The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
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 →
Read MoreAs 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.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreAs travel resumes around the world, Destination BC is competitively vying for international visitors with its launch of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘢 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 – 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧: an extensive $6.7M marketing campaign designed to drive emotional urgency and encourage travel to BC in 2022 and into 2023 from key international and domestic long-haul markets: UK & Australia, California, Ontario, and Washington.
The campaign leverages the global brand platform, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘊 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵, first launched in 2019 and reimagined for the current landscape to inspire global audiences to tap into something bigger, awaken a deeper connection, gain a different perspective, and find themselves–in every sense of the word– within British Columbia.
With people in BC’s core markets seeking wide-open spaces, nature and wildlife, and authentic experiences now more than ever, BC is well-positioned to meet and surpass their travel wish lists.
Tourism companies can create content that aligns with the BC Effect to attract similar visitors.
Read MoreThirty-one exceptional people were invested into the Order of British Columbia, the Province's highest honour, during a ceremony at Government House on March 3, 2022. There were two Order of B.C. recipients from the Thompson Okanagan region: Brenda Baptiste of Osoyoos and Ruth Williams from Kamloops.
Congratulations to Brenda Baptiste! We thank you for your work supporting Indigenous people and developing Indigenous business opportunities through the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre and Indigenous Tourism BC.
Read MoreIndigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is launching a campaign to encourage corporations, organizations, and special interest groups to book retreats, meetings, workshops, and educational experiences with Indigenous tourism businesses in British Columbia.
B.C.'s Indigenous tourism operators provide both space and leadership for learning, reflection, and dialogue. This is a valuable means for organizations that are looking to implement Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action or for educators that are seeking to apply First Nations learning principles.
ITBC encourages everyone to participate and support Indigenous tourism businesses in B.C., representing the diverse and living Indigenous peoples and cultures in present-day B.C..
Groups can experience and learn from Indigenous-owned businesses such as accommodations, outdoor experiences, event facilities, food & beverage establishment, cultural centres, gift shops, and galleries.
Thompson Okanagan Indigenous services providers listed include:
Quaaout Lodge and Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort - Chase
Jack Sam's Restaurant at Quaaout Lodge - Chase
Moccasin Trails - Kamloops and Kelowna
Nk'Mip Cultural Centre - Osoyoos
Kekuli Cafe - West Kelowna, Merritt
Learn More & View Indigenous Service Providers→
Read MoreIndigenous 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.
Read MoreIndigenous Tourism BC in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada and the Aboriginal Financial Institutions in BC are once again delivering a Tourism and Hospitality Fund through the Indigenous Community Business Fund. This fund will provide non-repayable grant contributions to First Nation owned businesses and micro-businesses in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19.
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