November 26, 2019, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC– Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to announce Brady Smith as ITAC’s new Chief Strategy Officer, starting December 2, 2019.
Smith is a long-time Whistler resident and was recently the Executive Director of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). He previously managed business and economic development for Whistler Sport Legacies and has worked senior positions during the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. He also served as past chair of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce.
“Brady has been an outstanding champion of Indigenous tourism through his work at the SLCC as well as an engaged participant on our national board of directors,” says Henry. “We look forward to his added expertise on our leadership team, as well as his depth of knowledge in governance and building strong strategic partnerships. I know he will ensure ITAC is accountable for reaching the aggressive goals we have set for Indigenous tourism across the country.”
Based in Vancouver and reporting to Henry, Smith will be responsible for supporting initiatives that align with ITAC’s strategic plan, as well as building partnerships and developing plans and programs with the provinces and territories to grow sustainable regional Indigenous tourism associations.
“It is a dream come true to take all my years of experience working in sports and culture and putt them towards the positive economic development of tourism within Indigenous communities,” says Smith. “I am looking forward to personally visiting every province and territory and supporting them in creating a vibrant Indigenous tourism industry for their communities.”