Shaping the future of Aboriginal Tourism
 

Do Partnerships with First Nations Work?

Feb 27, 2010

It is no longer rhetoric. Anyone wanting to work on British Columbia’s land base or in communities needs to understand the critical role that First Nations play not only in the success of their work, but also they recognize and act upon the moral obligation to reach out, support and come to know the rich heritage of these first peoples. Terasen Gas invested in the Aboriginal Tourism Association’s Kla-how-ya exhibit at the Pan Pacific for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Why?

Dancer Shares the Story of His Road Home

Feb 26, 2010

Native artist and dancer Andy Everson is deeply involved with his culture, but his path wasn't an easy one because of a past law in Canada that stigmatized aboriginal women who married non-aboriginal men.

Hoop Dancer Brings Worlds Together

Feb 25, 2010

Art form is gaining a following among first nations and non-aboriginals alike.

What’s Next for BC’s Aboriginal Tourism Entrepreneurs?

Feb 25, 2010

British Columbia’s First Nations peoples and their tourism industry were on the world stage during the 2010 Games. Now that the cauldron’s close to being extinguished, the Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia (AtBC) is taking stock of its new found fame and shifting its focus to the future.

Ancient Ceremony Comes Alive

Feb 22, 2010

Grandeur of the potlatch and other rituals remembered at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

First Nations Fashions Come Alive on the Catwalk at the Pan Pacific

Feb 20, 2010

First Nations culture and heritage is alive on the fashion catwalks of the world as internationally-acclaimed designers Dorothy Grant and Pam Baker weave their culture into wearable art pieces featured in exhibitions, galleries and museums world wide.

Tourists Descend on Native Sites

Feb 19, 2010

Sales are brisk at these Olympic Games for all things First Nations: cedar carvings, Salish weaving, Kwakwaka'wakw silver and masks, drums and high-end Haida clothing.

Video of Birch Bark Biting Demonstration

Feb 19, 2010

Video of Pat Bruderer demonstrating birch bark biting.

Aboriginal Chefs have Sights Set on Culinary Olympics

Feb 19, 2010

"For the next 10 days, we will be raising awareness of aboriginal cuisine and the aboriginal culinary team," said Genaille, who also teaches aboriginal culinary arts at Vancouver Community College.

Aboriginal House Chef is an Olympic Medallist

Feb 19, 2010

Olson is one of the leaders of modern aboriginal cuisine in Canada. And in Vancouver, aboriginal restaurants are waiting in the wings. There are culinary institutes training chefs in traditional methods and the Olympics shine a spotlight on contemporary aboriginal cuisine.

BC Aboriginal Tourism Showcase

Feb 19, 2010

A Media specific showcase of colourful First Nations cultural traditions found in British Columbia with the opportunity to speak with tourism operators who provide these cultural experiences for visitors from around the world.

Cree Woman Demonstrates Sacred Art Form

Feb 17, 2010

Only three people in the world still practise the sacred art of birch bark biting, a tradition that spanned North America millennia ago, from Alaska to Labrador to the Chippewa territory of the U.S. Midwest.

Aboriginal Artists and Businesses to Showcase their Latest Designs

Feb 14, 2010

The Vancouver Sun ran an article featuring AtBC Stakeholders who are part of the Aboriginal Artisan Village and Business Showcase.

Video from the Kla-how-ya Village

Feb 14, 2010

Video footage from the the February 12 Media event at the Kla-how-ya Village at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

Aboriginal Business Association Seeks Olympic Gold

Feb 13, 2010

Today's Vancouver Sun ran an article featuring AtBC's 2010 Games Time programming and detailing all the progress made by AtBC during the games.

AtBC Celebrates Opening of Kla-how-ya Village

Feb 12, 2010

Last night more than 600 media and special guests attended an Aboriginal feast and opening of the AtBC Kla-how-ya (meaning “welcome”) exhibit that has transformed the lobby of the Pan Pacific into an Aboriginal village site complete with a 40 foot war canoe carved from a 500 year old cedar tree.

AtBC Welcomes the World

Feb 05, 2010

AtBC is pleased to release their 2010 Winter Games Map “When and Where to Find Aboriginal Experiences” that provides individuals the AtBC 17-day showcase key event locations occurring during the games.

Kla-how-ya: Welcome Aboriginal Tourism to the Pan Pacific Vancouver

Jan 26, 2010

From February 12-28, the lobby of the Pan Pacific Hotel will be transformed into an Aboriginal village called “Kla-how-ya”, a word recognized by Aboriginal Nations meaning “welcome”. A partnership between the Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC (AtBC), the Pan Pacific Hotel and Terasen Gas, the stunning 16-day showcase of Aboriginal art, performances, and culture is free to residents and visitors during the upcoming 2010 Games.

Aboriginal Tourism Industry Launches Cultural Authenticity Program

Jan 18, 2010

The Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia is making it easier for visitors to identify the most authentic, accurate and respectful representations of First Nations and Métis culture by launching its “Authentic Aboriginal” cultural authenticity program.

AtBC Featured in Quill And Drum Magazine

Jan 14, 2010

AtBC is featured in the January issue of Quill and Drum Magazine. The article covers the growth in British Columbia's Aboriginal tourism industry and the steps AtBC is taking to carry that momentum forward into the future.

Approved Destination Status

Dec 03, 2009

British Columbia’s Aboriginal Tourism Association is applauding the awarding of Approved Destination Status to Canada by the Government of China, calling the announcement “tremendous news for Aboriginal tourism and the revitalization of Aboriginal culture in British Columbia.”

Aboriginal Tourism the Fastest Growing BC Tourism Sector

Nov 18, 2009

Tourism markets around the world are undergoing drastic changes to adjust to the new economic realities facing the tourism industry. In British Columbia, however, operators of Aboriginal tourism and cultural experiences have found themselves ready to take advantage of changing guest expectations and are gradually emerging as leaders in the tourism industry.

Did you know?

Aboriginal tourism in B.C. is projected to grow to over $50 million by 2012, up from approximately $35 million today.

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Industry Leaders

The Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Blueprint Strategy for BC is leading the world in aboriginal tourism development.

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