BC Tourism & Hospitality Award Thompson Okanagan Recipients

The British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) and Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC) announced the winners of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards. The winners were announced during the 2022 Awards Gala on March 10, presented by Indigenous Tourism BC.

The awards recognize and celebrate excellence within British Columbia's tourism & hospitality industry.

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of the awards for remarkable leadership and outstanding contribution.

Congratulations to the following award winners, which operate in the Thompson Okanagan:

• Accessibility Award: Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association (KASA) for a significant contribution towards making B.C. an inclusive and welcoming destination for everyone, that has built the capacity to support more accessible tourism & hospitality products, services and experiences, and provides an outstanding experience for guests with disabilities.

• Employees First Award: Accent Inns & Hotel Zed for being employer who has upheld high standards of excellence in occupational health & safety, human resource management practices, and workplace culture.

Learn More →

B.C. Launches Plan to Revitalize Tourism, Creating Opportunities for People

B.C. has launched a new three-year roadmap for rebuilding and revitalizing tourism, creating jobs and opportunities for people and communities in every part of the province.

The renewed Strategic Framework for Tourism responds to the call to action from the sector to support its recovery from COVID-19. It outlines a roadmap for a more resilient tourism sector by rebuilding to 2019 levels by 2024.

Requested by B.C.’s tourism industry leaders and the Tourism Task Force, the update of this framework focuses on provincial priorities of putting people first; lasting and meaningful reconciliation; equity and anti-racism; a better future through fighting climate change; and a strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone.

To continue to support tourism businesses in B.C. to come back stronger, the Province is investing $1 million toward investments in event-bid preparation and sponsorships to attract large-scale arts, culture, and sport events, and public conferences and exhibitions.

Investing now in event programs will kick-start the events industry’s recovery and will position B.C. as a safe, world-class, event-hosting jurisdiction once again. This is in addition to the $8 million government recently announced for the Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund to help restart business travel by attracting and hosting business events, conferences and exhibitions.

The Tourism Task Force emphasized how challenging it has been for industry to find the skilled workers it needs. This is why government is investing a further $2 million for post-secondary education and training to support B.C. students who enrol in tourism and hospitality certificate, diploma or degree programs, tourism-related apprenticeships, and trades training and development programs. This program, will prioritize students who are Indigenous, immigrant, or refugee applicants, as well as those from rural or remote locations, and people with accessibility needs. More details will be provided soon.

As part of the Province’s continuing tourism recovery initiatives, government has committed $6 million this year through 2024 for Destination BC to market B.C. as a destination of choice in the highly competitive international market.

This funding builds on the $570 million the B.C. government has invested in recovery supports for the tourism sector, including the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant and the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant that are providing funding to nearly 8,200 tourism and hospitality businesses.

View Announcement →

View Strategic Framework →

View At A Glance →

Service Provider Feature & Discount: Rezgo Booking Platform

The Rezgo booking platform has flexible tools designed to help manage your business efficiently, market more effectively, process payments faster and more securely, and make smart decisions informed by real-world data—no matter the scale or the volume of your business.

Customers can book on any device through your website or a convenient white-label service, and you can take secure payments online, in person, or over the phone with the payment gateway of choice. The system helps to build better relationships with your customers with in-depth reporting, email automation, comprehensive waivers, and verified reviews.

There are no monthly subscriptions, booking volume costs, or user account limits. The only cost is the payment fee for bookings, so you only pay when you’re doing business. The fee can be included in the transaction so customers cover the fee.

Rezgo is Canadian owned and operated, headquartered in Vancouver.

Rezgo is offering a discounted rate to Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses of 3.4% (-1.5% off listed price) for front-end online bookings. To receive the discount, tell the Rezgo sales/support team that you are a TOTA stakeholder.

Learn More & Book Demo →

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British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network Wins BC Tourism & Hospitality Award for Community Contribution

BC Tourism Resiliency Network RDMO CEOs with BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference Community Impact Award 2022 - Clint Fraser, Kathy Cooper, Anthony Everett, and Ellen Walker-Matthews. Amy Thacker not pictured.

