Board of Directors

Brenda worked with OIB on the marketing and development of Nk’ mip Desert Cultural Centre and was responsible for project planning, product and program development, marketing, fundraising, and management of the 12 million dollar capital project.

Brenda was Director, Aboriginal Business Showcase for the Four Host Nations at the 2010 Olympics. She has also held the position of Chief Administration Officer for the Tsleil Waututh First Nation, where she worked with the leadership, staff, and community in the areas of economic, social, and community development, and administration and governance. Brenda actively promotes tourism as a foundation for socio-economic development for Indigenous communities.

Recipient of “Youth Entrepreneur of the Year” 2019 ANTCO. Recipient of “Young Indigenous Business of the Year” 2021 for BC Achievement Foundation. 27 year old Indigenous Leader from Nuxalk Nation, and I am the owner/operator of Kekuli Cafe in Merritt and Kamloops. 

Dedication and leadership have driven my success over the last decade. From being the first Indigenous Cuisine Franchise in Canada at 22, to being the President of BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres at 25. I have had the opportunity to create safe spaces for our young aspiring indigenous people. Including hosting Gathering our Voices 2016-2023, and being a co-developer for an MBA in Advanced Reconciliation through UVic. 

Indigenous Governance, Youth mentorship, Leadership Training, Cultural Gatherings, Reconciliation implementations, and Economic Development. These are a few skillsets that all coincide with the work I will bring to Indigenous Tourism of BC. I believe that our Youth are not the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today. If we are thinking of tomorrow, it’s already too late. 

Inez Cook is a proud member of the Nuxalk Nation (New-halk) and was raised in Vancouver, BC. She is the co-founder and owner of the award-winning Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro in Vancouver, as well as Salmon n’ Bannock on the Fly at YVR International Departures—the first Indigenous restaurant in a Canadian airport.

After a 33-year flying career that allowed her to live around the world and experience diverse cultures, Inez has come full circle. She now shares a deeply personal journey through her culinary work and storytelling. She is also the author of The Sixties Scoop and Reconnecting After the Sixties Scoop, where she shares her lived experience.

Inez and Salmon n’ Bannock have been featured in major international media outlets, including National Geographic, CNN, The Guardian, The New York Times, and The San Francisco Chronicle. With more than 28 years in the travel industry, Inez brings a global perspective and a passion for cultural connection. She and her team at Salmon n’ Bannock are honoured to celebrate and share Indigenous culture with guests from around the world.

Kathy is Nuu Chah Nulth married into and a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation; and mother of four beautiful children. As an experienced educator, coach, mentor, and certified life skills instructor, I remain committed to being a lifelong learner.

She completed the Indigenous Corporate Relations and Knowledge Management programs Royal Roads University. In addition I have attained certificates in tourism programs through Malaspina College, (VIU) and other managerial and computer courses through PBS in Vancouver. All of which helped become founder and creator of the Bella Bella Business Service Centre, Bella Bella Call Centre, http://www.nalaservices.com/

Kathy taught at the Heiltsuk College in Bella Bella for several years. She has supported and been a participant on the tribal journeys for the past seven years. She enjoys canoeing and being out on the water.

With a Bachelor of Tourism Management and a Minor in Recreation from Vancouver Island University, Chyanne’s passion is for creating capacity within Indigenous communities through tourism development while aiding in cultural revitalization. Chyanne is the Office Manager for her Nations award – winning ecotourism business, Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, which welcomes visitors to experience the traditional lands of the Homalco people in Bute Inlet, BC.

Heather Bohn is the Manager of Kasiks Wilderness Resort, a growing Indigenous tourism destination in Northern British Columbia. A proud member of the Kitsumkalum First Nation—one of the original tribes of the Tsimshian Nation—Heather is deeply committed to advancing Indigenous-led tourism, sustainability, and cultural revitalization.

With a background in hospitality, culinary arts, and communications, Heather has guided Kasiks through significant transformation, from infrastructure improvements to strategic partnerships that connect visitors with Indigenous culture and the natural beauty of the Skeena corridor. Her leadership at Kasiks inspired her to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Northern British Columbia, further strengthening her ability to support long-term Indigenous economic development.

