Introducing New Members of the ITBC Board of Directors

Brenda worked with OIB on the marketing and development of Nk’ mip Desert Cultural Centre and was responsible for project planning, product and program development, marketing, fundraising, and management of the 12 million dollar capital project.

Brenda was Director, Aboriginal Business Showcase for the Four Host Nations at the 2010 Olympics. She has also held the position of Chief Administration Officer for the Tsleil Waututh First Nation, where she worked with the leadership, staff, and community in the areas of economic, social, and community development, and administration and governance. Brenda actively promotes tourism as a foundation for socio-economic development for Indigenous communities.

The recent sale of Kekuli Cafe Merritt makes Kekuli the first Indigenous restaurant franchise in Canada, with many more franchises to come. Sharon shares her Nlaka’pamux heritage and traditions at Kekuli, to educate the public, create a welcoming environment, and bring Indigenous foods and tourism offerings to the public. She offers her passion, perseverance, knowledge of business start-ups, outside-the-box thinking, and strong sense of sustainable and social responsibility to Indigenous Tourism BC.

Maria is a longstanding Tofino local with family ties to the land. As the Assistant General Manager at Tin Wis Best Western, Maria prides herself on the many hats she wears at Tin Wis. She plays an integral role in the guest experience, leading a staff of 75 and overseeing many day-to-day operations. Maria is currently completing a Human Resource Certification from Cornell University and holds numerous certifications through Best Western International University and professional associations.

During her tenure at Tis Wis Resort, Maria has advanced through a number of key roles and received an Award of Excellence for Housekeeping. Maria is grateful to call Tofino home, and she finds joy in sharing its history with visitors from across the globe.

Maria’s is on a new chapter in life with grown children and new grandchildren, her time is dedicated to discovering untraveled places on the Island and in BC.

Recipient of “Youth Entrepreneur of the Year” 2019 ANTCO. Recipient of “Young Indigenous Business of the Year” 2021 for BC Achievement Foundation. 27 year old Indigenous Leader from Nuxalk Nation, and I am the owner/operator of Kekuli Cafe in Merritt and Kamloops. 

Dedication and leadership have driven my success over the last decade. From being the first Indigenous Cuisine Franchise in Canada at 22, to being the President of BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres at 25. I have had the opportunity to create safe spaces for our young aspiring indigenous people. Including hosting Gathering our Voices 2016-2023, and being a co-developer for an MBA in Advanced Reconciliation through UVic. 

Indigenous Governance, Youth mentorship, Leadership Training, Cultural Gatherings, Reconciliation implementations, and Economic Development. These are a few skillsets that all coincide with the work I will bring to Indigenous Tourism of BC. I believe that our Youth are not the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today. If we are thinking of tomorrow, it’s already too late. 

Alison Evans, from the Hagwilget Village First Nation, brings a deep commitment to fostering connections and partnerships with Indigenous businesses, communities, and networks. As co-owner of Gulf Island Seaplanes, she is dedicated to creating an inclusive and welcoming travel experience, ensuring every passenger feels valued from when they book their trip to when they reach their destination.

Passionate about Indigenous tourism, Alison is driven by the positive narratives and cultural storytelling that this sector contributes to reconciliation within BC, Canada, and beyond. Her experiences collaborating with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) have further fueled her belief in the power of Indigenous tourism to promote understanding, respect, and meaningful cultural exchanges. Alison is excited to continue her journey, contributing to the growth and impact of Indigenous tourism as a vital, uplifting force for all.

Kiʔsuʔk kyuyit q̓api niskiⱡ, suʔkni ku ʔupxnaⱡaʔni Hu qakⱡik Leanna Gravelle. ʔaⱡ ka ʔa·knik̓ n̓ini Roberta ȼ Pat Gravelle, ʔaⱡ ka·kuk̓pukam n̓ini Mary Louise Mission ȼ Anne ȼ Alexander Gravelle, ka ʔaȼmiⱡ Joe and Helen Mission ȼ Catherine and Ambrose Gravelle.