(Richmond, B.C.) March 11, 2022 - The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network (BCTRN) has been recognized with a 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Award in the category of Community Contribution & Impact.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards recognize and celebrate excellence, leadership, and innovation within British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry, showcasing the province’s most exceptional leaders and positive change-makers. See the full list of nominees.

“We are honoured to have served B.C. tourism businesses and communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and support their survival,” said Anthony Everett, President & CEO, Tourism Vancouver Island and Chair, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat. “This program was designed by the tourism industry for the tourism industry, utilizing our sector’s specialized understanding of our own needs to guide the recovery of B.C.’s visitor economy.”

Evolving from a program initiated by Tourism Vancouver Island shortly after the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program led by the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS), providing B.C. tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery.

The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network has helped 2,033 tourism businesses to date, including 158 Indigenous-owned, 440 women-owned, and six youth-owned businesses in communities spanning the province. 1,333 participants have successfully secured aid from government relief programs and an estimated 3,694 jobs have been preserved.

“By working together across the province, the British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is maximizing our collective expertise and resources, and leveraging the local knowledge and long-standing relationships we’ve held with stakeholders in our five regions for over 50 years,” said Ellen Walker-Matthews, CEO, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, and Treasurer, British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat. “The British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network provided a vehicle for us to work together like never before and allowed the development of infrastructure that can be repurposed into managing other crises, but also future partnerships for the betterment of B.C.’s tourism industry.”

The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO), including: Tourism Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA), and Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA).

The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat gratefully acknowledges funding for the British Columbia Tourism Resiliency Network from Island Coastal Economic Trust and Western Economic Diversification Canada, and support from numerous additional partners.

The 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Awards were announced and presented at an awards gala on Thursday, March 10, 2022, as part of the 2022 BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference hosted by the Tourism Industry Association of BC and British Columbia Hotel Association.

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About the BC Regional Tourism Secretariat (BCRTS)

The British Columbia Regional Tourism Secretariat is a partnership between five of B.C.’s not-for-profit Regional Destination Management Organizations (RDMO), including: Tourism Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA), Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association (KRTA), and Northern British Columbia Tourism Association (NBCTA). The BC Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program providing BC tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt, and work towards eventual recovery.

Learn more at TourismResiliency.ca.

B.C. Lifting Mask Requirement on March 11, 2022

Starting March 11, 2022 at 12:01 am, because of B.C.'s lowered hospitalization and transmission rates, these activities can return to normal:

• Masks no longer required in public indoor settings under a public health order

• Masks are encouraged on public transit and BC Ferries, but not required

• Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring masks on their premises

• Masks are still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel

• No restrictions on worship service capacity

• Overnight camps for children and youth allowed

By March 18, there will be no visitor limits at long-term care and seniors' assisted living facilities.

When K to 12 schools return from spring break, masks will no longer be required for students, staff and visitors.

On April 8, 2022 at 12:01 am, further restrictions will be lifted:

• Proof of vaccination will no longer be required to access businesses, events and services

  • Individual businesses and event organizers can choose to continue requiring proof of vaccination for entry

  • Proof of vaccination is still required for federally regulated travel, like air travel

• Businesses will no longer need a COVID-19 safety plan. They must follow communicable disease guidance from WorkSafeBC

• Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for post-secondary student housing

Learn More →

Survey on Business Names Renewal | Deadline: May 15, 2022

Participate in the Business Names Renewal Consultation to share your thoughts on the potential for a required business name registration renewal process with the corporate registry. 

The Corporate Registry holds information on all corporations, partnerships, and businesses. Initial research suggests that many business names registered with the Corporate Registry belong to non-operational businesses. Currently, there is no process to remove the names of these non-operational business entities from the Corporate Registry.

A renewal process would ensure that the Registry is up-to-date for people and businesses, and there is greater access to names for new businesses in B.C.

For more information, visit the consultation website and read the letter from the Deputy Minister of Finance.

Your feedback can be submitted through the online survey or by writing to biz.consult@gov.bc.ca. The deadline is May 15, 2022.

