News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
Westbank First Nation Launches Online Language Program
On September 30, 2021, The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Westbank First Nation (WFN) launched an online language tutorial series in effort to revitalize nsyilxcən language learning within the community. WFN received $100,000 from the First People’s Cultural Council through their Pathways to Language Vitality Program that helped to support developing materials, immersion programming, planning and community collaboration.
On September 30, 2021, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Westbank First Nation (WFN) launched an online language tutorial series in effort to revitalize nsyilxcən language learning within the community. WFN received $100,000 from the First People’s Cultural Council through their Pathways to Language Vitality Program that helped to support developing materials, immersion programming, planning and community collaboration.
Initially, the program was intended to have in person teachings, but as a pandemic precaution the curriculum was reworked into online modules.
Over 45 video tutorials were created featuring WFN Councillor Jordan Coble and ONA Member Levi Bent, utilizing Book 1 of the Paul Creek nsyilxcən curriculum and making it the first language series of its kind. The program would not have been possible without the support and hard work of language speakers, past and present who champion the nsyilxcən language in the community.
The program is entirely online and can be completed at any pace. Students can work through there lessons on their own schedule and will always have access to the lessons and resources. The tutorial series is open to everyone with a goal to revitalize nsyilxcən language for the syilx nation and guests who visit the website.
Winter Tire Regulations Now in Effect
As of Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, winter tires are mandatory for all vehicles until spring on most British Columbia highways, including all highways in the Interior.
With cold-weather season approaching, drivers and vehicle owners are reminded that B.C.’s annual winter tire requirements are in effect.
As of Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, winter tires are mandatory for all vehicles on most British Columbia highways to increase travel safety until spring.
Winter tires are required for travel on:
all highways in the North;
all highways in the Interior;
sections of some highways on the South Coast, including the Sea to Sky Highway; and
sections of some highways on Vancouver Island, including the Malahat and highways 4, 14 and 28.
In B.C., appropriate winter tires are defined as those with either the M+S (mud and snow) or mountain/snowflake symbol, in good condition with a minimum tread depth of 3.5 millimetres.
Tires marked with a mountain/snowflake symbol on the sidewall offer the best traction on snow and ice and in cold weather. Tires marked with M+S offer better traction than summer tires, but are less effective than mountain/snowflake tires in severe winter conditions. Drivers are encouraged to choose their tires based on the region and conditions in which they regularly drive.
Digital Jumpstart - Digital Skills for People With Disabilities | Neil Squire Society
Do you have an employee with a disability who would like to upgrade their digital skills? Neil Squire’s Digital Jumpstart is an online program that helps people with disabilities improve their digital literacy. The goal of the program is to tutor individuals one-on-one so that they can feel more confident in their computer readiness.
Do you have an employee with a disability who would like to upgrade their digital skills?
Neil Squire’s Digital Jumpstart is an online program that helps people with disabilities improve their digital literacy. The goal of the program is to tutor individuals one-on-one so that they can feel more confident in their computer readiness.
How Does It Work?
Participants will work one-on-one with an instructor in a virtual, private classroom from the comfort of their own homes. The program covers topics based on the needs of each individual and may include the basics of:
Email
Word processing (Microsoft Office)
The internet
Virtual platforms (Zoom and Microsoft Teams)
Social media
Online safety
The program taps into Neil Squire’s nearly 20 years of experience providing support to people with disabilities using remote technology. The participant and instructor will be able to talk and see each other’s screens, allowing active learning to occur regardless of where they are located in Canada.
“I felt stranded and alone and scared. People throw around the word isolated when talking about COVID. I was truly isolated and Neil Squire was a lifeline to me.”
— Hayley
“I want people to realize if I can do it, anybody can do it. [Neil Squire] helped me beyond what I thought. They actually have me thinking my goals might be possible. And that’s a big plus for me.”
— Jaycee
Digital Jumpstart is available in all regions across Canada. Please contact the office location nearest you to get started.
