Introducing New Members of the ITBC Board of Directors

Press Release

Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) welcomes the newly elected members to our Board of Directors. These individuals, introduced during the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM), will bring valuable expertise and a strong commitment to advancing Indigenous tourism in British Columbia.

The ITBC Board of Directors provides strategic direction and leadership to the organization, ensuring its continued growth and success. Composed of 12 members—six regional representatives and six at-large members—the Board reflects a broad representation of voices from across the province.

Board members are elected by Voting Stakeholders and serve two-year terms.

At-large

• Sharon Bond, Kekuli Café (re-elected)
• Alison Evans, Gulf Island Seaplanes (Acclaimed)
• Maria Clark, Best Western at Tin Wis (re-elected)

Kootenay Rockies Director

• Leanna Gravelle, St. Eugene Resort Hotel (Acclaimed)

Thompson Okanagan Director

• Desiree Baker, Grandpa’s Heart at Nicklen Lake  (Acclaimed)

Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Director

• Lori Simcox, Takaya Tours (Acclaimed)

Returning Board Members

• Brenda Baptiste, At-large, Nk’Mip Campground, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Nk’Mip Cellars
• Jenna Bower, At-large, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre
• Elijah Mack, At-large, Kekuli Cafe (Merritt and Kamloops)
• Chyanne Trenholm, Vancouver Island Region, Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours
• Kathy Brown, Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Region, Seequest Development Corporation
• Leslie Brown, Northern BC Region, Davidson’s Descendants

ITBC extends its gratitude to the outgoing board members Kukpi7 Frank Antoine (At-large, Moccasin Trails), Savannah Nadeau (Kootenay Rockies, St. Eugene Resort Hotel), and Paul Natrall (At-large, Mr. Bannock) for their outstanding service and commitment.

Responsibilities of the ITBC Board of Directors

The Board of Directors plays a critical role in ITBC’s governance and operations by:

• Developing and adopting policies and procedures governing all aspects of the Society, including staff employment, management, and administration.
• Advising Society members on activities and providing recommendations for consideration and action.
• Overseeing the management of the Society’s funds and leading fundraising efforts.

The Board also operates three standing committees to support these responsibilities: Finance, Governance, and Marketing.

To learn more about our new Board, visit: https://www.indigenousbc.com/corporate/who-we-are/board-of-directors/

Together, we look forward to building a vibrant future for Indigenous tourism in British Columbia.

IBF5