Heather believes tourism has the power to build pride, opportunity, and meaningful connections for Indigenous peoples across the province.

Desiree Baker, a proud member of the ‘Namgis First Nation (Alert Bay, B.C.), brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Indigenous Tourism BC’s Board of Directors. Raised by her adopted family in the Fraser Valley, Desiree now splits her time between the Okanagan and Fraser Valley. She is a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, and auntie, deeply connected to her family and community.

Desiree’s company, REV, thrives on her profound understanding of cultural protocols and the complexities of First Nations governance and relationships. With over 30 years of experience across Community and Economic Development, Health Services, Child & Family Services, Business Services, and Tourism, she is a trusted leader and advocate within Indigenous and government sectors. Her work is centered on building relationships and empowering First Nation communities, government entities, and health authorities.

Desiree has spent the past three years collaborating with Destination BC, where she has written grants supporting 54 First Nations communities in the Vancouver Coast and Mountains region. As an approved business consultant with Indigenous Tourism BC, Desiree has also developed strategic business plans, including a 30-page proposal that secured Bonaparte First Nation’s management of Historic Hat Creek Ranch and McAbee Fossil Beds.

My name is Maria Clark, and my Indigenous name is Heiwaata. I am nuu chah nulth, and I am proud to call the West Coast of Vancouver Island home. My connection to this place, our people, and our culture is at the heart of why Indigenous tourism is so important to me. I have had the privilege of building my career in tourism while living in the community I love, and for me, tourism has never been simply about business. It is about people, relationships, sharing our stories, creating opportunities, and helping our communities build a stronger future on our own terms. I have worked at Tin Wis Resort, a Tla-o-qui-aht-owned property in Tofino, since 2010. Over the past 16 years, I have grown from working directly with guests to taking on leadership responsibilities across the resort. Those experiences have taught me the importance of listening, working together, supporting our teams, and understanding the realities that Indigenous tourism businesses face every day. Serving on the Indigenous Tourism BC Board has been a meaningful part of my journey. It has given me the opportunity to learn from Indigenous tourism operators and leaders from across the province and to contribute my own experiences and perspective. It has also strengthened my belief that Indigenous tourism can be a powerful way to create economic opportunities while celebrating and protecting our cultures, lands, languages, and stories. I am putting my name forward for another term because I still have a strong desire to serve. I want to continue learning, contributing, and helping create opportunities for Indigenous people and communities throughout British Columbia. I am especially passionate about supporting the next generation of Indigenous tourism leaders and ensuring that our young people can see a future for themselves in an industry that is grounded in who we are. I am grateful for the opportunities that tourism has given me, and I see serving on the ITBC Board as an opportunity to give back. I bring my experience, my relationships, my perspective as an Indigenous woman and tourism professional, and most importantly, my genuine commitment to Indigenous tourism and our communities.

I want to continue serving on the Indigenous Tourism BC Board because I believe deeply in the power of Indigenous tourism to create meaningful economic, cultural, and community opportunities for our people. Serving on the Board has been one of the most meaningful leadership experiences of my career. Over my two terms, I have had the opportunity to listen to Indigenous tourism operators and communities from across British Columbia, learn from their experiences, and contribute my own perspective from working in the industry for more than 16 years. It has given me a much broader understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges that exist across our sector. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that Indigenous communities have the tools, resources, relationships, and confidence to participate in tourism in ways that work for them. I believe Indigenous tourism should be led by Indigenous people and grounded in our cultures, values, lands, stories, and communities. I also want to continue bringing the perspective of someone who is actively working in the industry. I understand what it is like to operate within a tourism business, lead teams, work with community, navigate the realities of the tourism economy, and balance economic opportunities with cultural and community responsibilities. There is still so much work to do. I want to continue being part of that work, while helping create space for emerging Indigenous leaders, entrepreneurs, and youth to find their place in the tourism industry. For me, serving on the ITBC Board is not simply about holding a position. It is about service, responsibility, relationships, and helping build something that will benefit our communities for generations to come. I would be honored to continue contributing my experience, voice, and energy to that work.