Take Survey →

IMPACT Tourism Sustainability Conference | May 8-11, 2022

On May 8 to 11, 2022, industry leaders will gather in Victoria for IMPACT, work to ensure tourism across Canada comes back far more sustainable and regenerative than it was before COVID.

During this time of disru ption in the world, tourism can support jobs, the economy, conservation, culture, and peace. Sustainable tourism is a collaborative effort that needs many diverse voices to result in positive action.

The founders of IMPACT have worked hard to build out a program that features experts, case studies and real solution around topics including:

• The Fundamentals of Diversity and Inclusion

• Doughnut Economics and Tourism

• Destination Master Planning

• Pathways to Decarbonization for Tourism

• Ancient Ecosystems and the value of biodiversity

• Decolonization of Tourism

• Clean Tech solutions for Tourism

• A vision for regenerative tourism

Join these sessions to see exceptional speakers like Wade Davis, Keith Henry, Marion Joppe, and Robert Sandford among many others to work towards a more sustainable future.

Learn More & Register →

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Rapid Tests for People 60+ at Pharmacies

Rapid antigen test kits are now available through community pharmacies to people aged 60 and older.

Eligible individuals can pick up one kit containing five tests every 28 days from participating pharmacies at no cost. Individuals must present their personal health number when picking up the kit or, if others are picking up kits on their behalf, in addition to the individual’s name and personal health number, date of birth must also be supplied.

Individuals should pick up a test kit when they are asymptomatic to use at a future time when they have symptoms. B.C. is expecting to receive an additional 9 million tests from the federal government, which will support the province’s strategy to further distribute tests to members of the broader community.

Learn More →

Driving Female Success | Royal Roads University Survey for Female Executives

The School of Tourism and Hospitality Management at Royal Roads University is collecting data from women to understand how women in executive leadership roles, specifically in the hospitality and tourism sectors, have successfully obtained top positions. They invite women to describe experiences as a leader in the tourism and hospitality industry in a survey of 17 questions. It should take you approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Upon completing this research, the objective is to submit a peer-reviewed journal article to share with current industry professionals and graduate students looking for more guidance and successful leadership pathways.

Take Survey →

Merritt Raising Funds for 3D Home Printer

Following November’s catastrophic flooding events, roughly 600 Merritt residents still haven't returned to 250 homes. The City of Merritt considered a variety of different types of homes and discovered that 3D printing is cost-effective and quick.

The next step is raising roughly $700,000 to purchase a $1.3 million 3D printer. The city is hoping to find grants, charities, and donations to get half of the printer’s cost. The cost will be matched by UBC as they have all the engineering and would like to perform case studies.

Learn More →

New Biosphere Member: Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room

Since opening their doors in 2013, Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room has operated on a triple bottom line model of People, Planet, and Profit. This has designed their stores and products to match the same ethos. Olive Us sees the Biosphere Commitment Program as an opportunity to take their environmental efforts to the next level and join a community of likeminded Okanagan businesses who are passionate about sustainable tourism. Beyond the steps they’ve already taken, like collecting and washing thousands of Olive Us bottles for reuse, they are excited to get started on the 17 United Nation Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, they are looking forward to learning how to exemplify the 7 Affirmations for 7 Generations Regional Pledge.

“Sustainability means living in ways that support the environment, our community, and ourselves. At Olive Us we believe that encompasses treating our team with respect and compassion, doing business with integrity, delivering excellent customers service, and finding ways we can be gentler to the earth. The foundation of our tasting rooms is just that - tasting! We use compostable tasting cups and spoons to lighten our footprint. To support our community we sell local, artisan products that support growers and makers around BC, and we donate thousands of dollar of product per year in silent auctions and giveaways to causes that spark our hearts. Most of all, we love to have fun in our stores, share delicious food, and create memories. We will even encourage you to “Go ahead… play with your food!”

- Janet Cody & Bailey Morin, Olive Us Oils & Vinegar Tasting Room

At their tasting rooms in Vernon, Lake Country, and Salmon Arm, Olive Us features high-quality extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and an array of gourmet eats. They source responsibly, delivering the freshest olive oils possible, from growers who value the land they farm. To build their beautiful tasting rooms they repurposed materials destined for the landfill, installed LED lighting, and invested in a bottle washing system to rescue their used bottles from recycling. They are excited to take on new challenges and expand their sustainable efforts!

