Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) proudly welcomed a delegation from New Zealand, including Hon. Tama Potaka, New Zealand’s Minister for Māori Development and his Ministerial Advisor Rose Austen, for a day of cultural exchange and dialogue in Vancouver.

The visit reflected the growing global interest in The Original Original (TOO) Accreditation Program — ITAC’s accreditation program that supports authentic Indigenous tourism experiences from coast to coast to coast. The New Zealand delegation sought to understand the program’s development and impact better as they continue to invest in and grow Māori tourism at home.

“The relationship between global leaders in Indigenous tourism, such as ITAC and New Zealand Māori Tourism, is vital as we work together to build and strengthen the global brand of The Original Original,” said Keith Henry, President & CEO, ITAC.

A Day of Cultural Connection

Hon. Tama Potaka, along with his Ministerial Advisor Rose Austen, Deputy Chair, Te Arataura – Waikato-Tainui Executive Board Jackie Colliar, Te Whakakitenga o Waikato, Waikato-Tainui Tipa Mahuta, and Deputy Head of Mission, New Zealand High Commission Joshua Hauraki, were welcomed with protocol and hospitality. ITAC President and CEO, Keith Henry, Director of Partnerships, Teresa Ryder and Communications Manager, Ryan Rogers, shared an overview of the association’s programs and services, including the growth of The Original Original Accreditation Program. A light lunch, catered by Salmon n’ Bannock — a TOO-accredited Indigenous-owned restaurant — offered the delegation a taste of Indigenous culinary excellence.

The delegation travelled to Stanley Park for a guided tour with Talaysay Tours, a TOO-accredited Indigenous tour operator. The experience provided meaningful insight into the stories, lands, and cultures that shape Indigenous tourism in Canada.

Building Global Relationships

This visit marked another step forward in strengthening global relationships among Indigenous nations. The exchange highlighted the value of sharing knowledge, experiences, and innovations in Indigenous tourism — and the importance of Indigenous-led leadership in shaping the future of the sector. ITAC remains committed to working toward its goal of making Canada the world leader in Indigenous tourism by 2030.