British Columbia
Patty Lavakittichaiyant
T 604 473 9363
Toll Free 1 877 673 4636
info@neilsquire.ca
Accommodation Accessibility Features Survey
Accommodators (resorts, hotels, motels, B&B) in the Thompson Okanagan region are invited to share information about the accessibility features of their venue.
Please take a few moments to fill out this survey to better help us identify the accessible accommodations available in the Thompson Okanagan region.
TOTA is committed to becoming a world-renowned accessible destination and the goal is to promote “Access & Inclusion” in all aspects of community and tourism experiences, products, and services in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Accommodators (resorts, hotels, motels, B&B) in the Thompson Okanagan region are invited to share information about the accessibility features of their venue.
Please take a few moments to fill out this survey to better help us identify the accessible accommodations available in the Thompson Okanagan region.
Join as a Member of the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC)
Joining as a member enables TIABC to support important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy. Due to the difficulties the tourism industry has faced since early 2020, TIABC has extended various payment options to members if required.
Membership in TIABC has never been more important. The impacts of COVID-19 have been widespread in the tourism industry and coordination with industry partners to share concerns with government is critical.
To assist in recovery for BC’s visitor economy and generate incremental revenues for operators and government, TIABC needs the right mix of marketing investment, infrastructure and product development, access to labour, and policies that facilitate and enable success. That’s where TIABC comes in.
TIABC remains steadfast in its objective to create a policy and regulatory environment that allows tourism operators to grow and prosper, that provides job opportunities for all ages and skills, that generates economic impact in regions throughout British Columbia, and that helps communities develop in manageable and sustainable ways.
Joining as a member enables TIABC to support important advocacy efforts on behalf of the entire visitor economy.
Due to the difficulties the tourism industry has faced since early 2020, TIABC has extended various payment options to members if required.
Destination Canada Attracting U.S. Market by Matching Travel Perks on Air Canada
Destination Canada, has partnered with Air Canada and StatusMatch to launch a new status match program to encourage frequent American travellers to visit Canada. Destination Canada is offering to match the tier of Air Canada's Aeroplan members that are US residents and have a tier with an eligible US airline listed.
Canada is using the lure of travel perks to convince America’s frequent flying elite to fly north on Air Canada as the country steps up efforts to revive crucial traffic from the United States.
Destination Canada, has partnered with Air Canada and StatusMatch to launch a new status match program to encourage frequent American travellers to visit Canada. Destination Canada is offering to match the tier of Air Canada's Aeroplan members that are US residents and have a tier with an eligible US airline listed.
This limited-time offer marks the first time a tourism organization has used status-matching to entice visitors to travel to their destination.
COVID-19 has battered travel from Canada’s largest tourism market. During the first half of 2021, Canada had about 178,000 overnight arrivals from the United States, compared with 6.8 million during the same period in 2019, according to government data.
To help reverse that decline, government tourism body, Destination Canada has rolled out its first campaign targeting U.S. frequent fliers.
It is part of broader $14 million effort by the tourism commission to boost traffic after Canada recently opened its borders to vaccinated travellers. It comes as countries ease restrictions on international travel, with the United States set to reopen in November to vaccinated air travellers from 33 countries.
Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Resilience Roundtable | BC Tourism Resiliency Network
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is hosting a virtual Wildfire Resilience Roundtable for the Thompson Okanagan region on Tuesday, October 5 from 2 PM to 3 PM. Each Wildfire Resilience Roundtable will begin with a wildfire scenario developed from the guest perspective, tailored to reflect the realistic and relevant needs of the region.
In this roundtable session, learn more about:
Developing a shared understanding of the impacts a wildfire may have on guests
How messaging can influence guest confidence and safety
Generating a repository of solutions or resources that either currently exist or could be developed to support guests and tourism operators
The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is hosting a series of Wildfire Resilience Roundtables throughout October, one for each of the five B.C. regions, led by emergency management experts from Calian Group.
The Thompson Okanagan Wildfire Resilience Roundtable is being held virtually on Tuesday, October 5 from 2 PM to 3 PM.
Each Wildfire Resilience Roundtable will begin with a wildfire scenario developed from the guest perspective, tailored to reflect the realistic and relevant needs of each region.
