September 29, 2023

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In Recognition of National Truth & Reconciliation Day

Tomorrow is National Truth & Reconciliation Day. To mark this important date, TIABC is dedicating this edition of our weekly newsletter to honour the children who never returned home and the First Nation, Métis, and Inuit survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. TIABC understands that public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.

We open with excerpts from a recent conversation between TIABC CEO Walt Judas and TIABC Director Mike Retasket explaining what the day means to him, followed by an added feature on Mike's story.

CEO MESSAGE

I've long recognized that for thousands of my professional colleagues there is no such thing as a statutory holiday. Other than perhaps on Christmas and/or New Year’s Day, a large number of tourism and hospitality businesses continue to operate during stats while most other sectors and public workers take a break.

Regardless of who is or isn’t working over any given long weekend, I’ve also come to realize that many folks haven’t a clue as to why we celebrate or acknowledge certain stat holidays like Victoria Day, Labour Day, Good Friday, and even Remembrance Day and Christmas Day.

Yet in spite of 10 annual stat holidays already in British Columbia, government has legislated one more that a lot of us are still somewhat unfamiliar with. Every September 30th, a day of National Truth and Reconciliation (NTRD) has been set aside to commemorate the history and legacy of the residential school system. According to the province, it’s a day to honour the resilience, dignity and strength of survivors and remember the children who never came home. It’s also an opportunity to engage and educate people about BC’s colonial history and how it has and continues to impact Indigenous communities.

When the idea of another stat was first proposed, I heard from some business owners concerned about staffing challenges, increased costs and other issues to bring to the attention of the province. And while a few wondered how another statutory holiday would help the cause, most conceded the need to establish NTRD as an important step toward reconciliation.

Admittedly, I fall in the camp of still wanting to learn more about NTRD, so I asked TIABC Director Mike Retasket, former Chief of the Bonaparte First Nation, for his perspective on what this day means to Indigenous people and what it should signify to everyone else.

Walt

What does National Truth & Reconciliation Day mean to you?

Mike

Orange Shirt Day or National Day For Truth and Reconciliation makes me realize there is so much work to do. So many things have happened to the Indian people there needs to be accountability. Who is it that needs to do the reconciling here? Reconciliation will require land, water, medicine, ceremony, language, culture, heritage, values and restitution. There are outstanding issues that will need to be addressed before truth and reconciliation hits the ground. It is this groundwork that requires commitments from government that can be measured so we ensure moving forward together.

Walt

Why is NTRD so important and why should the average person care?

Mike

It gives opportunities for Indigenous people to tell their story and why we are here. Canada has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world through continuous theft of our resources. The opportunity to educate Canadians to change their perception about us is key. Historically, we were displaced from the land, then we were dispossessed from the land and that made Indian people dependant on the federal government. We are still in that situation today. Sharing truths like this educates all who are interested in learning more about us.

Walt

What do you hope National Truth & Reconciliation Day accomplishes in BC? What do you see as the desired goal or outcome?

Mike

I’m glad you asked specifically about BC because it separates us from the rest of Canada. In 1763, King George III made a proclamation that all crown land should be held in trust for the Indian people. However, he failed to recognize any lands beyond Manitoba. And while some treaties are in place in BC, the majority of First Nations exist without them. Because of the statement by King George III, the honour of the crown is at stake. In 1910, people were settling here from Europe and elsewhere and many Indigenous people were being displaced. My grandfather went to Ottawa and spoke to Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier and told him that Indian people own the land not the new settlers. Much has changed since then and our voices have not been heard. Therefore this day is an opportunity to articulate what is right without guilt, blame or shame.

Walt

What steps can we take together with Indigenous people to recognize NTRD?

Mike

Government, the courts, Indigenous peoples and all residents need to be moving in the same direction. Instead of pillaging the earth, we need to respect it and go back to our roots of loving and respecting the land, the sky, the sun, and every living creature.

Wise words from a wise man. I’m thankful to Mike for helping me better understand Indigenous ways, culture and goals. Notwithstanding that this year I’ll be travelling on business while most folks enjoy the day off, I aim to take some time to reflect on the meaning behind NTRD and not dismiss it as merely another long weekend to be enjoyed for years to come.

