Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to welcome the new Executive Director of Indigenous Destinations Saskatchewan (IDSK), Annie Charles. Annie is an Indigenous leader with extensive experience in Indigenous economic development and relationship management.
She joins IDSK with a proven track record of making a difference in Indigenous communities. Most recently, Annie worked with FHQ Development Ltd. as an Economic Development and Relationship Consultant, and she gained experience working with post-secondary Indigenous students enrolled in the nitôncipâmin omâ Student Success Program at the University of Regina.
Annie is no stranger to Indigenous tourism, having served on the Saskatchewan Indigenous Tourism working group and moving on to be IDSK’s inaugural Co-chair.
“ITAC is excited to work with Annie to build resiliency for the Indigenous tourism industry in Saskatchewan,” said ITAC President and CEO Keith Henry. “By working together, the vision for a prosperous Indigenous tourism industry across the province, sharing authentic, unique and engaging experiences can be achieved.”
As the Executive Director of IDSK, she will lead the growth and development of the Saskatchewan Indigenous tourism industry, developing sustainable market-ready and export-ready Indigenous tourism products and increasing the demand for the province’s Indigenous tourism experiences. Charles will also lead IDSK in partnership with Tourism Saskatchewan and ITAC to implement the Saskatchewan Indigenous Tourism Strategy.
ITAC members in Saskatchewan can contact Annie at Annie@IndigenousSK.ca