Breakout groups will then be guided by a facilitator and designed to explore a specific question with real solutions. All discussions will be conducted with a Trauma Informed Approach (TIA) to ensure the cultural and emotional safety of all participants.
In this roundtable session, you will learn more about:
Developing a shared understanding of the impacts a wildfire may have on guests
How messaging can influence guest confidence and safety
Generating a repository of solutions or resources that either currently exist or could be developed to support guests and tourism operators
URGENT Survey: Impact of BC Vaccine Card - Alliance of Beverage Licensees
Industry organizations want to better understand how the Vaccine Card has impacted hospitality businesses. The goal of this survey is to understand if and how the Vaccine Card has impacted revenue, expenses, and interactions with customers in hospitality businesses. The responses will give real-world information needed to advocate for the government support businesses need to succeed.
ABLE BC in partnership with the BCRFA, BC Craft Brewers Guild, Craft Distillers Guild of BC, Wine Growers British Columbia, Restaurants Canada, and New Wave Wine Society want to better understand how the Vaccine Card has impacted hospitality businesses.
British Columbia’s vaccine card program began on September 13. The program requires proof of at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine in order to enter restaurants, movies, ticketed sporting events and many other non-essential venues.
As of October 24, those aged 12 and up will need to be fully vaccinated to access those same services and venues.
The goal of this survey is to understand if and how the Vaccine Card has impacted revenue, expenses, and interactions with customers in hospitality businesses. The responses will give real-world information needed to advocate for the government support businesses need to succeed.
TOTA Complimentary Energy Assessments & FortisBC Equipment Rebate Support
TOTA is offering complimentary virtual energy assessments and free one-on-one equipment rebate consultations to Thompson Okanagan tourism companies that are serviced by FortisBC. The goal is to help the businesses reduce their energy-related operating and capital expenses, energy consumption, and carbon footprint.
TOTA’s Energy Analyst can assist in choosing the right equipment eligible for rebates, submitting a rebate application to FortisBC, and guide you throughout the process till the application gets approved.
To book your complimentary virtual energy assessment or to find out if your business is eligible for rebates, book a free appointment with the TOTA Energy Analyst.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is offering complimentary virtual energy assessments and free one-on-one equipment rebate consultations to tourism businesses in the region that are serviced by FortisBC. The goal of these free services is to help businesses reduce their energy-related operating and capital expenses, energy consumption, and carbon footprint.
Your company might be eligible for FortisBC rebates if you are a FortisBC electricity or natural gas customer, meet their requirements for energy-efficient equipment, and you:
Are trying to find ways to reduce energy costs or capital expenses for your business
Are planning to purchase or upgrade lighting, HVAC equipment (boilers, furnaces, water heaters, heat pumps, rooftop units, ovens, dishwashers, etc), or other appliances for your business
Have purchased or installed any of these within the last 365 days
Energy Analyst Services
TOTA’s Energy Analyst can assist you in choosing the right equipment eligible for rebates, submitting a rebate application to FortisBC, and guide you throughout the process until the application gets approved.
To book your complimentary virtual energy assessment or to find out if your business is eligible for rebates, book a free appointment with TOTA’s Energy Analyst.
Examples of FortisBC rebates available:
Commercial lighting rebates up to $30 per unit per LED lamp, up to $200 per LED interior luminaire, and up to $220 per LED exterior luminaire (only eligible models of lamps, luminaries, occupancy and photocell sensors)
Natural gas boiler rebates up to $20,000 when installing an eligible mid-efficiency natural gas boiler. For a limited time, until December 31, 2021, FortisBC has even bigger rebates on eligible high-efficiency condensing models, up to $60,000 per boiler.
Heat pump and electric water heater rebates up to $1,000 per water heater for ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater and up to $600 per ton for eligible variable refrigerant flow heat pump model
Kitchen and laundry equipment rebates (eligible models of convection ovens, fryers, griddles, hot food holding cabinets, steam cookers, dishwashers, demand controlled ventilation exhaust hoods, clothes washers, etc).
