• Up close image of a carved face on a totem pole and painted exterior of a building.

    First Nations and Indigenous Communities

    ITBC welcomes all First Nations in B.C. to consider integrating tourism into your community‘s economic development plan and discover the benefits of tourism.

We serve a mandate by the First Nations Leadership Council to represent the interests of First Nations and Indigenous tourism in British Columbia. Since 1996, ITBC has grown from a passionate grassroots effort to a global leader in Indigenous tourism.

At the heart of our mission is a truth we’ve always known: Everything is Connected. Our lands, our waters, our stories, our People—woven together in a way that cannot be separated. This belief shapes everything we do. Join us in building a future together where travellers don’t just see B.C., but understand it through the eyes of its original peoples.

Indigenous tourism is a powerful tool for cultural revival, environmental stewardship, and economic empowerment. If your First Nation community or organization is interested in tourism, continue reading to see how we can support you.  You play a vital role in fostering cultural resilience and economic opportunity. The goal of Indigenous Tourism BC is to contribute to your success in the Indigenous tourism industry.

A person in a straw hat reaching out to touch a tree in a lush forest.

How We Support First Nations

ITBC works directly with communities to support the sharing of authentic Indigenous experiences rooted in culture, history, and place. Our approach promotes sustainable economic development while respecting and preserving cultural integrity. By amplifying Indigenous voices and stories, we aim to foster pride, build pathways for future generations, and ensure that Indigenous peoples are leading and benefiting from the growth of the Indigenous tourism sector.

Through targeted training, funding opportunities, and collaborative marketing initiatives, Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) actively supports First Nations communities in developing and strengthening their tourism initiatives. We help elevate Indigenous tourism offerings by enhancing business capacity, providing training, increasing market visibility, and connecting operators with broader provincial, national, and international audiences.

Eligibility

First Nations and Indigenous communities in British Columbia interested in pursuing Indigenous cultural tourism as an economic development opportunity are welcome apply to be Tier 1 Stakeholders with Indigenous Tourism BC.