Aboriginal Tourism Leaders Honoured at Awards Gala

NEWS RELEASE

VANCOUVER, B.C. (March 5, 2008) – Outstanding performers in British Columbia’s growing Aboriginal tourism industry were honoured March 5 in Vancouver at the fifth Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (ATBC) awards ceremony.

The awards recognize excellence and innovation among individuals, businesses, and organizations at the forefront of B.C.’s emerging Aboriginal tourism industry.“Aboriginal tourism is founded on a spirit of collaboration, a drive to create economic opportunity, an urgency to support cultural stewardship, and an excitement to strengthen a sustainable tourism industry in the international marketplace for the benefit of all British Columbians, “said Brenda Baptiste, Chair of ATBC. “This event is a tribute to those who are leading the way.”

Awards were presented in nine categories:
 Coast Hotels and Resorts Ambassador Award: Paula Cranmer Underhill, Sto:lo Tourism Commission (stolocf.com)
 Inspirational Leadership Award: Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures (jetboatadventures.com)
 Young Adult Achievement Award: Deanna Lewis, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
 Power of Education Award: Cedars Us, Squamish
 Cultural Authenticity Award: Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site (kitselas.bc.ca)
 Strength in Marketing Award: Tin Wis Resort (tinwis.com)
 Tourism Conservation Award: Haida Heritage Centre (haidaheritagecentre.com)
 Excellence in Customer Service Award: Mascot Gold Mine Tours (mascotmine.com)
 Industry Partner Award: Destination Osoyoos (destinationosoyoos.com)

ATBC acknowledges the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development including Aboriginal Business Canada, the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts, and the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations for their ongoing support. ATBC also applauds the long-term commitment of Coast Hotels & Resorts, a significant and valued partner in the Awards program.

Other supporters include Enbridge Pipelines Inc., Bellstar Hotels and Resort, BC Ferries, BC Transmission Corporation, Capilano College, FortisBC, RBC Royal Bank, Business Development Bank, Plutonic Power, IR Wilson Consultants, BMO, and BC Hydro.

ATBC – Growing Aboriginal Tourism
The Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C. (ATBC) is a non-profit organization committed to helping B.C.’s Aboriginal tourism industry flourish. By providing training, information, networking opportunities and co-operative marketing programs, ATBC is a resource for Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities who already operate or would like to open a tourism business. For more information on Aboriginal tourism in British Columbia, visit www.aboriginalbc.com.

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Media
Contact:
Bill Eisenhauer, Good Relations Inc.
(250) 744-4748 or bill@goodrelations.ca

BACKGROUNDER

2008 Aboriginal Tourism BC Award Winners

Recipients of the 2008 ATBC Aboriginal Tourism BC Awards represent the diversity and exceptional quality of Aboriginal tourism experiences available in every region of British Columbia. This year’s winners are:

Coast Hotels and Resorts Ambassador Award: Paula Cranmer Underhill, Sto:lo Tourism Commission
Paula Cranmer Underhill joined Sto:lo Community Futures in 2004 as the Tourism Commission Manager. With an unwavering commitment and passion for Aboriginal tourism, she has championed numerous Aboriginal tourism initiatives, including the much-celebrated Sto:lo Artisan Centre. She is a member of the Spirit of BC Chilliwack, where she helped establish Aboriginal Spirit: Honouring Women, Arts, & Fashion, an annual event celebrating Aboriginal women achievers and showcasing Aboriginal artisans and fashion designers.

Inspirational Leadership Award: Douglas Green, Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures
In 1999, Douglas Green was the first Aboriginal entrepreneur in the Cariboo Chilcotin region to start a tourism business. He is committed to Aboriginal stewardship and innovation and is a role model for other young Aboriginal entrepreneurs. His successful tourism business, Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures, located near Williams Lake, combines exhilarating river adventure with authentic, hands-on cultural learning. Guests can try their hand at traditional dip netting, make dishes from local berries, prepare tea from native plants and view local wildlife.

