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Indigenous-owned and Authentic Indigenous Designations
We are dedicated to uplifting and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Indigenous communities across B.C. through two designations: Indigenous-owned businesses and Authentic Indigenous experiences.
Elevate Your Business with Indigenous Tourism BC
Whether you’re looking to showcase your Indigenous ownership or highlight the cultural authenticity of your experiences, ITBC is here to support you, with two designations: Indigenous-owned businesses and Authentic Indigenous experiences. Join ITBC today to elevate your business, access valuable resources, and contribute to the sustainable growth and preservation of First Nations and Indigenous cultures in British Columbia.
Join the Authentic Indigenous Community
By joining the Authentic Indigenous community, you enhance your business’s visibility and contribute to the goal of preserving and promoting First Nations and Indigenous cultures. These designations are more than just a mark of authenticity—they are a commitment to excellence, sustainability, culture, and community.
Indigenous-owned Designation
The Indigenous-owned designation is awarded to tourism businesses that are at least 51% owned and operated by First Nations or Indigenous individuals or organizations. This designation assures visitors that their choice to support these businesses directly contributes to successful and self-determined First Nations and Indigenous participation in the B.C. tourism industry.
Automatic Qualification: If your business is a Tier 2-4 ITBC Stakeholder, you automatically receive the Indigenous-owned designation. There is no need to apply separately—your qualification is already recognized and celebrated.
Benefits of the Indigenous-owned Designation:
- Highlight your business as an Indigenous-owned entity across ITBC platforms.
- Offer ease of identification to visitors, media, travel trade, industry, government and other organizations.
- Show visitors that their dollars are going to First Nations and Indigenous communities and tourism business owners.
- Educate media and influencers on the importance of authenticity and cultural protection.
Leverage the Indigenous-owned designation program:
- Access to marketing toolkits and resources to enhance your business’s presence.
- Use the Indigenous-owned decal in your marketing materials and at your brick-and-mortar location to distinguish your business.
Authentic Indigenous Designation
The Authentic Indigenous designation recognizes Indigenous-owned businesses that go above and beyond to revitalize and protect Indigenous cultures, languages, and Traditional Territories in B.C. This means visitors can engage with Indigenous cultures meaningfully and respectfully, knowing their visit helps preserve traditions, empower local communities, and protect the environment.
Your business may qualify for the Authentic Indigenous designation if you are a Tier 3 or Tier 4 ITBC Stakeholder. This inclusive designation requires that your offerings are ready to welcome visitors (market ready) and culturally authentic, and that you have a solid marketing plan in place. Review the full criteria and then apply here.
In addition to receiving the benefits of the Indigenous-owned designation, the Authentic Indigenous designation offers your business valuable benefits that enhance both your presence and your impact to celebrate your culture with integrity. Showcase your dedication to preserving and sharing Indigenous culture with the world.
Enhance Your Marketing: Leverage ITBC’s content creation, including video features, blog posts, and priority promotion in media marketplaces to reach a broader audience. Receive:
- Access a physical and digital gold Authentic Indigenous decal.
- Obtain a gold Authentic Indigenous decal on your ITBC listing.
- Additional marketing materials to promote the designation to your clients and visitors.
- Boosted profile on ITBC’s website and social media platform activities.
- Preference for inclusion in ITBC itineraries for travel trade
And unlock exclusive opportunities: Gain preference for media coverage and familiarization (FAM) tours, and be featured in high-profile itineraries as part of the Invest in Iconics Strategy marketing campaigns.
Eligibility & Application
Enhance your business’s visibility and contribute to preserving and promoting Indigenous cultures. These designations are more than just a mark of authenticity—they are a commitment to excellence, sustainability, culture, and community.