Walt Judas

CEO, TIABC

Meet TIABC Director Mike Retasket

Mike Retasket has led an impressive career as a champion for sharing Indigenous culture and history but his true devotion is to the land and what he stands for.

Respecting the land is a key part of his philosophy, saying, “If you come to a territory, you always leave the land better than when you found it and that lesson needs to be taught over and over again. It needs to be taught until we get it, and we leave the land better than when we found it.”

Sharing the history of Indigenous people and their connection to the land is Mike’s passion, and is something he undertakes regularly throughout the Cariboo region where he resides. From smudging ceremonies and traditional powwow dancing in full regalia at Xatśūll Heritage Village, to sharing stories with visitors at historic Barkerville Town & Park, Mike focuses not only on heritage, tradition, and culture but also strikes a delicate balance of teaching about the history of Indigenous people in the province.

It is not surprising that earlier this year, Mike received an Honorary Doctor of Letter degree from the University of the Fraser Valley when he was recognized as a man who has devoted his adult life to healing by teaching us to take care of our environment, our ancestors, our culture, and each other.

Learn more about TIABC Director Mike Retasket in the link below.

Orange Shirt Day | Every Child Matters

September 30th also coincides with Orange Shirt Day, and goes far beyond simply wearing orange in solidarity - it is an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. The orange shirt is a symbol of the stripping away of culture, freedom and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Orange Shirt Day and is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) Residential School (1891-1981).

The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year.

• Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) encourages everyone to look for an event in your area and "step forward as an active witness to ensure, through thorough and honest education, that this never happens again." Visit the link below to learn more about National Day for Truth & Reconciiation and events happening around the province.

• TIABC encourages all British Columbians to wear orange on Saturday and honour the thousands of survivors of residential schools.

Just Released | Report on Housing Impacts

of Short-term Rentals in BC

A new report by David Wachsmuth, a professor of the School of Urban Planning, McGill University has just been released that analyzes short-term rentals (STRs) in BC, with a focus on commercial STRs and their impact on the province’s housing market. It provides an overview of STRs in the province, including their geographic location and levels of commercial activity. The report, commissioned by BCHA, also analyzes the impacts of STRs on housing availability and affordability and lays out a set of STR regulatory principles for BC, based on Canadian best practices.

At the time this report was being completed, there was an average of 28,510 short-term rental listings active each day in the province of British Columbia (a year-over-year increase of 17.8%, alongside 17.3% annual revenue growth). Also noted, short-term rentals were taking 16,810 housing units off of BC’s long-term market.

Just Released - Episode #12 in Voice of Tourism Podcast Series

Meet Martin Littlejohn, Executive Director of the Western Canadian Mountain Bike Tourism Association (MBTA). TIABC's Voice of Tourism host Walt Judas speaks with Martin about the work they're doing for members around the province, the importance of the industry as part of BC's visitor economy, and the supports needed for local bike clubs.

TIABC's Voice of Tourism podcast feature interviews with some of the most respected professionals in the tourism industry and has been developed to provide TIABC members and stakeholders with insightful content and a unique perspective on industry developments, policy directives, the work that sector associations are doing, and the opportunities that exist for businesses, communities, and government within the visitor economy.

Now Available on Spotify or the following link:

Just Released | Report on the Efficacy of the BC Search & Rescue Association

The BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA) has just released their first Year In Review report for 2022.

The report includes some remarkable stories as well as appreciation and recognition on the value that search and rescue volunteers bring through the 2022 statistics including:

• 1,019 lives saved (that would not have survived without GSAR intervention)
• 1,758 people rescued
• An additional 262 individuals rescued (who were with the subject)
• Responded to 1,510 incidents
• Volunteered 441,026 hours of service in 2022

Read the full report HERE.

#GoBearViewing Campaign Launched

The Grizzly Bear Foundation and the Commercial Bear Viewing Association have collaborated to advocate for grizzly bear conservation and the bear-viewing industry.

The new collaborative campaign, Bear Viewing Tourism Gives Back #GoBearViewing, showcases the role of bear viewing ecotourism in grizzly bear conservation and the conservation economy.

With #GoBearViewing, you are invited to hear from your industry partners, including CBVA-certified guides and operators, as they share their first hand knowledge and on the ground experiences to raise awareness of the role of bear viewing in conservation.

