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    Indigenous-led tourism in BC is growing. Consider building a career in a role that connects Peoples, cultures, and place.

Work that connects Peoples, cultures, and place.

Indigenous tourism brings visitors into a living relationship with Peoples, cultures, traditions, and lands. From guided walks to immersive cultural centres, traditional food experiences, cultural events, artisan creations and art encounters, this sector offers experiences that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world.

For those who work in it, Indigenous tourism is more than a job. It is a chance to be part of something that matters — supporting communities to share their stories on their own terms, and welcoming visitors into a deeper understanding of the world’s oldest living cultures.

What can you expect as an Indigenous tourism professional?

  • Work that is meaningful, varied, and unlike many other industries
  • Roles that connect you to culture, community, and the land
  • Real room to grow across a diverse and expanding sector
  • Opportunities to build relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
  • The chance to welcome visitors from around the world, on your own terms

Whether you’re just starting out or already working in the field, Indigenous Tourism BC is here to support your journey.

Why work in this industry?

Careers in Indigenous tourism offer something rare: work with genuine purpose. You will contribute to economic opportunities for communities, the preservation of languages and traditions, and the kind of travel experiences that change how people see the world.

The sector is growing, and so is the need for skilled, committed people. Whether you are just starting out or looking for a career change, now is an extraordinary time to get involved.

Getting Started

Building a career can start in many different ways. You don’t need a degree or a full set of certificates to start building experience in Indigenous tourism. Some of the most valuable early experiences come from simply showing up and being useful in your community.

Consider starting with:

  • Volunteering at community events — cultural gatherings, festivals, or land-based activities are natural entry points where you can develop people skills, see how events are organized, and make connections with people already working in the industry
  • Seasonal and entry-level work — front desk, food service, guiding assistant, or interpretive roles at lodges, parks, shops or cultural centres give you hands-on exposure and a foot in the door
  • Friendship Center, Band or Nation programs — some Nations run youth employment, internship, or job-shadowing programs tied to tourism or economic development; your education coordinator can point you toward these
  • Student placements — if you are in school, look for programs that include a practicum or co-op component so your experience and education build at the same time

Don’t underestimate informal experience either. Helping organize a community event, assisting with a hunting or fishing camp, or supporting Elders in sharing cultural knowledge are all experiences that translate well to growing a career and many employers genuinely value seeing diverse experiences.

Ready to take the next step?

There are many ways to join the Indigenous tourism ecosystem. Whether you are curious about the sector, searching for your next role, or looking to learn new skills, we can help you find your place in Indigenous tourism.