Authentic Experiences Program
Go from Good to Great
Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences are in demand! The BC Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation along with other tourism industry initiatives has recognized the importance of and strength that a healthy and growing Aboriginal cultural tourism sector offers, and made Aboriginal tourism a priority.
The AtBC Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Authenticity program is a first of its kind designed to distinguish these experiences from other tourism offerings, while fulfilling industry expectations in market-readiness and customer service. We invite BC Aboriginal tourism businesses to apply and join other leading Aboriginal cultural tourism businesses in BC that operate with excellence, quality, safety, hospitality and cultural integrity every day.
Program Goals
- Heighten the awareness and understanding of respectful and appropriate Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences
- Increase the number of true, respectful Aboriginal cultural tourism experiences in BC
- Encourage understanding of industry standards and operating quality
- Promote the “best of the best” for service, quality, and cultural experiences
- Improve industry and visitors satisfaction with the BC Aboriginal cultural tourism experience
What is an Authentic Aboriginal Cultural Tourism business?
An authentic Aboriginal cultural tourism experience is majority Aboriginal owned or controlled, satisfies industry standards for market readiness and sector requirements, has high operating standards, and sufficient cultural content that is culturally appropriate and recognized by the originators of that culture while providing an opportunity for visitors to interact with Aboriginal people during the cultural tourism experience. In addition to Aboriginal ownership / control, there are three program areas an operator must satisfy to be approved in the program – 1) Market or Export-readiness; 2) Operating Standards; and 3) Cultural Content.
The Benfits Information Sheet “From Good to Great! The Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Authenticity Program” contains ideas and how to be market-ready, improve operating standards and cultural content.
Click here to download the Benefits Information Sheet.
Who Can Apply?
To apply, you must be a majority owned or controlled Aboriginal business that is at least 51% Aboriginal owned and controlled, OR a non-profit or member-based organizations where the majority of voting Board members are Aboriginal and a minimum of 51% of membership is Aboriginal. You must also be an AtBC Stakeholder that is currently participating in an AtBC Marketing Cooperative program, and in good-standing.
How to Apply?
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Complete a Notice of Intent to Apply and submit to AtBC before August 15 – the Notice of Intent or a Full Application MUST be submitted by this date to be included in this year’s program review.
Click here to download the Notice of Intent form. -
Review the How to Apply Guide and the Frequently Asked Questions fully before starting to fill out the application.
Click here to download the How to Apply Guide.
Click here to download the Frequently Asked Questions. -
Other questions can be emailed to AtBC Authenticity Program – include your question, name, phone number and email address and a program agent will contact you with an answer.
Send your questions to: Authenticity@AboriginalBC.com. -
Submit the full application with all required supporting documents by the deadline of August 31.
Click here to download the Application form. - Respond to the program Review Agent inquiries.
Annual Program Deadlines and Schedule
- July 1 - Program opens for applications
- August 15 - Deadline – Notice of Intent to Apply
- August 31 - Deadline full application submission
- November 1 - Adjudication Committee – recommendations meeting
- November 25 - Adjudication Committee – recommendations meeting
- December 6-13 - Applicant is informed of program decision – approved operators receive agreement and certificate