October 10, 2019,  Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Vancouver, BC – Vancouver International Airport’s (YVR) Anne Murray, VP of Airline Business Development and Public Affairs, and Mary Point, YVR’s Indigenous Relations Manager, will be presenting on the Musqueam Indian Band – YVR Airport Sustainability & Friendship Agreement at the International Indigenous Tourism Conference (IITC); hosted by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) in Kelowna, BC from November 12-14.

As the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – one of Canada’s key gateways for international visitors – is located on Musqueam traditional territory, the Musqueam Indian Band plays an integral role in YVR’s business and operations. To help achieve a sustainable and mutually beneficial future for the community, the Musqueam Indian Band – YVR Airport Sustainability & Friendship Agreement was signed. The 30-year agreement, based on friendship and respect, includes numerous scholarships and new jobs, a one percent annual revenue share from YVR, the identification and protection of archeological resources, as well as support for ongoing operations and long-term development at the airport.

“This type of sharing of best practices is exactly the type of keynote we are proud to showcase during the IITC,” says Keith Henry, President and CEO of ITAC and founder of the IITC. “The Musqueam and YVR management are true leaders in how they work together in a beneficial and respectful relationship.”

Along with inspiring keynote addresses (Jordin Tootoo and Sarain Fox were announced last month), the eighth annual IITC will bring together delegates from across the Canadian tourism industry, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, as well as representatives from global Indigenous tourism organizations, to discuss Indigenous tourism topics, barriers, opportunities and trends across Canada and the world. For more information on the 2019 International Indigenous Tourism Conference, and to register, visit IndigenousTourismConference.com.

About the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) is the lead organization tasked with growing the Indigenous tourism industry across the country. Inspired by a vision for a thriving Indigenous tourism economy sharing authentic, memorable and enriching experiences, ITAC develops relationships with other groups and regions with similar mandates. By uniting the Indigenous tourism industry in Canada, ITAC works to enable collective support, product development, promotion and marketing of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism businesses in a respectful protocol. With Indigenous tourism outpacing Canadian tourism activity overall, and international demand for Indigenous experiences at an all-time high, ITAC recently updated its five-year plan. To view packages and experiences available visit IndigenousCanada.Travel. For more information on ITAC visit IndigenousTourism.ca

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Media contacts:
Jenna Hickman, Beattie Tartan:

Keith Henry, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada:

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