I bring a combination of hands-on tourism experience, Indigenous leadership, governance experience, business knowledge, and a strong understanding of the realities facing Indigenous tourism businesses and communities. I have worked in tourism for more than 16 years at Tin Wis Resort, a Tla-o-qui-aht-owned property in Tofino. I have worked my way through many areas of the operation, including Guest Services, Housekeeping, management, and senior leadership, and currently serve as Assistant General Manager. This has given me practical knowledge of hotel operations, people leadership, guest experience, financial and operational decision-making, training, business development, and the day-to-day challenges of running a tourism business. I also bring significant governance experience. I have served two terms as a Director-at-Large with Indigenous Tourism BC and currently serve as Vice Chair of the Tourism Tofino Board of Directors. I have also participated in Indigenous tourism initiatives and committees, including the BC First Nations-Led Tourism Destination Fund. My governance experience also extends into my own Nations and community. I have served on Tla-o-qui-aht committees focused on Housing, Child and Family Services, and Personnel, giving me a broader understanding of the issues that affect our communities beyond tourism. These experiences have strengthened my understanding of community governance, policy, human resources, housing, family and social priorities, confidentiality, and the importance of making decisions with the long-term wellbeing of our people in mind. My education and professional development have supported my practical experience. I have completed tourism and hospitality education through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute and Cornell University, along with leadership and professional development training throughout my career. I also bring an entrepreneurial perspective as the owner and founder of Island Coast Mobile Welding & Fabrication. Building a business outside of the tourism sector has expanded my understanding of entrepreneurship, financing, marketing, operations, workforce development, and the challenges Indigenous entrepreneurs face when starting and growing a business. Perhaps most importantly, I bring lived experience as a Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht woman, a deep connection to community, and a strong belief in Indigenous leadership. I understand the importance of creating tourism opportunities that generate economic benefits while respecting culture, community priorities, land, and the people who call these places home. I believe my greatest strength is being able to bring together the practical realities of business and tourism with community, culture, governance, and long-term thinking. I am comfortable sitting at the table with community members, entrepreneurs, tourism operators, government, industry partners, and other leaders, while keeping Indigenous communities and their priorities at the center of the conversation

My connections within my community are built through many years of working, volunteering, serving on boards and committees, mentoring, facilitating leadership development, and participating in initiatives that support Indigenous people, tourism, and economic development. I have strong connections within the Tla-o-qui-aht and Ahousaht, Ucluelet, Tofino communities and have been involved in community governance through my work on the Housing, Child and Family Services, and Personnel committees. These experiences have allowed me to work directly with community members and leadership and have given me a deeper understanding of the priorities and challenges facing our Nations. Through my role at Tin Wis Resort, I have developed strong relationships with Tla-o-qui-aht leadership, community members, local businesses, tourism operators, employees, and regional partners. Tin Wis has also provided me with opportunities to connect with people from across the tourism industry and to advocate for Indigenous participation and leadership in tourism. My involvement with Indigenous Tourism BC and Tourism Tofino has expanded my relationships throughout the West Coast and across British Columbia. As a Director-at-Large with ITBC and Vice Chair of the Tourism Tofino Board, I connect with Indigenous tourism operators, community leaders, tourism organizations, businesses, and industry partners. I have also been involved with the BC First Nations-Led Tourism Destination Fund and other Indigenous tourism initiatives, which has allowed me to build relationships with First Nations and Indigenous tourism organizations beyond my own community. Leadership development is another important part of my community involvement. Through the Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, I have facilitated leadership workshops for Leadership Vancouver Island. This experience has allowed me to share Indigenous perspectives on leadership, community, relationships, and stewardship while connecting with emerging leaders from across Vancouver Island. As an entrepreneur and owner of Island Coast Mobile Welding & Fabrication, I have also developed strong relationships within the local business community, trades, marine sector, and other small businesses. I value these relationships because they create opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, employment, and economic development. I am also passionate about mentoring women and Indigenous youth and creating opportunities for people to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and pursue entrepreneurship. My community connections are important to me because I don’t see leadership as something that happens only around a boardroom table. It happens through relationships, showing up, listening, sharing knowledge, and being willing to contribute. I would bring those relationships and the perspectives I hear from my community into my continued work with Indigenous Tourism BC.

