There are more than 200 Indigenous communities across British Columbia, each with unique opportunities and resources to participate in the growing Indigenous tourism industry.
Indigenous Tourism BC connects these diverse communities to tourism development opportunities based on current regional strategies with the help of five Regional Indigenous Tourism Specialists in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, Northern British Columbia, Vancouver Island, Thompson Okanagan and Vancouver Coast and Mountains.
Our goal is to support the advancement of Indigenous tourism by providing responsive and respectful region-specific support, engagement and information.
Dedicated local experts are available to connect emerging entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and interested communities to development and planning opportunities, programming, and resources that will help get your Indigenous tourism business to the next level.
Gail Joe is a member of the Lower Nicola Indian Band, Nlaka'pamux Nation. With more than 30 years of experience in Indigenous economic development, Gail worked with all Nations Trust Company for over 21 years providing business loans to Indigenous businesses throughout BC.
Learn MoreErica Louie is Sto:lo and Wet’suwet’en and sits with the Gitdumden (Bear) Clan in the Cas Yex (Grizzly) House within the Wet’suwet’en clan system. Born and raised in Hazelton, BC, Erica respects Indigenous languages, cultures, and traditional governance systems.
Learn MoreSandy Hoang is originally from Toronto–home of the Huron-Wendat, Petun, Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations. Sandy respects Indigenous knowledge, teachings, cultures, and values and is deeply committed to the practice of reciprocity and participation in reconciliation within the tourism industry.
Learn MoreAs Indigenous Destination Stewardship Specialist at ITBC, Sandy supports special projects and oversees partnership initiatives between Destination Vancouver and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia.
Sandy holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, with a minor in geography and tourism (University of Waterloo) and a Master of Business Administration specializing in hospitality and tourism management (University of Guelph). She also holds a 4 Seasons of Reconciliation Course Certificate from the First Nations University of Canada. Sandy began her career supporting the environmental sustainability goals of governments, consultancies, and non-profit organizations, including the Greater Toronto Airports Authority. She collaborated with diverse stakeholders across Canada and internationally to amplify the impact of philanthropy on Indigenous, urban, and rural communities. Sandy oversaw grants administration for funders in support of Indigenous Guardian Programs, Indigenous-led conservation, and protection of the Great Bear Rainforest as well as capacity building for Indigenous leaders championing solar energy projects.
Carmalita is the first granddaughter of Percy Minnabarriet of Pokheitsk / Spatsum / Cook's Ferry and Marie Pierro of Bonaparte. Her expertise in First Nations Economic Development spans twelve years, with detail in small business creation, expansion, partnerships and succession planning, including small business credit and portfolio management.
Learn MoreDarnell Stager is an Urban Indigenous man, born and raised in Vancouver. He proudly identifies as Ts'msyen from Kitsumkalum and S'tat'imc from Lil'Wat First Nation. Darnell is committed to promoting and sharing Indigenous culture with others and believes a vibrant experience awaits every curious visitor.
Learn MoreCheryl is a member of the Xatśūll First Nation with over 30 years of experience working with Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, communities, businesses, and all levels of government. Cheryl excels at capacity building, sustainable community development, and building mutually beneficial relationships.
Learn MoreMegan is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation and lives in her hometown of Bella Bella, BC, where she was born and raised. From a young age she spent considerable time with her family out on the ocean learning her ancestral territory. Megan completed an Indigenous Tourism program through Vancouver Island University (VIU), as well as the Aboriginal Management Program through UBC Sauder School of Business.
Learn MoreJamie worked for a wealth management company for two decades before entering the tourism industry in 2020. A graduate of the Tourism and Professional Development program at Okanagan College, Jamie joined the ITBC team in early 2021, contributing to the team as Indigenous Coordinator, Training and Development, and as Indigenous Tourism Resiliency Program Advisor.
Learn MoreTyrone is a member of a Dakelh First Nation in Northern BC and grew up in Secwepemculecw. He attended University of Calgary and then spent 20 years working for First Nation organizations in the Central and Southern Interior of BC. His career has focused on Indigenous community and economic development and contract management and delivery of funding programs.
Learn MoreAngela is a member of the Dakelh community of Saik'uz First Nation, and was raised in Dawson Creek, BC. Her professional background includes experience in event management, finance, and tourism. Angela is passionate about Indigenous tourism and highlighting the beauty of Indigenous landscapes and cultures in the province of BC.
Learn MoreShawna Gosnell is a member of the Nisga’a Nation from the community of Gitlaxt'aamiks, BC. She moved to Vancouver in 2012 to pursue her education and attended Native Education College to study Tourism Operations. After receiving her diploma, she transferred to Capilano University where she earned her Degree in Tourism Management in 2018.
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