Board Of Directors

Brenda Baptiste builds capacity and opportunity with the belief that tourism can balance socio-economic development for Indigenous people. A member of the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), Brenda graduated as a Registered Nurse specializing in Indigenous health, with a focus on community development.

Lori Simcox has a BBA from Simon Fraser University and an MBA from Royal Roads University.  She is a Certified Management Consultant and a member of Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation.  Lori has led consulting projects for the federal government, and works as a senior project manager in several sectors of economic development for Tsleil-Waututh Nation  in North Vancouver. 

Sharon Bond is the CEO of Kekuli Aboriginal Foods, Inc. and owner of Kekuli Cafe in West Kelowna.  The successful Indigenous cafe won the Westbank Chamber of Commerce Award for Aboriginal Business of the Year, BC Achievement Award for businesses with more than ten employees, Entrepreneur of the Year Award from ANTCO (Kamloops, BC) in 2010, and the Food & Beverage award from ITBC in 2013. 

Frank Antoine is the co-founder of Moccasin Trails, a cultural tourism company based in Kamloops, BC. He worked at Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort for more than a decade and was vital in the development and marketing of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism programs and projects in the Skwlax community.

Chyanne Trenholm grew up in Campbell River and is a proud member of the Homalco First Nation.

Erin Brillon is from the Haida and Cree nations and (Status: Skidegate Haida). Her Haida name is Kalga Jaad (woman of Ice) in inherited by her maternal grandmother, is from the Laana T’sadas Eagle Clan of Skidegate Haida. As an entrepreneur and advocate for Indigenous businesses, Erin regularly networks and collaborates with Indigenous business owners, artists and cultural leaders up and down the coast- seeking culturally relevant opportunities to build Indigenous local economies.

I am Heiltsuk born and raised in Bella Bella BC, I come from the Brown, Reid, Mason and Windsor families. My traditional name is Hayalilaga, meaning ‘Setting things straight’. I am the eldest daughter of Louise Dixon (nee Brown) and William Dixon Sr and daughter of Peter R Mason. I am happily married to Mitch Clifton, together we have 5 amazing children, Aden, Talon, Cale, Semiah and Mason.

Throughout high school and University Jenna has always worked in tourism. During the summers in high school she worked in a variety of tourism jobs during the week, and on the weekends Jenna was on the Field Hockey BC provincial team. Jenna’s first job was working the front desk at the Nk’Mip Campground and RV Park, answering phones, booking reservations and doing site checks.

My name is Leslie Brown. I am born and raised on Haida Gwaii. I am a small business owner with my husband and children.  We are a family owned business here on Haida Gwaii. I am an active member in our community and currently working within the Tourism Industry on Haida Gwaii. I was a Board member for ItBC, representing the North and would seek the same opportunity again from the Stakeholders.  

Savannah Nadeau grew up on the traditional lands of the Ulkatcho First Nations which are located in the Chilcotin. She currently lives on the traditional lands of the Ktunaxa Peoples in the East Kootenays.

I showcase and educate people from around the world on Indigenous culinary. I have been specializing in Indigenous cuisine for more than 13 years. My goal is to work with communities to elevate their culinary experiences.

Maria is a longstanding Tofino local with family ties to the land. As the Assistant General Manager at Tin Wis Best Western, Maria prides herself on the many hats she wears at Tin Wis. She plays an integral role in the guest experience, leading a staff of 75 and overseeing many day-to-day operations.