News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
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 →
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.
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.
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:
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.