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Free Business Energy Assessment

TOTA offers complimentary virtual Energy Assessments to tourism businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region. Since beginning the program in July 2020 with FortisBC, TOTA has helped businesses identify annual cost saving opportunities ranging from $100 to $2,500, with additional cost savings available through rebates.

Whether you are a business owner or are a long-term leaseholder of a commercial building or industrial facility, the Energy Analyst can help you save on operating costs by improving the efficiency of your energy usage, furthermore reducing your environmental impact and greenhouse gas emissions.

TOTA's Energy Analyst, Harshit Srivastava, has a Masters in Clean Energy Engineering from the University of British Columbia and relevant industry experience. Harshit is eager to work with regional tourism stakeholders to help reduce energy costs through energy efficiency and conservation initiatives.

Register for Free Energy Assessment →

Schedule an Introduction Call with Harshit →

Entrée Destinations Stories of Canada: B.C. & Thompson Okanagan Itinerary

Entrée Canada signed an historic agreement with Destination Canada to create the Stories of Canada™, a collection of 20 new travel itineraries covering all 13 provinces and territories. These itineraries dig deep on Canada’s landmarks, cultures and people, and aim to facilitate authentic, memorable connections between visitors and the communities where they travel.

The Stories of Canada British Columbia is an eight-night itinerary with 3 nights in Kelowna, featuring the Eldorado Resort, a walk on Ancestral Paths and welcoming Smudge Ceremony with Moccasin Trails, lunch at two wineries, an orchard tour, a day trip to Penticton, paddling on Okanagan Lake, and biking on the Kettle Valley Railway.

View B.C. Itinerary →

Temporary Expanded Service Area (TESA) & Winery Sampling Areas

Wine Growers BC has been working with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) to mitigate challenges wineries are experiencing making Temporary Expanded Service Areas (TESA) associated with their sampling areas permanent.

Accordingly, Policy Directive 22-01 was announced on Feb. 25 to clarify the options available and advise of recent policy changes which will provide greater flexibility within those options.

Policies that apply to picnic area endorsements have changed to provide additional flexibility in application requirements and their use, while also maintaining the public interest.

Manufacturers seeking to make TESAs associated with outdoor sampling areas permanent may choose one of the following options:

1. Apply for a lounge endorsement with a patio

2. Apply for a picnic area endorsement

The LCRB strongly recommends that manufacturers consider their needs and carefully review the policies below relating to lounge patios and picnic areas before deciding which application to submit.

Questions about the application process for a lounge or picnic area endorsement should be directed via email to LCRB.SLA@gov.bc.ca.

Major Mountain Bike Expansion Set to Open This Summer in Sun Peaks Resort

Sun Peaks Resort announced a $1.5 million combined resort and community investment includes new summer chairlift access and 31km of new trail.

The highlight of this summer’s projects is a second chairlift access for the Bike Park on Sundance Mountain, including six new trails totaling 19km. This all-new construction encompasses a full range of machine-built flow and jump options for novice to expert riders, which complement the overall trail progression and development of recent years on Tod Mountain, accessed by the Sunburst chairlift.

Built by industry-renowned trail builders, countless hours and a $1 million investment will have been poured into the new trails and chairlift retrofit by the early summer opening. This includes a vital $200,000 of funding through the Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI), facilitated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport to help make the overall project a reality.

The Sundance zone of the park will launch with a new black (advanced) signature jump trail designed and built by Landmark Trail Works of Kamloops, a second black trail, two blue (intermediate) trails, and a green (novice) trail built by Lifetime Outdoor Inc., and a top-to-bottom green (novice) trail built by the Sun Peaks trail crew.

Future phases will see further builds including the addition of single-track technical trails. This will solidify and pay homage to the roots and reputation of Sun Peaks as a Bike Park destination known for rugged, raw trails that have attracted both the core bike market and pro athletes for the past two decades.

