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Indigenous Tourism Specialists

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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.

Play Learn More About ITBC's Indigenous Tourism Specialists
Gail Joe Capacity Building and Resilience Manager

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.

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Owner and operator of a consulting practice for 12 years, she works with the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations in Kamloops, providing business recovery and financial literacy support to entrepreneurs. For the past decade, she has also worked with the First Nations Market Housing Fund, a federal housing initiative to support and enhance individual homeownership throughout On Reserve lands across Canada. For the past two years, Gail has supported Indigenous tourism businesses throughout BC as project manager of various non-repayable grants delivered by ITBC. She is now the Capacity Building and Resilience Manager, with a focus on the development and implementation of capacity building programs, tools, and resources to support recovery for the Indigenous tourism sector.
Erica Louie Capacity Building and Pathfinding Manager

Erica 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.

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Erica graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning from the University of Northern BC in 2009. Since 2009, she has worked with Indigenous communities in land management and economic development. Erica is dedicated to expanding her knowledge and networks to continue her work toward prosperity and self-governance for Indigenous communities. Erica lives in Tsimshian Territory (Terrace, BC) and will pursue a master’s degree in Business Administration at Royal Roads University (RRU) in Winter 2023.
Sandy Hoang Indigenous Destination Stewardship Specialist

Sandy 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.

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As 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 Siemens Capacity Building & Resilience Administration

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.

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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.  Carmalita's core values, fun approach, and strong work ethic netted long-lasting relationships in all sectors throughout the Interior of BC. As an Indigenous entrepreneur in her territory, she identified the problems and need for quality throughout this sector. She provided the solution using her Innovation and online presence to create the path of least resistance for her clients with digitization techniques and, most notably, her unique approach to problem-solving with a matriarchal system approach of communication and teamwork.  
Darnell Stager Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Regional Specialist

Darnell 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.

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Darnell 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. With a strong passion for facilitating meaningful encounters, Darnell has made it his mission to support Indigenous Stakeholders and their goals to create captivating Indigenous experiences. His approach, founded in a solution-based mindset, has developed over 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including his role as the General Manager of Salmon n' Bannock Bistro. Darnell's unique blend of Indigenous heritage, extensive restaurant industry knowledge, and dedication to sharing Indigenous culture makes him a valuable resource for Indigenous tourism operators interested in creating authentic cultural experiences for visitors.
Cheryl Chapman Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Regional Specialist

Cheryl 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.

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Cheryl 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. Cheryl recognizes the need and opportunities to create meaningful relationships through respectful communication and truth-telling. Her passion is education through tourism and she seizes every opportunity to share her ancestral stories, based in cultural values and experiences. Cheryl has been an invaluable member of the ITBC team in a number of capacities, from Training and Product Development Coordinator to Secretary of the Board, and is passionate about the respectful development and delivery of world-class Indigenous tourism offerings. 
Megan Humchitt Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Regional Specialist

Megan 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.

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Megan 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.  Her passion for protecting her territory was instilled in her by her family and mentors. Her father is a hereditary chief of the Heiltsuk Nation and has been active in the reclamation of Heiltsuk Culture. Her respect and care for the lands and ocean emanates from her cultural roots and deep connection to the place she calls home. Megan believes in making space for all voices, collaborating, and working together.
Jamie Bourne Thompson Okanagan Regional Specialist

Jamie 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.

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Jamie 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.  Jamie works to assist Indigenous communities in the Thompson Okanagan region to support Indigenous individuals and businesses develop the skills, abilities, and tools to offer market-ready tourism products, programs, and services. She supports Indigenous organizations and communities through information–marketing business skills and training programs in Indigenous economic and business development efforts in order to promote Indigenous culture, products, and services. · Jamie believes that Indigenous-led cultural tourism can balance socio-economic development for Indigenous people and communities.  
Tyrone Joseph Thompson Okanagan Regional Specialist

Tyrone 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.

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Tyrone 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.   His work included delivery of federal funding, serving a delivery area including much of the BC Interior and assisting the establishment, expansion, and acquisition of dozens of Indigenous businesses per year. Providing contract management for Service Canada, he managed and monitored dozens of training and employment funding agreements on behalf of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, with training and employment provided to hundreds of Indigenous participants in the Nlaka’pamux and St’at’imc regions.  Giving back to the community is important to Tyrone. He has served on the board of the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society since 2009, and volunteers currently at KRCC, and was recently a board member of Kamloops Society for Alcohol and Drug Services.  
Angela Keech Northern BC Regional Specialist

Angela 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.

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Shawna Gosnell Northern BC Regional Specialist

Shawna 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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Shawna 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.   After graduating, her goal was to work with indigenous communities, including her own, and help develop opportunities to achieve potential goals for tourism development. She is fully committed to contributing to sustainable Indigenous tourism development. She plans to pursue her Master’s in Tourism Management in 2024. Shawna embraces change and strives for growth, improvement, and cultural connection.   

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