My name is Lori Simcox and I am from the Trond’ek First Nation in the Yukon, I have bene workign with the Tsleil-Waututh Nation for over 20 years in different areas of economic development.

Having dedicated over 20 years to the Indigenous tourism sector alongside serving 6 years on the Board of Destination British Columbia including roles as Vice-Chair and HR Committee Chair. I am positioned to drive tourism growth in our province. I want to join the Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) Board of Directors to explicitly link our provincial and Indigenous tourism organizations more effectively, maximizing shared resources, marketing strategies, and growth opportunities. My goal is to combine this high-level provincial governance experience with my work in community economic development.

Lori Simcox has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and an MBA from Royal Roads University. She is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) with the Canadian Association of Management Consultants. Ms. Simcox’s graduate consulting work involved Executive Management and First Nation Administration strategic planning.

Lori was part of the team that developed and operated Takaya Tours, she operates SPAL General Constructors Inc , a wholly owned company of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. She is a leader in Indigenous engagement and contracting, negotiating local involvement and successfully securing multi-million dollar contracts through out British Columbia with over 30 prime industry leaders. Lori sits on the Board of Northern Vision Development LP, the Yukon’s largest private real estate partnership, serves as Treasurer of Indigenous Tourism BC and serves as Chair of the audit committee. Lori is also a board member of Chief Isaac Inc., the economic arm of the Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation.

Kiʔsuʔk kyuyit q̓api niskiⱡ, suʔkni ku ʔupxnaⱡaʔni Hu qakⱡik Leanna Gravelle. ʔaⱡ ka ʔa·knik̓ n̓ini Roberta ȼ Pat Gravelle, ʔaⱡ ka·kuk̓pukam n̓ini Mary Louise Mission ȼ Anne ȼ Alexander Gravelle, ka ʔaȼmiⱡ Joe and Helen Mission ȼ Catherine and Ambrose Gravelle.

I am Leanna Gravelle; my parents are Roberta and Pat Gravelle, my grandparents are Mary-Louise Mission and Annie and Alexander Gravelle, and my great-grandparents are Joe and Helen Mission and Catherine and Ambrose Gravelle.

Leanna Gravelle, from Ktunaxa/Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation, brings a wealth of experience to ITBC, from her role as Director of Operations and Programming at the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre for the Ⱡkamnin̓tik Children’s Truth and Reconciliation Society, located within the St. Eugene’s Golf Resort and Casino. For over 24 years, she has been a Board Member and Bare Trustee with the St. Eugene Mission Development Corporation, working to share Ktunaxa culture, language, knowledge, and history with diverse audiences, including resort guests, students, corporate groups, and industry professionals. Her role involves developing programs and experiences that support Ktunaxa youth, Elders, and knowledge carriers, fostering pride in their heritage and enhancing their understanding of Indigenous identities.

Her background includes extensive leadership experience as a Councillor for the Tobacco Plains Indian Band and chair of the Tobacco Plains Development Corporation and nearly 20 years in Social Development and Education roles within her community. She has also contributed significantly to the Ktunaxa Nation’s Traditional Knowledge, Language, Education, and Employment sectors and has taught the Ktunaxa language at the College of the Rockies (COTR).

Leanna’s dedication to Indigenous tourism is driven by her understanding of its role in strengthening Nations and fostering partnerships. Through her broad expertise in strategic planning and development, she will continue to guide Indigenous tourism in British Columbia, promoting the sharing of Indigenous histories and languages for future generations.