Join in celebration and conversation with bear-viewing guides and operators that give back to the bears and our future.

Be a part of the #GoBearViewing movement and view the video below.

Boating BC Introduces "BoatBlurb"

To excite and educate boaters by broadcasting engaging news and insights provided by the boating community, Boating BC has introduced a new means to connect. Whether you're an experienced mariner or just getting started - subscription is FREE.

BoatBlurb covers all things boating:

• News & Information: breaking news covering the latest boat models, gear, and accessories.
• Expert Insights: Our staff of writers and boat captains provide tips, advice, and insider knowledge based on real-world experience. 
• Dream Destinations: Explore global destinations to inspire your next adventure.
• Video Reviews: We test all the latest boats and share the latest industry trends. 
• Engage and Connect: Share your boating stories, ask questions, and connect with fellow boaters.

Learn more about BoatBlurb HERE.

Coming Soon! | GreenStep Member Community Hub

GreenStep has been working on a new platform for its members to connect with each other and to access useful resources, tools, events, and more to help them on their sustainability journey. They will be introducing this new platform in the coming weeks, designed to provide a one-stop hub of information related to all things sustainability, from newly designed guides and upcoming member events, to member spotlights, a community forum and more.

With the new member portal, you be able to:

• Engage with the GreenStep member community, including like-minded businesses and organizations who are working hard to advance sustainability within their operations
• Find sustainability resources such as guides, checklists, templates and more
• Learn about upcoming industry events
• Register for member-exclusive educational opportunities
• Book one on one support calls with a GreenStep sustainable tourism advisor
• View the GreenStep Member Community Quarterly Newsletter

Stay tuned for more information on how to gain access to the GreenStep Member Community Hub.

Invictus Games Launches Website

The Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 has launched a new website that will be at the core as they begin compiling additional resources about the Games, along with the Volunteers Expression of Interest, Job Board, and Newsletter Sign-up!

Coming February 8 - 16th, 2025, the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 will welcome more than 500 competitors from 25 nations to experience the first ever Winter Games in Invictus Games history.

Learn more about the Invictus Games through the new website HERE.

Richmond EPIC Tourism Awards Returns

Tourism Richmond is excited to announce that the Richmond EPIC Tourism Awards are returning for 2023! The Awards celebrate the people, places, experiences, and attractions that make Richmond such a vibrant and welcoming place to visit.

Each EPIC winner embodies Tourism Richmond’s values of Excellence, Passion, Integrity and, Collaboration in all they do.

The four categories for 2023 are:

• Excellence Award for Innovation
• Passion Award for Individual Achievement (Nomination by colleague or industry peer)
• Integrity Award for Community Participation
• Collaboration Award for Successful Partnerships

Deadline for applications and nominations is October 25th. Winners will be announced at the Tourism Richmond Year End Celebration on November 30th.

Learn more and apply HERE.

Tourism Kamloops Launches

'Loops Explorer Pass

Tourism Kamloops has recently launched a unique way to explore Kamloops while enjoying savings at the same time.

The brand new 'Loops Explorer Pass delivers discounts at local hotspots, entry to quarterly sweepstakes. The more users redeem, the more chances of winning exciting giveaways.

Learn more HERE - visit Kamloops - and sign up today!

Ascent Fraser Valley Guides and Mountain School

TIABC's newest member - Ascent Fraser Valley Guides and Mountain School is strategically located in Chilliwack, which boasts the mighty Fraser River, the granite spires of the Cascade Mountains to the South and the East, and the glacier-packed Coastal Mountains to the North and West. Whether you are seeking solace in mossy old-growth forests or aspire to climb to the summit of one of the many iconic peaks in the region, the Ascent Guides Team helps to make that experience happen and give you the tools to continue a life of exploring in the backcountry.

Learn more about Ascent Fraser Valley Guides and Mountain School HERE.