Province Extends Order Capping Fees Charged by Food Delivery Services | BC Gov News
The B.C. food delivery service fee cap is being extended to December 31, 2021, at which point it will be reviewed, taking into account the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The order will continue to cap fees charged to restaurants from food delivery companies to 15%. An additional cap of 5% will also be extended for other related fees associated with use of the service, such as online ordering and processing fees. This will ensure companies cannot shift their delivery costs to other fees.
The Province of B.C. announced that restaurants facing unprecedented challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be supported through the extension of the food delivery fee cap, which limits the total fees food delivery companies can charge.
The food delivery service fee cap is being extended under the COVID-19 Related Measures Act and will immediately follow the expiry of the current temporary order put in place on December 22nd last year under the Emergency Program Act. The current order was set to expire at midnight (Pacific time) on Sept. 28, 2021.
The order will continue to cap fees charged to restaurants from food delivery companies to 15%. An additional cap of 5% will also be extended for other related fees associated with use of the service, such as online ordering and processing fees. This will ensure companies cannot shift their delivery costs to other fees.
Small-delivery service businesses that serve less than 500 restaurants will continue to be exempt from the order. The order also prohibits delivery companies from reducing compensation for their drivers allowing employees to continue to be paid their regular wages.
The revised order is set to expire on December 31, 2021, at which point it will be reviewed, taking into account the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
Netflix In Your Neighbourhood Features Okanagan Tourism Businesses
Netflix is launching a new website — Netflix in Your Neighbourhood — to make it easier for fans, both local and from around the world, to find and explore amazing Netflix filming locations that all have one thing in common: Canada. Several productions listed were filmed in the Okanagan, benefiting communities by creating jobs and investments in local businesses while also creating a desire among our members to visit the area and learn more.
Frequency Winery was one Okanagan business featured in the Netflix show Restaurants on the Edge.
Netflix is launching a new website — Netflix in Your Neighbourhood — to make it easier for fans, both local and from around the world, to find and explore amazing Netflix filming locations that all have one thing in common: Canada.
Netflix in Your Neighbourhood provides a window into some of the Canadian cities and towns that have enriched films and series, and captivated audiences worldwide. Visitors can search filming locations by a film or series title, or by province. Fans can also access directions to these destinations, and see how they’ve been featured on Netflix.
Netflix has filmed hundreds of productions across Canada and the site will feature some current highlights, as well as select new titles, once they are released.
Several productions were filmed in the Okanagan, benefiting communities by creating jobs and investments in local businesses while also creating a desire among our members to visit the area and learn more about the place, food, wilderness, and culture.
Thompson Okanagan filming locations listed include businesses featured on the show, Restaurants on the Edge, filmed in Vernon and Kelowna:
The Outboard Waterfront Pub
Okanagan Spirits Craft Distillery
Okanagan Lake
Frequency Winery
A recent study shows that Netflix audiences are 1.8x more likely to have seen Canadian content than those who don’t watch Netflix. And people who have watched Canadian content are 2.1x more likely to say Canada is their #1 travel destination.
Canadian Content on Netflix has helped contribute to my appreciation of Canada’s history and culture
-Male, 74, US
Through Netflix, members can discover many different parts of Canada, encouraging them to look at these Canadian destinations through a new lens.
Applications Open for Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism | Apply by 12:00 October 13, 2021
The Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism through the UN Sustainable Development Goals is a virtual capacity-building program to support businesses across B.C. to create a Sustainable Development Goal Strategy and Decade of Action Plan. Learn how to align the SDGs with your existing sustainability efforts, set targets for the future, and drive meaningful results for your guests, company, and community.
The Decade of Action Program: Building a Sustainable Future for BC Tourism through the UN Sustainable Development Goals is a capacity-building program to support businesses across B.C. to create a Sustainable Development Goal Strategy and Decade of Action Plan. Learn how to align the SDGs with your existing sustainability efforts, set targets for the future, and drive meaningful results for your guests, company, and community.