Cross country and enduro style pedal access trails are the other important component of the overall growth and expansion of mountain biking taking shape in Sun Peaks. Community-based Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association (SPRTA) is the driving force behind free access trails in the valley and on Mt. Morrisey. In partnership with the resort, their multi-year plan will provide community and destination riders alike with a thorough network of trail options, both now and in the future.  

Funding of $297,875 from the province’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) and a contribution of $150,000 from Tourism Sun Peaks have made possible the new 12km of machine and hand-built trails opening this summer on Mt. Morrisey. A 6km climb trail (multi-purpose with hikers), 2km viewpoint trail (also multi-purpose with hikers), and 4km downhill trail will open in stages this summer. This will complement the selection of new trails SPRTA has already built in the valley over the last two seasons.

The Sun Peaks Bike Park is scheduled to open on Friday, June 17th and will operate daily all the way through Sunday, September 25th. Extended operating hours until 7:00pm daily will be in effect through Labour Day. Details on specific trails will be released closer to opening day and are weather dependent.

View Press Release →

Measuring Sustainability: The State of the Canadian Tourism Industry | GreenStep Sustainable Tourism

GreenStep shared a report on how the Canadian tourism industry is performing in regards to sustainability based on data from hundreds of tourism businesses across Canada who completed the Sustainability Score assessment.

In 2021, GreenStep launched the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge in partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, encouraging tourism businesses and destinations across the country to measure their sustainability performance using the free online Sustainability Score assessment based upon the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, and to make a commitment to improving this performance each year until 2030.

The Sustainable Tourism Dashboard enables anonymous aggregation of the results to help tourism destinations, policy makers, and other industry stakeholders understand how the tourism industry is performing at a local, provincial, national, and eventually international level. 

Learn More & View Report →

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Accessible Employers Guide to Measure Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace

Organizations measure what they want to improve, so if hiring people with disabilities is a priority for you as an employer, measuring disability is a key place to start.

The Make it Count: Measuring for Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace is a practical guide for employers looking to measure the rate of disability in their workplaces.

Download a free copy of the Make it Count Guide to create a disability measurement initiative that fits the unique context of your organization!

Learn More & Download Guide →

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BC Hotel Association InnFocus Magazine Spring 2022 Edition

The BC Hotel Association released the first issue of Innfocus Magazine of 2022. Among the wealth of information and content featured in the Spring issue, are articles that include:

• Attracting US Visitors

• The Pandemic's Legacy

• New Practices in Food & Beverage

• Recruiting Programs

• Region Feature: Kootenay Cool

• Leader of the Future: Cat Mackintosh

• Hotelier Feature: Debie Hemich

• GoGreen: GreenStep EcoFund

• Wellbeing and Travel

• Grappling with Ghost Hotels

• How do we Get BC on Bucket Lists of World Travellers?

• What's New?

... and much, MUCH more!

Read InnFocus Magazine →

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Ruth Williams Receives Order of British Columbia

Thirty-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 Ruth Williams and thank you for your work towards improving the health and well-being of Indigenous children and families.

About Ruth Williams

Ruth Williams was born in Big Bar Creek, a remote and isolated community, and raised by a single mother with six other siblings. When she moved to an urban setting, it was a complete culture shock.

She took her hardships and became a determined, visionary, and selfless individual who has striven to do all within her powers and abilities to improve the lives of Indigenous people. Williams may be soft-spoken but she has learned to stand up for what she believes in, has gained the courage and confidence to speak out, and be heard.

Williams’ passion and dedication for improving the health and well-being of Indigenous children and families can be seen through the following:

Involvement in numerous community and government committees for advancing a health care system that supports Indigenous people; supporting families and children in care; promoting early child education for Indigenous children; and developing health programs and services for Indigenous people.

1. Founding member and active board member on the first Urban Native Housing Society, which has 103 affordable and safe housing units in Kamloops and 94 units within the Thompson, Okanagan and Kootenay regions.

2. Advocacy work to increase the number of Indigenous graduates and students pursuing post-secondary education and decrease the number of student dropouts by ensuring supports were in place for them. This included the development of an Urban Native Alternate School to support the re- entry of drop-out Indigenous students and for single parents who needed flexible hours and access to daycare.

