Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is pleased to announce the Indigenous Cultural Immersion Experience FAM (familiarization) tour, which took place from Thursday, September 5, 2024, to Sunday, September 8, 2024. This immersive journey, hosted in partnership with ITAC member Moccasin Trails, offered participants a unique opportunity to experience Indigenous tourism’s rich culture and heritage in the Thompson Okanagan region.
The all-inclusive tour featured a curated selection of engaging educational activities, stays in boutique accommodations, and Indigenous-inspired dining experiences, providing an authentic taste of Indigenous culture and hospitality.
Day One
Talking Rock Resort at Quaaout Lodge featured Indigenous-inspired cuisine, allowing guests to explore and appreciate traditional foods and cooking techniques.
Winter Pit Home Survivors Stories, where the powerful and emotional stories of Indian Residential School survivors who attended the Kamloops Indian Residential School were shared.
Day Two
Tk’emlúps Indian Residential School Experience, located in Kamloops, BC, was one of the many residential schools in Canada that operated from the late 19th century to the 20th century.
Lunch at Kekuli Cafe, where bannock and coffee collide! They mastered the art of hospitality, making visitors feel welcomed and cherished.
Upper Nicola Nation is where guests learned about the history of the people and the land of this unique territory from a local Traditional Knowledge Keeper.
Dinner and stay at Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, where Indigenous culture and contemporary lifestyle came together in a wide range of exceptional cultural, culinary, and meaningful connections.
Day Three
The Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre —Walk & Tour, where participants explored indoor exhibits, outdoor displays, and walking trails, learned about how plants were used for food, medicine, and technology.
Nk’Mip Winery Tour at Nk’Mip Cellars —the first Indigenous-owned and operated winery in North America. Guests explored Nk’Mip’s heritage and commitment to quality BC VQA wines by enjoying selections from their Winemaker’s Series and premium Qwam Qwmt (which translates to “achieving excellence”) reserve.
Okanagan Lake Smudging: Guests took part in an authentic smudging ceremony against the backdrop of a stunning Okanagan Lake sunset.
Stay at Hotel El Dorado offers thrilling vacations, an honour bar, Olympic rowers, London cabs, and dog shows. Guests learned about the hotel’s rich heritage and history.
Reflection Circle: At the end of the FAM tour, participants gathered in a “Reflection Circle,” where they shared their insights and experiences from the past three days, fostering a sense of community and deepening their connection to the journey.
The FAM tour was proudly supported by Destination Canada and organized in partnership with Indigenous Tourism British Columbia —funded by the Indigenous Tourism Training Initiative —alongside Destination British Columbia and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association.