Facilitated by the BC Tourism Resiliency Network, in partnership with Synergy Enterprises, this pilot program will support up to 40 tourism businesses across B.C. through two workshops and one-on-one coaching for each participating business.
In the program, participants will:
Connect with passionate business leaders and discover how tourism can create a better world
Receive coaching to identify the SDGs that most align with your organization, and actions that promote resiliency, cost reduction, and access to talent
Identify key metrics to track your progress towards the SDGs
Integrate the SDGs into your messaging and communications
Develop an SDG Strategy and 10-year Action Plan for your organization
Help position BC’s tourism industry as a leader in sustainability
This Program consists of three parts:
Decade of Action Seminar (Tuesday, October 19, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST)
Business Action Planning and One-on-One Coaching Calls (October - December)
Decade of Action Showcase (Thursday, November 18, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST)
Spaces are limited. Apply by October 13, at 12:00pm
Add the Accessibility Attributes to Your HelloBC.com Listing
Tourism businesses can add accessible attributes to your HelloBC.com listing at any time with a few simple steps. These accessibility attribute listings will help to build consumer confidence when visitors plan their trip to BC. Accessibility is organized into five categories: Mobility, Vision, Hearing, Cognitive & Sensory, and General.
Destination BC (DBC) actively supports the development and improvement of accessible tourism products, services, and activities to ensure every person can participate in BC’s transformative experiences
In 2019, DBC improved and enhanced the accessibility planning and travel information on HelloBC.com, including the addition of an Accessibility feature within business listings. To date, over 400 tourism businesses have added the Accessibility feature to their HelloBC listing, helping to build consumer confidence when visitors plan their trip to BC.
Accessibility is organized into five categories: Mobility, Vision, Hearing, Cognitive & Sensory, and General.
View an example of how the Accessibility feature appears on HelloBC →
BC tourism businesses can add accessible attributes to their listing at any time by following the steps below or they can have a Destination BC team member assist by contacting HelloBCListings@DestinationBC.ca to set up an appointment time. Business listings on HelloBC are complimentary and there is NO cost to add this feature.
Businesses can follow these steps to add accessibility attributes to their HelloBC.com listing:
Log-in to the Tourism Business Portal
Select your business name found under “Manage My Listings”
Click the Accessibility tab
Click the Update button
Check off the criteria on the list, which your business meets in full. Only the criteria that you have selected will display on your listing
Click Next to save
After you have finished editing your accessibility attributes, you will be able to add your accessibility photos by following these steps:
While in the Accessibility section of your account, click Manage Photos
Choose the accessibility category of your photo from the drop-down menu
Click Upload Files
Locate your photo on your hard drive and double click the photo to select it
Click Done to complete the upload
Business that do not have access to a HelloBC listing account, can register for a user account here and should allow up to three business days for access to be granted.
Reminder: BC Vaccine Card is the Only Valid Proof of Vaccination
As of September 27, the BC Vaccine Card is the only acceptable proof of vaccination for British Columbians to enter certain businesses and recreational events. The BC Vaccine Card includes a secure individualized QR code and image showing the holder is either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” People are required to have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, and both doses by October 24, to enter these settings.
As of September 27, the BC Vaccine Card is the only acceptable proof of vaccination for British Columbians to enter certain businesses and recreational events.
The transition period, which allowed people to present their paper record of immunization received at the time of their vaccination appointment has ended.
People can get their BC Vaccine Card online and keep a digital copy on their mobile device by taking a screen shot or saving the digital copy to the device's photo album or downloads folder. Alternatively, people can print a hard copy to present when entering designated businesses and events.
Businesses can download the BC Vaccine Card Verifier App from the Google Play and Apple App stores and use the app to verify customers’ BC Vaccine Card, or visually verify the person’s proof of vaccination. Government-issued photo is required for those 19 and older.
The BC Vaccine Card includes a secure individualized QR code and image showing the holder is either “vaccinated” or “partially vaccinated.” People are now required to have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine, and both doses by October 24, to enter these settings.