Would you like to be featured in our weekly Voice of Tourism, social channels and on our website? TIABC member testimonials provide visibility and exposure to the tourism industry and a wider audience for your business. If you want to be featured in an upcoming TIABC Voice of Tourism and other platforms, contact Deborah - deborah@tiabc.ca

NK'Mip Cellars Hosts Inagural Gala

You are invited to join in for the First Annual National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Fundraising Gala benefitting Indian Residential School Survivors Society

Date: September 30

Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm (PT) - VIP Reception 5:30 pm

Silent and live auctions, gourmet wine and food

stations, live music, raffles and much more!

Tickets are available online HERE.

A Month of Spooky Spectacles

Burnaby Halloween Festival 2023

The spookiest season of the year is approaching, and Burnaby is gearing up to host its most thrilling Halloween Festival yet! The Burnaby Halloween Festival 2023 promises to be a bone-chilling, hair-raising extravaganza filled with a wide range of events and activities for all ages. We invite locals and visitors alike to join in the spine-tingling fun throughout the month of October.

Learn more about all the exciting events happening in Burnaby during the month of October HERE.

BCLCA to Host Fall Parking Lot Meetings

for Members

The BC Lodging and Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) is inviting their members to join in for their fall Parking Lot Series of Meetings.

Members will gather via zoom video to chat with the board and fellow operators about the summer business conditions. There is no FEE to attend but registration is required.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email via zoom containing information about joining the meeting. A reminder email will be sent one day before the event.

Confirmed Dates and Topics for Parking Lot Series Meetings:

• October 26 - 9:00 am – 10:00 am - Guest Speaker from Go RVing Canada
• November 23 - 9:00 am – 10:00 am Guest Speaker Stan Duckworth, Pathfinder Ventures.

The sessions will be moderated by Jamie Cox, President with other directors on the BCLCA board in attendance.

Visit HERE to register.

Online Charity Wine Auction to Support BCHF

Trialto Wine Group has proudly partnered with The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) to host an online auction consisting of over 25 collectible Magnums and large formats. The rare formats are a special collection procured through our winery partners, targeted to support BCHF’s charitable work and highlight Trialto's 25-years of importing special wines to Western Canada.

"Magnums & More" online auction items will include:

1. Rare back vintage magnums perfect to add to your cellar
2. Signed magnums from winery proprietors or wine makers
3. 3L and 6L rarities from the likes of Langmeil Winery of Australia, Felton Road from New Zealand, and Champagne Bollinger

The online auction will be open for bidding from October 1st, (8:00am) to October 21st (11:59 pm). To view online auction, visit HERE.

2023 BC Business Summit

You are welcome to join the Business Council of BC as keynote speakers, Hon. Lisa Raitt, Vice-Chair of Global Investment Banking at CIBC, and Andrew Coyne, renowned political columnist from The Globe and Mail, share their stories and provide actionable strategies for building the prosperity of BC.

Date: October 12

Time: 7:30 am - 2:00 pm (PT)

Location: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Ballroom, 900 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

View the full agenda and purchase tickets HERE.

2023 Small Business Week Summit

The BC Chamber of Commerce annual Small Business Week Summit celebrates BC's small and medium-sized businesses and allows them to engage directly with subject matter experts and thought leaders on topics that are important to them.

Designed to be current, relevant and practical, a carefully curated program of four virtual sessions will provide businesses with the opportunity to learn, ask questions and access valuable resources. 

• October 16, 8:00 am - 9:30 am; Making Sense of Today's Economy: How Businesses Can Navigate Uncertainty & Find Opportunity
• October 18, 8:00 am - 9:30 am; Transform your Organization with AL
• October 19, 8:00 am - 9:15 am; Business Reconcii-ACTION
• October 20, 8:00 am - 9:30 am; Business as an Engine for Good: Growth, Resilience, Impact

Tickets are complimentary, and each session will be hosted via Zoom webinar. Learn more and register HERE.

Demystifying Artificial Intelligence

in Hospitality

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI BC) is inviting you to Demystify Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality. During this session, we will help answer some of the most common questions surrounding A.I. and will provide an insightful look into the future of travel technology trends that are shaping the industry.

Join in for an afternoon with Carrie Ell, Vice-President of Business Development at The Hotels Network. There will be a wrap up the day with a networking reception from 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

Date: Thursday, October 5, 3:00 - 5:00 pm (PDT)

Location: Westin Bayshore, Vancouver

Learn more and register HERE.