3. All Nations Trust Company, an Indigenous-owned shareholders lending institute for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the company’s shares have increased from $10 to $87. She has also been influential in ensuring First Nations’ connectivity through Pathways to Technology and provision of business service through All Nations Development Corporation.

4. Consulted by all levels of federal and provincial governments to gain knowledge and insight into the issues, challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people, which has resulted in a change to government policies, processes and structures.

5. Development of a daycare centre designed to promote Indigenous programs and culture for all children age groups.

Her influence is shown by the variety of awards that she has received, including an honorary doctorate of laws from Thompson Rivers University and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal. She received the Kamloops Rotary Club Paul Harris Award, the City of Kamloops 100 Year Confederation and Distinguished Service Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from B.C. Aboriginal Achievement Awards, and numerous business awards.

Williams has a special gift to see the potential in people. Many friends and staff members will tell you that she challenges you to be the best person that you can be. She is supportive, an inspirational mentor and a role model. Not only has she directly impacted so many Indigenous lives but she has worked for majority of her life to improve the systems and policies that negatively impact Indigenous people.

View Press Release →

Brenda Baptiste Receives Order of British Columbia

Thirty-one exceptional people were invested into the Order of British Columbia 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 of 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.

Brenda Baptiste

In the late 1990s the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), largely through the efforts of Chief Clarence Louie, established itself as an economic force in the South Okanagan. However, very little was evident from an Indigenous cultural perspective so chief and council embarked on the feasibility for a cultural centre that would not only help preserve Syilx (Okanagan) culture but present this cultural richness to the greater public.

In 2003 Brenda Baptiste was hired to coordinate the planning and operations for the $10-million first phase of the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (NDCC) that would celebrate Syilx culture and life in the desert context. The OIB had limited financial resources to subsidize the cultural centre and decided to open the NDCC to the public to assist with financial operations and to celebrate Indigenous Sylix culture, truly a precursor for reconciliation. The centre went on to win numerous awards and is now in a phase two expansion for which Brenda is guiding the Indigenous story. The completion of this next phase will further anchor the centre as one of the leading cultural attractions in B.C.

Following the inspirational success with the NDCC, Brenda was elected to the board of the then Aboriginal Tourism BC (AtBC), which was a young financially strapped organization of 12 members and one employee. Now known as Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), the organization now has 500 members and 12 employees.

For Brenda, three issues became evident:

1. Indigenous cultural tourism would need to become not only an economic opportunity for B.C.’s Indigenous communities but would provide “pride-of-nation” and a powerful path to reconciliation for Indigenous communities as they chose what cultural elements to protect and what to share and celebrate with visitors, ensuring cultural authenticity.

2. For Indigenous cultural rebirth a clear road map was imperative and as a result she worked in collaboration with a team to develop a blueprint for the growth of Indigenous cultural tourism in B.C., and the first of its kind in Canada. The strategy was the catalyst for incredible growth in Indigenous cultural tourism — 20 per cent each year on average, including revenues of more than $1.2 billion and 7,400 full-time jobs.

3. The vision for a potent Indigenous cultural presence had to include a strong B.C. identity, which would celebrate the rich cultural life of Indigenous people. This collaborative effort would be sustained through meaningful partnerships with the B.C. government and tourism industry partners.

Brenda was also the director of the Aboriginal Business Showcase for the Four Host Nations during the 2010 Olympics. This venue hosted over 500 Indigenous cultural businesses and artisans from across Canada. The vision was to create an opportunity for visitors reflecting dynamic and diverse Indigenous cultures, thereby facilitating the growth of cultural opportunities for all Indigenous Nations in Canada.

Recently, Brenda led the coordination of a holistic cultural program for Indigenous inmates at the Okanagan Correction Centre. She has implemented cultural events for those often in most need to build pride in their essence as a native person. She has implemented Syilx cultural programming, including spiritual counselling, smudging, singing and drumming, sweat house ceremonies, Syilx language, and crafts.

View Press Release →