2019 International Indigenous Tourism Conference
Kelowna, BC
November 12–14, 2019
The 2019 International Indigenous Tourism Conference was hosted on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Nation.
The conference theme was “Inspire. Transform. Unite. Accelerating Indigenous tourism growth.” Inspire encourages communities and entrepreneurs to explore tourism as an economic driver. Transform focuses on the impacts of Indigenous tourism on visitors and Indigenous operators alike. Unite speaks to the power of partnerships and coming together to empower the Indigenous tourism industry.
The 2019 International Indigenous Tourism Conference Logo
The circle represents unity – a commitment of many partners coming together to present the International Indigenous Tourism Conference “Way̓ x̌ast sx̌l̓x̌ʕal̓t, the people of the Syilx, Nlakápamux and Secwépemc Nations welcome you to the 2019 IITC hosted on the traditional and unceded territory of the Syilx Nation.”
There are three parts of sage, one part for each of the Indigenous Nations in the Thompson Okanagan region. The three parts are also representative of the 3 cycles of sage growth and represent the all-season destination of the Thompson Okanagan region. As well, the three parts represent the commitment in Indigenous tourism to past, present, and future generations.
Sagebrush is significant to the Nations in the Thompson Okanagan region for many reasons including ceremonial, medicinal, spiritual, and nutritional values. The hand-like shape of the sage indicates that it is ready to harvest.
In the center of the logo, you will see that “Kelowna” is written in blue. The blue colour is representative of water. Water is the most life sustaining gift on Mother Earth and is the interconnection among all living beings. Water sustains us, flows between us, within us, and replenishes us.
The colours of the logo are a nod to the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and are a visual representation of the many colours that appear in the landscape of the region through the seasons.
Agenda & Presentations
The 2019 IITC conference agenda featured amazing local cultural experiences, educational sessions, and inspiring speakers – Including keynotes from Jordin Tootoo, the first Inuk player in the NHL, Sarain Fox, a television host, activist, and performer, and Keith Henry, President & CEO of ITAC.
Download the full Agenda (PDF - 8.47 MB)Keynote Speakers
ITAC Acceleration Strategy: Year 1
Keith Henry
President & CEO
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Sébastien Desnoyers
Director of Marketing
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Teresa Ryder
Director of Business Development
Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
Jordin Tootoo
Jordin Tootoo
Founder of The Team Tootoo Foundation, First Inuk player in the NHL
Musqueam Indian Band - YVR Airport Sustainability & Friendship Agreement
Mary Point
Indigenous Relations Manager
Vancouver International Airport
Anne Murray
Vice President, Airline Business Development & Public Affairs
Vancouver International Airport
Future History
Sarain Fox
Host of Future History on APTN, Anishinaabekwe Activist, Influencer, Performer and Dancer.
Day 2 - Wednesday, November 13th
Working with Parks Canada
- Elisabeth Lacoursiere, Nick Irving - View Presentation
Accessibility in Tourism
- Kelly Fiddler - View Presentation
- Sonja Gaudet - View Presentation
Women in Entrepreneurship
- Elaine Cairns, Carrie Manitopyes, Ningwakwe / Priscilla George, Karri-Lynn Paul, Sharon Bond - View Presentation
Indigenous Tourism on the Rise: From Grassroots Start-Up to Export Ready
- Philip Mondor, Clinton Belcher - View Presentation
Indigenous Culinary Tourism Development
- Kevin Eshkawkogan, Trevor Jonas Benson, Jenni Lessard - View Presentation
Developing Indigenous Culinary Tourism
- Bill Alexander, Christa Bruneau-Guenther, Joseph Shawana, Sonya Davidson, K. Alex Beaven - View Presentation
International Partnerships
- Mauricio Miramontes - View Presentation
- Judy Karwaki - View Presentation
- Emerson Vallo - View Presentation
- Jean-Philippe Lemoigne - View Presentation
Day 3 - Thursday, November 14th
Tourism’s New Normal - Redefining What Success Looks Like - The Thompson Okanagan Experience
- Glenn Mandziuk - View Presentation
International Media: Sharing your Stories
- Fiona Tapp, Karen Gardiner, Hans Tammemagi, Jennifer MacLean, Jessica Harcombe Fleming - View Presentation
Working with Travel Trade
- Sheldon D’Sylva - View Presentation
Public Relations & Media: The power of story sharing and working with the media
- Kate Rogers, Jessica Harcombe Fleming - View Presentation
Digital Marketing that Sticks
- Jen Rollins, Craig van der Merwe - View Presentation
Learn How To Package/Price
- Jason Picard-Binet - View Presentation
The Canadian Signature Experience Program: Should your business apply?
- Shawna Calderwood, Mike Willie, Michelle Brown, Helen Mitchell - View Presentation
Partnering to Expand your Marketing Dollars
- Colombe Bourque - View Presentation
Photography 101 & Creating Content
- Sébastien Desnoyers, Jennifer Doré Dallas - View Presentation
Cooperative Management at Gwaii Haanas: A look behind the scenes
- Ernie Gladstone, Cindy Boyko - View Presentation
Indigenous Tourism Awards
Each year, a highlight of IITC is the annual awards gala, where exceptional Indigenous leaders and Indigenous tourism experiences are recognized and celebrated. This year, both the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) and Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) announced award winners and nominees from across the country.