September 24, 2019, Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) congratulates Mr. Bannock and Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Course for being awarded a 2019 BC Indigenous Business Award.

Award winners of the eleventh annual BC Indigenous Business Award (IBA) were announced by the BC Achievement Foundation, the program’s presenting organization.

In just over a year since Paul Natrall, a member of the Squamish Nation, launched the first Indigenous food truck called Mr. Bannock, his take on Indigenous fusion has been a hit.  Mr. Bannock Indigenous Cuisine was announced as the BC Indigenous Business Award’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year.  Quaaout Lodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Course was named Community-Owned Business of the Year which acknowledges one or more businesses owned by a community, with the intention of building a strong economic foundation for community members.

They will be celebrated during a Gala Dinner ceremony on October 17, 2019, at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver where over 600 people will gather to honour excellence in Indigenous business in British Columbia. A total of 15 Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs, partnership entities and community-owned enterprises will be recognized at this year’s Gala Dinner.

“It is exciting to see Indigenous hospitality businesses being recognized for their economic impact and success,” says Keith Henry, ITAC’s President and CEO. “Congratulations to all the winners who serve as inspiration for Indigenous businesses across BC.”

“The BC Indigenous Business Award recognizes enterprises that create and expand opportunities, relationships and communities, all with the goal of a more prosperous future,” said foundation chair, Anne Giardin. “BC Achievement is particularly excited to highlight some of the many Indigenous businesses across British Columbia that foster innovation – integrating the practices of the past with the economies of the future.”

Tickets and award information may be found at www.BCAchievement.com/indigenousbusiness/info.php.

About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is a national non-profit and membership association focusing on creating partnerships between associations, organizations, government departments and industry leaders across Canada to support the growth of Indigenous tourism in Canada. ITAC publishes an annual experience guide, detailing Indigenous tourism experiences available for visitors across Canada. This year’s guide features more than 170 experiences, stories and businesses to inspire you to visit and learn more about the many Indigenous nations, peoples and communities across Canada. To download the full 2018/19 Guide to Indigenous Tourism in Canada, click here.

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Contacts:
Jenna Hickman, Beattie Tartan

Keith Henry, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

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