02/11/2023
Yunesit'in Guest House will be exploring tourism ideas this year. Here is today's announcement:
Super, Natural British Columbia Canada
LET'S STAY CONNECTED - ITBC NEWS
February 10, 2023
INDIGENOUS TOURISM INNOVATORS AWARDED “SPARK” GRANTS AND MENTORSHIPS ACROSS BRITISH COLUMBIA
Coast Salish Territories / Vancouver, BC (February 10, 2023) – Destination BC, as the presenting partner of the British Columbia Tourism Innovation Lab, has announced the winners of the Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Mentorship & Grants Program in British Columbia. The three winners were each awarded a $5,000 grant, a three-month mentorship, and additional partner support to help them develop their Indigenous tourism ideas.
Over the fall, Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations across British Columbia were encouraged to submit Indigenous tourism ideas to enhance current offerings, address gaps or challenges, motivate travel and longer stays, and increase year-round visitation in the region.
The top five finalists presented their Indigenous tourism ideas at a virtual pitch session held on February 9, 2023. A judging panel of partner representatives and an Indigenous tourism entrepreneur selected the three winning applicants.
The Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Program 2023 winners are:
Kellie Aleck - Chevy Bear's Eatery (Traditional Food & Dance) TVI Region
Jaymie Campbell - White Otter Design Company (Arts & Cultural Hub) KRT Region
Russell Myers Ross - Yunesit’in Guest House (Horse Tours) CCC Region
The Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Program is presented by Destination BC in collaboration with Indigenous Tourism BC and additional support from TD Bank.
QUOTES
Richard Porges, President & CEO, Destination BC: “We are thrilled to congratulate the three winning Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs on their successful “Spark” Mentorships and Grants Program applications. We look forward to seeing how their new tourism ideas share authentic and sustainable Indigenous experiences with visitors and an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous culture, heritage, and language.”
Brenda Baptiste, Board Chair, Indigenous Tourism BC: “Thank you to all ITBC “Spark” Mentorships & Grants Program participants–Indigenous tourism entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations who stepped forward to share a sample of Indigenous excellence. Congratulations to the winners. We hope these mentorships and grants will support your skill and dedication to innovation in Indigenous tourism in BC.”
Justin Lafontaine, Program Lead, Tourism Innovation Lab: "We congratulate the 3 winners of the 2023 Indigenous Tourism BC “Spark” Program, and are excited to work with them to help develop new and exciting Indigenous tourism initiatives across British Columbia”.
Whether you are an individual, a start-up or an established small business or non-profit organization, there can be many challenges and barriers to bringing a new tourism idea, experience or...
