
industry@totabc.com
(236) 361-4433
Backgrounder
About the IArT Trailer:
The Indigenous Artisans Trail (IArT) trailer has been developed with the support of the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), the Indigenous Tourism of British Columbia (ITBC) and funding provided by the Western Economic Development Fund, the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust and the Rural Dividend Fund.
The trailer is meant to grow the number of cultural and experiential travellers contributing to the year-round economic growth of First Nation communities throughout the Thompson Okanagan. It is time to tell their authentic story of resilience and renewal through their art.
IArT is the combination of a cooperative and sustainable retail approach that enhances the visitor experience while telling the unique story of the Interior-Salish indigenous people. A coordinated and interactive retail network, connecting artists to the public, has not yet been established in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia.
Until now.
The goal of IArT is to promote awareness to cultural appropriation, encouraging guests and consumers to purchase only authentic art, through the recruitment of artisans whose work reflects the history and culture of the Thompson Okanagan Three Nations: Nlaka’pamux, Syilx, and Secwépemc.
Why mobile?
Mobile models allow merchants the opportunity to bring product to market in a responsive and contemporary format. The model mitigates the burden of seasonal shopping trends (fluctuations) through the flexibility of its structure. The mobile shopping experience accommodates unique inventory that is not easily replicated, is authentic, and/or one-of-a-kind.
The IArT trailer will travel to festivals and events throughout the region starting in March 2020. To book the trailer, please go to www.iart-gallery.com. For more information on the trailer or to apply to participate, please contact Amanda Adams at iart@totabc.com.