BC Hotel & Liquor Conference

The second annual SPARK BC Hotel and Liquor Conference is back!

BC’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) and the British Columbia Hotel Association (BCHA) are joining forces once again to bring together industry experts in hospitality, liquor retail, and accommodation.

This event offers an unparalleled opportunity for liquor and hospitality businesses across BC to network with like-minded professionals, connect with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights from informative sessions and speakers.

Date: October 16 & 17

Location: Anvil Centre, New Westminster

Learn more and register HERE.

BC Restaurant Hall of Fame 2023

The BCRFA BC Restaurant Hall of Fame is returning. The BC dining scene is recognized across the country as industry and trend leading.

The highlight of the evening is the 2023 BC Restaurant Hall of Fame awards presentation. This year’s inductees will join the almost 100 individuals whose contributions have been forever commemorated in the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame to date.

Date: October 23

Location: Italian Culture Centre, Vancouver

Tickets to attend the Inductee Evening are now on sale and are available HERE.

The Annual Go Fish BC Photo Contest is Now Open!

It’s on again! Enter your BC freshwater fishing photos for a chance to win cash prizes.

Categories:

• Gone Fishing – for fishing photos, with no catch required! We're looking for snapshots of your favourite fishing moments from the river, lake, or campsite.
• Fishing Buddies – for photos that convey the social connections made through fishing. We're looking for images of your fishing buddies – friends, family, or pets. 
• Fishing Firsts – for photos of a first fishing moment. This can be an image of a first fish ever caught, first fish of the season, first time ice-fishing, first time fishing a new location.

Prizes:

First, second, and third prizes will be awarded for each category.

Entries close on October 31st at 11:59 p.m. PDT. Learn more and enter HERE.

Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association

AGM & Conference | Registration Open

The Kootenay Rockies Tourism Association will be holding it's 46th Annual General Meeting & Industry Conference.

Date: November 1-2

Location: Copper Point Resort - Invermere

For more information on the conference and to register, visit HERE.

IGNITE | Whistler Wellness Weekend

Wellness Travel BC is very excited to share that one of our leading BC partners, is offering IGNITE, a weekend wellness retreat to help you make the seasonal transition. Bring your partner, a bestie or two, or maybe your mom and sister to attend this weekend of inspired workshops, delectably good eats, and accommodations.

Date: November 3-5

Location: Fairmont Chateau Whistler Chateau

Learn more and sign up HERE.

International Symposium on Destination Stewardship

Destination Canada is excited to be hosting the International Symposium on Destination Stewardship.

Dates: November 6-8

Location: Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau, Quebec

This three-day event will bring together global thought leaders, stakeholders, partners, and knowledge keepers from diverse sectors for a unique discussion on redefining tourism and destination stewardship. 

Building on the excellent work already taking place in this space, the Symposium will explore how we can transform ourselves into destination stewards, while unpacking how a regenerative approach to tourism can have a positive impact on residents, their communities, culture, economy, and the environment. 

Learn more and register HERE.

Boating BC 2023 Conference

Be sure to save the date for Boating BC’s 2023 conference. There will be world class speakers, great discussions and amazing entertainment at the Cascades Casino.

Marina night will be on November 20th. Please mark the dates in your calendar.

Date: November 21-22

Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott, 6055 Highway 17A, Delta

Learn more and register HERE.

CITAP Winter Event

CITAP+ is ecstatic to announce that registration for the 26th annual Winter Function is NOW OPEN!

Early Bird registration deadline is October 6th at 5 PM PDT.

The event will consist of a full day of events, including morning educational sessions and an afternoon marketplace and dinner reception.

Date: December 5, 2023

Location: River Rock Casino Resort Hotel

Please note that in order to receive preferential member pricing, your membership must be in good standing.

Learn more HERE.

Save the Date

2024 Annual Conference | BCAC's "Soaring Above Challenges"



The BC Aviation Council (BCAC) is excited to announce that the 2024 Conference is now scheduled! Mark your calendar now and check in with our draft event webpage closer to the date for more details including agenda, speaker profiles, sponsorship opportunities, activities (including add-ons), travel and hotel partners, and more.

Date: May 27-29, 2024

Location: Nanaimo

View the draft event agenda HERE.