Young Adult Achievement Award: Deanna Lewis, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Deanna is an accomplished tour guide in rafting, sea kayaking and the Aboriginal Youth Ambassador program. She began her tourism training six years ago and has been involved with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre since its inception. A guide at the centre, which will have its Grand Opening in June 2008, Deanna enjoys sharing her cultural knowledge with visitors. She also works with the Ayate- way Camp, guiding at-risk youth in the traditional Chehailis territory, helping them explore cultural teachings and what it really means to be a Squamish Nation person. Deanna is also an accomplished soccer player, having competed in Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Germany and many other countries. On these journeys, she has had the honour to share her Coast Salish culture throughout the world.

Power of Education Award: Stewart Nahanee, Cedars Us
In 2001, Stewart Nahanee, a member of the Squamish Nation, picked up a number of drum frames his wife Alice had ordered and figured: I can do that. Today his thriving company, Cedars Us, holds their own drum and cedar bark workshops for local and national audiences. A new shop was recently built to produce drum frames and paddles for canoe journeys. A true ambassador for B.C.’s Aboriginal culture, Stewart will travel to Britain this spring to participate in a canoe journey that will circumnavigate the British Isles. As part of this project, Cedars Us has been commissioned to make 300 paddles that will be presented to dignitaries, and Stewart is proud to share his culture in a global economy.

Cultural Authenticity Award: Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site
The Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site, located just outside Terrace, forms the heart of the Kitselas First Nation’s cultural tourism and stewardship initiatives. Kitselas is one of seven Tsimshian communities in northwestern B.C. The community is pursuing a vision of making the historic site one of the area’s finest cultural tourism destinations. Three longhouses and an interpretive trail now offer visitors the opportunity to learn about ancient legends and stories. Educational programs for schools and tour groups are designed to share the land’s indigenous culture, create awareness for Tsimshian history and maintain the ancient knowledge passed down through generations. Exciting expansion plans are well underway to offer more tours and guided cultural tourism experiences and excursions.

Strength in Marketing Award: Tin Wis Resort, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
Opened in 1994, the Best Western Tin Wis Resort in Tofino is owned and operated by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Its 85 oceanfront rooms overlook majestic McKenzie beach and the resort offers visitors an incredible First Nations cultural experience as part of their stay. Innovative marketing programs showcase the resort’s Aboriginal identity and experiences, giving it a competitive edge in the marketplace. On-site programming, including a carving shed, Aboriginal cuisine, special events and Aboriginal-inspired décor, contributes to the unprecedented popularity of the resort.

Tourism Conservation Award: Haida Heritage Centre
The Haida Heritage Centre at Qay’llnagaay opened its doors to visitors on July 1, 2007, the fulfilment of a Haida dream of the past 40 years to share their living culture with the world. The centre is a showcase for the past, present and future of Haida art and culture, and demonstrates the Haida commitment to preserving their natural environment and traditional lands through education and sharing. The centre’s architecture is faithful to traditional Haida designs, including six monumental totem poles, representing the southern villages, that stand as sentinels.

Excellence in Customer Service: Mascot Gold Mine Tours and Snaza’ist Discovery Centre, Upper Similkameen Indian Band
The Snaza’ist Discovery Centre and Mascot Gold Mine Tours, located in Hedley, is run by the Upper Similkameen Indian Band. In 2000, the abandoned site was transformed into an interpretive centre offering fascinating insight into the ancient tradition of mineral exploration. The centre provides captivating information about trade before European contact and the cooperative relationship between settlers and First Nations. Visitors to the site can also take a guided underground tour of the mine for an educational and fun trip into history.

Industry Partner Award: Destination Osoyoos
Destination Osoyoos plays an integral role in fostering economic and social relations between the Town of Osoyoos and the Osoyoos Indian Band. The two communities have created a unified and mutually beneficial relationship that transcends the limits of a simple economic partnership to include meaningful dialogue on all socio-economic issues. The important role Destination Osoyoos continues to play in the development and support of Nk’Mip Resort, Osoyoos’ highly acclaimed Aboriginal tourism product, is helping to ensure the long-term success of the area. This collaboration includes facilitating partnerships, developing an innovative branding strategy, joint marketing initiatives and many other initiatives that have added to the success of the entire South Okanagan region.

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Media Contact:
Bill Eisenhauer, Good Relations Inc.
(250) 744-4748 or bill@goodrelations.ca