INEZ COOK | Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro

Inez Cook is a proud member of the Nuxalk Nation and the co-founder and owner of the award-winning Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro in Vancouver, as well as Salmon n’ Bannock on the Fly at YVR—the first Indigenous restaurant in a Canadian airport. A recently retired flight attendant with a 33-year career, Inez has travelled the world celebrating diverse cultures. She now invites others to join her on a deeply personal journey of cultural reconnection.

She is also the author of The Sixties Scoop and Reconnecting after the Sixties Scoop, sharing her story of identity, resilience, and belonging. Her work continues to inspire dialogue and healing across communities.

JENNA BOWER | Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre

Jenna Bower (cnúk) is a proud sukwnaʔqinx syilx woman from the Osoyoos Indian Band of the Okanagan syilx Nation and the Executive Director of the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (NDCC)—a leading Indigenous-owned tourism destination in BC. Her work focuses on cultural revitalization, language preservation, and sustainable, community-driven tourism.

Starting as a youth in guest services, Jenna rose to lead NDCC’s major expansions, including a Class A cultural repository, pit house, and the interpretive film Whispers of the Trickster. With a BA in International Indigenous Studies, she champions Indigenous-led tourism that celebrates culture and creates lasting community impact..

BRENDA BAPTISTE | Nk’Mip Campground, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Nk’Mip Cellars

Brenda Baptiste, a proud member of the Osoyoos Indian Band, has served as Chair of the Indigenous Tourism Association of BC for over 20 years. She also sits on the Tourism Industry Association of BC and the South Okanagan Women In Need Society boards.

A recipient of the Order of BC (2021), Brenda is dedicated to advancing tourism as a pathway to socio-economic development and cultural revitalization for Indigenous communities.

She contributed to the BC Taskforce for Tourism during COVID-19 recovery and continues to champion culturally grounded economic opportunities that foster health, wellness, and empowerment across British Columbia.

EVANGELINE CLIFTON | Qatuwalas

Evangeline Clifton (traditional name Hayafilaga, meaning “Setting Things Straight”) is Heiltsuk, born and raised in Bella Bella, BC. As the Economic Development Officer for the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, she leads the #WaglislaTrails project and oversees the Qatuwalas Visitor Information Centre, advancing sustainable tourism and youth mentorship.

With a Bachelor of Tourism Management and multiple business and recreation credentials, Evangeline combines education and community experience to foster economic growth rooted in Heiltsuk values.

Passionate about tourism, trails, and training, she champions collaboration, cultural connection, and local empowerment, striving to strengthen coastal communities through sustainable, land-based development.

SHEILA A. NYMAN | Sulphurous Lake Resort

Sheila A. Nyman, a mixed Syilx (Okanogan Salish) woman from the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, is a Sixties Scoop Sur-Thriver and carries her ancestral name Sal Uni At Kn, gifted by her late great aunt.

With decades of experience in healing, counselling, and Indigenous wellness, Sheila has worked in addictions, trauma, and cultural support, including with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Recognized as an Elder and spiritual guide, Sheila continues to support community healing, research, and ceremony through Indigenous-led, land-based, and cultural practices. She holds a Master’s from the University of Victoria, exploring traditional healing and Western therapy.

IVY BELL | Old Massett Village Council

Ivy Bell is the Economic Development Manager for Old Massett Village Council, where she leads initiatives that strengthen economic diversification, cultural tourism, and community sustainability across Haida Gwaii.

A passionate advocate for youth empowerment, she founded the annual Youth Conference, fostering mentorship and career development for the next generation. Raised in Masset and deeply rooted in Haida culture, Ivy balances business strategy with cultural values to ensure community-driven growth.

A mother and guardian, she practices traditional harvesting and is completing her Master’s in Business dedicated to building a thriving, self-sustaining future for Haida Gwaii.

JOCELYN MCDONALD | Peak Wyld Co.

Jocelyn McDonald is a passionate advocate for Indigenous tourism and community engagement, born and raised in Fort Nelson, Northern BC.

With over a decade of experience in the tourism sector, she has worked closely with Indigenous nations including Fort Nelson, Prophet River, and Moberly First Nations to foster collaboration and growth.

As a representative of Peak Wyld Co., Jocelyn organizes youth camps, guided tours, and cultural retreats that connect people with the land and Indigenous traditions.

A proud mother, she continues to expand her Wyld Explorers initiative, inspiring the next generation to embrace the outdoors and their cultural roots.

CORRINA REIMERT | Stikine Riversong Lodge & Café

Corrina Reimert was born in Whitehorse, Yukon, in 1968, was raised in the Dease Lake/Telegraph Creek area before completing high school in Vernon and studying Commercial Baking at SAIT in Calgary.

She manages the Stikine Riversong Lodge & Café in Telegraph Creek, a 125-year-old historic Hudson’s Bay building, where tourism has grown steadily since she took leadership in 2019. Deeply connected to her community (her brother Rick McLean served over 12 years as Chief), she is passionate about Indigenous tourism and collaboration.

A former Aboriginal Health Worker and Friendship Centre board member, she continues to strengthen Northern BC’s tourism and cultural connections.

CHYANNE TRENHOLM | Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours

Chyanne Trenholm is a proud member of the Homalco First Nation, born and raised in Campbell River. Her passion for adventure led her from guiding kayaks and ziplines to discovering her calling in Indigenous tourism.

After earning her Bachelor of Tourism Management from Vancouver Island University in 2020, she advanced through roles at Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, becoming General Manager in 2024. Chyanne’s leadership focuses on sustainable tourism, cultural revitalization, and community development.

A strong advocate for youth engagement, she has represented Vancouver Island as Regional Director for Indigenous Tourism BC since 2021, amplifying local voices across the province.