Our Team

Paula Amos is of Hesquiaht and Squamish Nation descent, born and raised in the Nuu-chah-nulth Territory on Vancouver Island. She has worked in several positions with Indigenous Tourism BC for almost 20 years and has been working with Indigenous communities for 25 years, bridging the opportunities between the Indigenous tourism industry and mainstream tourism.

Henry Tso has more than 15 years of experience in accounting, business planning and financial management and has held senior management positions in business, government, First Nations, and not-for-profit organizations.

Dana Schoahs was born in Berlin and has called Canada home for over 20 years. Dana has extensive experience in marketing tourism businesses and has worked with many Indigenous communities, hotels, tour operators, and DMOS on tourism initiatives.

Deanna Wampler is of Haida and European descent and was born and raised in Prince Rupert. Deanna has more than twelve years of wide-ranging experience in the social media field, specifically in building community, strategy development, content creation, marketing, and engagement.

Leah Kerekes is of Six Nations Mohawk (Turtle Clan) and Lenape heritage. With seven years of experience in digital marketing for small businesses and five years of experience in small business management, she lends her knowledge to support other Indigenous entrepreneurs as a digital marketing consultant.

Jessie Penner is of Onyota’a:ka (Oneida) and European descent and was born and raised in Ontario on traditional Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lunaapeewak and Attawandaron Lands. She has eight years of experience working in Indigenous and education strategy, with a focus on capacity and relationship building.

Cohen Bradley is from the Kayahl ‘Laanas clan of the Haida Nation and holds the name Taaydal, which translates to coming in big. With more than 15 years of experience in the Indigenous tourism industry, Cohen has worked for Haida Gwaii-based Indigenous tourism businesses, Parks Canada, and Indigenous Tourism BC.

Kerry has worked for more than 10 years as a writer, consultant, and Indigenous communication specialist, with special interest in sharing stories, language and culture, self-governance, and digital sovereignty.

Todd Liang graduated from University of Saskatchewan. He started his work with Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) in 2018 and supports the organization’s finance activities. Todd is working towards his CPA designation and will continue to work in finance and special projects at ITBC.

Sally was born in Hong Kong and has resided in Greater Vancouver since 1993. Sally is dedicated to financial accounting, with four years of work experience in the public practice and over twelve years of accounting experience in the hospitality industry. Sally supports the protection and promotion of Indigenous cultures.

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.

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.

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.

Chatman Shaw was born and raised in Prince Rupert, BC, and is a member of the Nisga’a Nation community of Gitlaxt’aamiks. Chatman moved to Vancouver in 2005 to earn his degree in Business Administration, focusing on strategic management.

Pala Kovacs is from the Lil'Wat Nation in S'tat'imc Territory. She has three years of experience in tourism and seven years of experience in management, and five years with start-ups and accelerators, having two operating businesses of her own.

Jordie Johnson | Sxoxomic is of Secwepemc decent, born and raised in Esk’etemc First Nation.  He has more than ten years experience working in corporate communications and community engagement.  Jordie has a great appreciation for Indigenous languages and protocols throughout the province and beyond.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.