Way’t, Hello, Humeth, Buenos Dias, My name is Sharon Bond-Hogg, MBA, and Chief Bannock Officer & Founder of Kekuli Cafe Properties, and Kapi Chido Coffee Roasters! I have been a board member with Indigenous Tourism BC for 15 years, and I have had a passion for Tourism since the 1990’s. I also sit on the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology for my nation, Chair for the WFN Economic Development Commission.

After 15 years serving on the ITBC Board of Directors, my passion for Indigenous tourism is stronger than ever. My vision is to see tourism recognized alongside forestry, fisheries and mining as a pillar of BC’s economy, and I believe Indigenous tourism can lead that shift. As co-founder of Kekuli Café, Canada’s first Indigenous café franchise, and operator of Kápi Chido Coffee Roasters, I know firsthand what it takes to build a business from nothing. I’m committed to creating opportunities for businesses that complement one another, supporting women in business, and strengthening financial literacy and entrepreneurship in our communities. My governance experience with NVIT, the Greater West Kelowna Board of Trade, and the WFN Economic Commission lets me connect tourism with education, workforce development and the broader business community. In this next term, I want to assist in bringing together the new ICTC, national coalition that advocates for and speaks as one voice for the Indigenous tourism industry across Canada. I want to contribute to ITBC’s next Blueprint strategy, a 30-year vision that makes sure our voices are heard, including those of our youth and Elders. Above all, I want to create more opportunities for new Indigenous businesses to start and thrive, here in BC and across the country. I would be honoured to continue serving and to help carry this work forward for the next generation.

Through my service on the boards of ITBC, TIABC, Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, the WFN Economic Development Commission and the Greater Westside Board of Trade, I bring strong experience in governance and policy, chairing meetings, strategy development and labour market strategy. I started Kekuli Café with no business experience and later earned my MBA, combining formal training with more than two decades of hands-on leadership. I have deep expertise in business development, start-ups, franchising and financial management, and I am skilled at building relationships across First Nations, industry, government and education. My role with TIABC allows me to bridge Indigenous and mainstream tourism, and my work with NVIT connects our industry with the education and training our future workforce needs. I am passionate about mentoring new Indigenous entrepreneurs and women in business.

I have close ties with the Westbank First Nation and City of West Kelowna community. Keeping in the loop with the Greater Westside Board of Trade, Indigenous Tourism BC and Westbank First Nation, I have created amazing relationships for tourism, and business development.

I am an entrepreneur and co-founded Gulf Island Seaplanes in 2014. As co-owner of Gulf Island Seaplanes, I bring firsthand experience building and operating a tourism and transportation business in British Columbia. I currently serve as an at-large Director with Indigenous Tourism BC and am proud to contribute both an entrepreneurial and community-focused perspective to the organization. I am Gitxsan through my father, Alan Sebastian, and was born and raised in the Hazelton/Smithers area before moving to Vancouver Island 20 years ago. I am a mother to 4 adult children and one grandson!

I am seeking another term on the ITBC Board because I believe strongly in the role Indigenous tourism can play in economic self-determination, cultural revitalization, and creating opportunities for our communities. My first term has given me a deeper understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing Indigenous tourism operators across BC, particularly in a changing funding and economic environment. I would like to continue contributing to ITBC’s work and help ensure the organization remains strong and focused on the needs of Indigenous tourism businesses. This first term was a huge learning curve and I would love the opportunity to continue.

I bring extensive experience in entrepreneurship, tourism, aviation, and business development. As co-owner of Gulf Island Seaplanes, I understand firsthand the realities of operating and growing an Indigenous tourism business, including financing, partnerships, marketing, workforce development and navigating economic uncertainty. My experience serving on boards and advisory committees, including ITBC, 4VI and CAE’s Indigenous Advisory Board, has also strengthened my governance experience and my ability to bring an Indigenous business perspective to complex strategic discussions.

I have worked with government at the local, provincial and federal levels, advocating for transportation supports. I have also worked with many organizations including the Nanaimo Foundation, Destination Vancouver, local Chambers of Commerce and other tourism and business organizations. Through Gulf Island Seaplanes and my board work, I have also developed relationships with Indigenous communities, tourism operators, economic-development organizations and industry partners throughout British Columbia.