$30 | Registration is limited

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Indigenous Tourism team is hosting a 2-hour virtual workshop to empower tourism professionals to engage with Indigenous neighbours, businesses, and communities within Canada.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association recognizes that reconciliation is not easily defined. It is not linear and does not have a clear endpoint. Reconciliation is a continuous process, a journey, that leads to improved outcomes for Indigenous Peoples, and a better understanding how history has affected your communication and relationships with Indigenous Peoples, such as the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc nations in the Thompson Okanagan region.

We must do our part to right those wrongs, heal together, and create a new future that honours the unique gifts of the Indigenous people and communities.

The workshop will include:

• A brief history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada

• ReconciliACTION Ideas

• How YOU can support ReconciliACTION

• Overview of Call 92 of the 94 Calls to Action

Special Guest

Desiree Baker, Indigenous Consultant

Desiree is an independent contractor working with TOTA to share her knowledge of working with Indigenous people.

With a passion for people and community, Desiree collaborates with non-profits and economic development offices to work in partnership with Indigenous communities in order to establish strategic plans for respectful engagement and sustainable development for strong thriving communities.

For more than 20 years, Desiree has worked with various organizations such as First Nation Health Authority and the Sto:lo Nation, providing services such as: 

• Grant writing support for organizations

• Economic development plans for Indigenous communities

• Indigenous business plans for many First Nation business clients and communities

Desiree moved to the Okanagan region in January of 2021. She is originally from Alert Bay, home of the the U'mista Cultural Centre and the World's Tallest Totem Pole.

Presented by Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association and Desiree Baker

$30 | Registration is limited

As part of National Indigenous History Month in June and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Indigenous tourism team is hosting a 3-hour virtual session to share the history of Indigenous Peoples of Canada with anyone interested to learn.

Attendees will learn about the rich and diverse cultures, languages, and histories of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Through cultural understanding, people and organisations will be better equipped to address and dismantle systemic barriers that exist for Indigenous peoples.

Learning to understand Indigenous cultures, histories, and languages can open the door to enriching partnerships, relationships, and respectful engagement.

It is also an opportunity to observe, celebrate, and acknowledge the sacrifices, strength, accomplishments, and futures of the Indigenous Peoples in Canada.