Indigenous Tourism Specialists

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.