Discerning Diner Report | Restaurants Canada
Restaurants Canada has released the 2021 Discerning Diner report. This report taps into the minds of consumers to see what new dining habits Canadians have developed during the pandemic, and what you can expect from consumers as the pandemic subsides.
Restaurants Canada has released the 2021 Discerning Diner report. This report taps into the minds of consumers to see what new dining habits Canadians have developed during the pandemic, and what you can expect from consumers as the pandemic subsides.
Report Highlights:
89% of Canadians look forward to eating out with family and friends
Consumers are twice as likely to order delivery directly from restaurants vs third party apps
78% of Canadians yearning for comfort food after pandemic stress
Download the full report to better plan and strategize so that you can meet your guest expectations and improve your product offerings.
Indigenous Land Acknowledgement of the Thompson Okanagan Region
TOTA has published a Land Acknowledgement page on the corporate website, TOTABC.org, as a step on the path to cultivate strong relations with First Nation and Métis peoples. The page has been published as a way to show respect for the region’s Indigenous peoples by testifying to their presence, both historical and current; and in honour of Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on September 30, 2021.
The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) acknowledges that the Thompson Okanagan region is situated on the traditional territory of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc peoples. As well, the Thompson Okanagan includes land and water routes that were created and used, both historically and presently, by Indigenous peoples as seasonal travel and trade routes.
TOTA is committed to working towards truth and reconciliation by collaborating with Indigenous tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC). As an organization and team, we continuously reflect on our relationship with the land and our commitment to reconciliation as it relates to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Land Acknowledgement Page
TOTA has published a Land Acknowledgement page on the corporate website, TOTABC.org, as a step on the path to cultivate strong relations with First Nation and Métis peoples.
The page has been published as a way to show respect for the region’s Indigenous peoples by testifying to their presence, both historical and current; and in honour Orange Shirt Day and Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2021.
The Land Acknowledgement page includes:
Recognition of the traditional territory of the the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc peoples.
Information on TOTA’s commitment to working towards truth and reconciliation by collaborating with Indigenous tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC).
Resources to learn more about Canada’s Indigenous Land, History, and Culture
The Land Acknowledgement page can be accessed from:
Direct through the link TOTABC.org/Land-Acknowledgement
TOTABC.org, News.TOTABC.org, and ThompsonOkanagan.com footers
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day - September 30
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
September 30, 2021 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities.
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian Residential Schools and remembers those who did not. This day relates to the experience of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (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 can wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.
Work Towards Reconciliation
As individuals, organizations, and governments, we all have a part in working towards reconciliation. We can begin by learning more about the lands where we live, work, and play.
TOTA encourages tourism organizations and professionals to develop partnerships with local Indigenous communities, and to recognize and honour Indigenous peoples by acknowledging the traditional territories.
For more information on traditional territories and Indigenous communities, check out the following resources and contact communities directly for specific information.
Traditional Indigenous Territory, Language, and Treaties Map
Government of Canada – First Nation Profiles Interactive Map
BC Assembly of First Nations - Map of Thompson Okanagan Communities
To learn more about Indigenous Tourism in the Thompson Okanagan region:
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns about the content of the Land Acknowledgement page or TOTA’s Indigenous Tourism initiatives, please email Indigenous@TOTABC.com.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day | September 30
September 30, 2021 marks Canada’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Orange Shirt Day. Learn about virtual events to recognize , resources about Canada’s Indigenous peoples, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
September 30, 2021 Marks Canada’s First National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The day honours the lost children and survivors of residential schools, their families, and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
The creation of Canada’s federal statutory holiday was through legislative amendments made by Parliament. On June 3, 2021, Bill C-5, an Act to amend the Bills of Exchange Act, the Interpretation Act, and the Canada Labour Code (National Day for Truth and Reconciliation) received Royal Assent.
Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day also takes place on September 30
Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day that honours the children who survived Indian 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 can wear orange to raise awareness of the very tragic legacy of residential schools, and to honour the thousands of Survivors.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Events:
When – September 27 – October 1
Where – Online
Land Acknowledgements Workshop
When – September 27 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Where – Zoom
Elaine Alec Self Determination: A Pathway to Healing
When – September 30 at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Where – Online
Drum For The Children
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc wishes to involve the world in recognizing the very first Canadian National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. After a global outpouring of interest and support for the missing children from the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is offering a way for people to connect, support and ground into the importance of September 30, 2021.
On this very first Canadian National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is calling upon people around the world to gather safely to drum and sing for the missing children of Indian Residential Schools.
It’s time to honour the children, and the unrelenting spirit of these Ancestors.
It’s time to:
to drum for the healing of the Indian Residential Schools Survivors who carried the burden of knowing of where the children were buried.
to drum for the healing of the families and communities whose children did not come home.
Help us shine a light on truth – the pursuit of justice and peace – and healing for all affected by these beloved missing children.
Indigenous peoples and cultures
Learn about Canada’s three distinct groups of Indigenous peoples - the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, with unique histories, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs that are woven into the fabric of the country. More than 1.4 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Indigenous person.
Indigenous History in Canada
The history of Indigenous peoples in Canada is rich and diverse. This history stretches long into the past before the arrival of the European newcomers with diverse interactions among different peoples, flourishing trade and fierce conflict, and competition for lands and resources. The history of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis is essentially the very history of Canada as they have played, and continue to play important roles in its development and its future.
To learn more, please visit the virtual exhibit at the Canadian Museum of History and the First Nations in Canada historical e-book.
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - UNDRIP
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.
World Tourism Day Forum - September 28 | Center for Responsible Travel
CREST is partnering with Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency to host the fifth annual World Tourism Day Forum. This pay-what-you-can virtual event will focus on helping key sectors bridge the disconnect between the goals they are warned must be met when it comes to mitigating the climate crisis and the action steps they need to take.
Humanity’s contributions – including those of the travel industry – to our warming planet have put everything at stake. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that global temperatures will exceed 2°C beyond pre-industrial temperatures during the 21st century, exceeding the 1.5°C limit put forth by The Paris Agreement, unless we collectively and drastically start reducing our greenhouse gas emissions now and in the coming decades.
But what does this mean and how do we get there?
To answer these all-important questions, CREST is partnering with Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency to host their fifth annual World Tourism Day Forum. The virtual event will focus on helping key sectors bridge the disconnect between the goals they are warned must be met when it comes to mitigating the climate crisis and the action steps they need to take.
The year’s virtual Forum will take place over the span of two days, with an inspiring 2-hour introductory session for all participants on Tuesday, September 28, and 3-hour technical workshops for accommodations, tour operators, and destinations on Wednesday, September 29. EDT. Participants will leave the Forum with a solid understanding of climate change action terminology and how they can move forward towards meaningful action.
Safe Screen BC - Helping Businesses Access Rapid Antigen Tests and Onsite Screening for Employees
Safe Screen BC helps B.C. businesses access rapid antigen tests and set up onsite rapid COVID-19 workplace screening programs for employees. Safe Screen BC will guide businesses through the required application process for provincially available test-kits and support businesses in the set-up of onsite rapid workplace screening programs for employees.
Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), Safe Screen BC will guide businesses through the required application process for provincially available test-kits and support businesses in the set-up of onsite rapid workplace screening programs for employees.
How Safe Screen BC Helps Businesses
Supports businesses with the required application process for free rapid antigen tests through B.C.’s Rapid COVID-19 Point of Care Screening Program
Supports the development of onsite workplace screening programs for employees
Enables access and usage of rapid antigen tests for B.C. businesses
Benefits of Rapid Antigen Tests
Rapid antigen screening provides another layer of protection for employers and employees to help keep workplaces safe, reduce the chances of outbreaks and control the spread of COVID-19.
Rapid antigen tests can quickly screen asymptomatic employees for COVID-19 in close contact settings.
These tests are accessible, fast, affordable, and available.
Tests are mobile and can be deployed close to employees who need testing.
Quick results to enable a public health response (typical turn around is 15-20 minutes).
Provincially available tests are free for program participants