I am Leanna Gravelle; my parents are Roberta and Pat Gravelle, my grandparents are Mary-Louise Mission and Annie and Alexander Gravelle, and my great-grandparents are Joe and Helen Mission and Catherine and Ambrose Gravelle.

Leanna Gravelle, from Ktunaxa/Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation, brings a wealth of experience to ITBC, from her role as Director of Operations and Programming at the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre for the Ⱡkamnin̓tik Children’s Truth and Reconciliation Society, located within the St. Eugene’s Golf Resort and Casino. For over 24 years, she has been a Board Member and Bare Trustee with the St. Eugene Mission Development Corporation, working to share Ktunaxa culture, language, knowledge, and history with diverse audiences, including resort guests, students, corporate groups, and industry professionals. Her role involves developing programs and experiences that support Ktunaxa youth, Elders, and knowledge carriers, fostering pride in their heritage and enhancing their understanding of Indigenous identities.

Her background includes extensive leadership experience as a Councillor for the Tobacco Plains Indian Band and chair of the Tobacco Plains Development Corporation and nearly 20 years in Social Development and Education roles within her community. She has also contributed significantly to the Ktunaxa Nation’s Traditional Knowledge, Language, Education, and Employment sectors and has taught the Ktunaxa language at the College of the Rockies (COTR).

Leanna’s dedication to Indigenous tourism is driven by her understanding of its role in strengthening Nations and fostering partnerships. Through her broad expertise in strategic planning and development, she will continue to guide Indigenous tourism in British Columbia, promoting the sharing of Indigenous histories and languages for future generations.

Desiree Baker, a proud member of the ‘Namgis First Nation (Alert Bay, B.C.), brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Indigenous Tourism BC’s Board of Directors. Raised by her adopted family in the Fraser Valley, Desiree now splits her time between the Okanagan and Fraser Valley. She is a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, and auntie, deeply connected to her family and community.

Desiree’s company, REV, thrives on her profound understanding of cultural protocols and the complexities of First Nations governance and relationships. With over 30 years of experience across Community and Economic Development, Health Services, Child & Family Services, Business Services, and Tourism, she is a trusted leader and advocate within Indigenous and government sectors. Her work is centered on building relationships and empowering First Nation communities, government entities, and health authorities.

Desiree has spent the past three years collaborating with Destination BC, where she has written grants supporting 54 First Nations communities in the Vancouver Coast and Mountains region. As an approved business consultant with Indigenous Tourism BC, Desiree has also developed strategic business plans, including a 30-page proposal that secured Bonaparte First Nation’s management of Historic Hat Creek Ranch and McAbee Fossil Beds.

Lori sat on the technical working board for the Four Host First Nations Olympic Secretariat and volunteered with Start-Up Canada. She was involved in the development of Takaya Tours Inc., an award-winning tourism business, and in teaching a course on Indigenous Tourism at the Canadian Tourism College in Vancouver.  She is appointed to the Board of Governors of Royal Roads University.   She currently operates Spal General Constructors Corp. as CEO and is co-owner of Unity Clothing Inc. in North Vancouver.

Kathy is Nuu Chah Nulth married into and a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation; and mother of four beautiful children. As an experienced educator, coach, mentor, and certified life skills instructor, I remain committed to being a lifelong learner.

She completed the Indigenous Corporate Relations and Knowledge Management programs Royal Roads University. In addition I have attained certificates in tourism programs through Malaspina College, (VIU) and other managerial and computer courses through PBS in Vancouver. All of which helped become founder and creator of the Bella Bella Business Service Centre, Bella Bella Call Centre, http://www.nalaservices.com/

Kathy taught at the Heiltsuk College in Bella Bella for several years. She has supported and been a participant on the tribal journeys for the past seven years. She enjoys canoeing and being out on the water.

With a Bachelor of Tourism Management and a Minor in Recreation from Vancouver Island University, Chyanne’s passion is for creating capacity within Indigenous communities through tourism development while aiding in cultural revitalization. Chyanne is the Office Manager for her Nations award – winning ecotourism business, Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, which welcomes visitors to experience the traditional lands of the Homalco people in Bute Inlet, BC.