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Cant, Brian
Organization: The Tartan Group
Subject: Whistler, BC to host global Aboriginal tourism leaders while showcasing BC's best practices

Feb 12, 2014

The International Aboriginal Tourism Conference - April 16 & 17, 2014

Indigenous Tourism is about sharing an intimate knowledge of one's home and way of life; interpreting history and landscapes through song, dance and stories. http://www.winta.org/

Expanding the annual national Aboriginal tourism conference to an international audience, Aboriginal Tourism BC (AtBC) will be welcoming tourism influencers from across Canada, as well as the United Kingdom, USA, South Africa, Bulgaria, Namibia, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand to Whistler, BC for two days of learning and networking, April 16 - 17, 2014. 
 
Over the past year,  Aboriginal tourism leaders from across British Columbia have travelled around the world sharing best practices, and now we are welcoming global Aboriginal tourism leaders to come to BC and experience first hand what we have to offer, says Keith Henry, CEO of AtBC. This is an exciting opportunity for Canada's Aboriginal tourism industry and we hope to have over 400 delegates in attendance.

Hosted by AtBC, the International Aboriginal Tourism Conference (IATC 14) will highlight global challenges and local opportunities, in support of the growth of Aboriginal tourism world wide. Delegates will meet leaders involved with the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance, learn about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and celebrate local Aboriginal tourism leaders during the AtBC industry awards gala.  
 
Held at the Squamish LilWat Cultural Centre and Fairmont Chateau Whistler, sessions will also cover the impact of research to the growing Canadian cultural tourism industry, tools needed to attract international visitors, collaborating and partnering with government and other influencers within the tourism industry, a national perspective on Aboriginal tourism in Canada, partnering for conservation and an unveiling of AtBC's marketing campaign for 2014 - 2015.  

Anna Pollock, founder of Conscious Travel, an alternative model to mass industrial tourism that develops conscious hosts capable of generating a higher net return for their business and host community, will also be the keynote speaker.  

Our goal is to expand the conversation from a provincial and national perspective to looking at global ways Aboriginal tourism can grow and prosper as a form of more responsible and sustainable tourism, says Henry. I agree with the Larrakia Declaration on the Development of Indigenous Tourism  that as the world becomes increasingly homogenous, Indigenous cultures will become increasingly important for tourism to provide differentiation, authenticity and the enrichment of visitor experiences. We know already that British Columbia's Aboriginal tourism industry contributes over $45 million to the provincial economy.
 

About AtBC 
The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC) is a non-profit, membership-based organization that is committed to growing and promoting a sustainable, culturally rich Aboriginal tourism industry. Through training, information resources, networking opportunities and co-operative marketing programs, AtBC is a one-stop resource for Aboriginal entrepreneurs and communities in British Columbia who are operating or looking to start a tourism business. AtBC works closely with tourism, business, education and government organizations to help B.C.’s Aboriginal tourism businesses offer quality experiences and actively promotes these experiences to visitors and local residents.  www.Aboriginalbc.com.  

Media Contacts:
Deirdre Campbell, Tartan Group: 250-592-3838, 250-882-9199 (cell) or deirdre@tartangroup.ca
Kate Rogers, Tartan Group: 604-880-1494 or kate@tartangroup.ca

 



1,000 Mile Coastal Canoe Journey on Canada's First Nations Vision Quest

sail canoeFirst Nations people from the Prince Rupert Hazelton area and points along the Inside Passage - joined Royal Canadian Mounted Police officers in Vision Quest. The 1,000 mile canoe journey, followed the Skeena River to the Pacific, then headed south in a month long event. The excitement and inspiration generated by everyone; the RCMP, First Nations people, communities, media, the film industry and those able to contribute financially, shows that a spirit of cooperation can transcend any barriers. Final celebrations in Victoria, were timed to coincide with the opening of the North American Aboriginal Games.


Sharing cultures, traditions and history on the
Inside Passage of the rugged BC-Alaska Coast
(continued)

Canadian Canoe Museum
The World's largest collection of canoes and kayaks. Much more to come on this web site relating to the museum and to canoeing as a challenging and rewarding activity.
Bill Byrick, Exec. Director, Peterborough, On.
http://www.canoemuseum.net/old/