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Jun 16, 2023

TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – June 16, 2023

TIABC

CEO MESSAGE

I love the way Director Mike Retasket participates in various TIABC meetings. With a big smile on his face, he imparts encouraging words of wisdom in a gentle, yet profound manner that captivates everyone.

I recall a meeting on International Women’s Day when Mike spoke so eloquently about how we need to honour our mothers for the guidance and nurturing they provide to their children. This from a man who at age five sadly lost his mom, leaving he and his 10 siblings without the anchor of their large family.

As we celebrate National Indigenous History Month (NIHM), allow me to tell you a bit more about Mike, who fittingly this week was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV).

Mike works in the historic town of Barkerville where he educates visitors about the region’s rich Indigenous history. On TIABC’s board, he represents the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association and chairs our Membership and Communications Committee.

He’s renowned as a drummer, dancer, cultural interpreter, political leader, negotiator and traditional Secwepemc knowledge keeper. You may have witnessed some of his talents at this year’s BC Tourism & Hospitality Conference in Prince George where Mike, along with his wife Cheryl, joined keynote speaker Frank Antoine on stage and captivated the audience with his beautiful singing and drumming.

Mike is the former Chief of the Bonaparte Indian Band and also served on the boards of the First Nations Leadership Council, Fraser Basin Council, First Nations Forestry Council, and Union of BC Indian Chiefs.

Aside from his various professional endeavours, Mike is committed to teaching the language, songs, ceremonies, traditions, and knowledge of the lands, waters and medicines of his culture to future generations. He subscribes to the values of leaving the land better than how you found it, remembering who you are, where you came from and the ancestors who came before you.

National Indigenous History Month in Canada represents an opportunity for all of us to learn about the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Metis, and to honour the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples.

As part of NIHM and in advance of National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD), TIABC wishes to recognize Mike for his tremendous contribution to our sector and province, as well as for the Honorary Degree he received from UFV this week. We also want to honour and acknowledge TIABC Director Brenda Baptiste of the Osoyoos Indian Band who last year was awarded the Order of BC for her outstanding service and contribution to our province.

We are so fortunate to have both Brenda and Dr. Mike on our board. I eagerly await their encouraging words of wisdom and advice the next time we meet and look forward to celebrating NIPD with them and all Canadians on June 21st.

Walt Judas,
CEO, TIABC

Related Posts

Walt Judas spoke with TIABC Director Mike Retasket, former Chief of the Bonaparte First Nation, for his perspective on what this day means to Indigenous peoples and what it should signify to everyone else. 

What does National Truth & Reconciliation Day mean to you? 
 
Mike said: Orange Shirt Day or National Day For Truth and Reconciliation makes me realize there is so much work to do. So many things have happened to the Indian people there needs to be accountability. Who is it that needs to do the reconciling here? Reconciliation will require land, water, medicine, ceremony, language, culture, heritage, values and restitution. There are outstanding issues that will need to be addressed before truth and reconciliation hits the ground. It is this groundwork that requires commitments from government that can be measured so we ensure moving forward together.

#trw2023  #NDTR
🛫 Exciting News in the World of Travel! 🌎

TIABC CEO Walt Judas with the partners behind Airble, a new BC-based charter flight and tour app that allows customers to book on-demand and customized flight experiences for business or pleasure to hundreds of destinations.✈️🌟

(from left to right):
🔹 Saeed Golzar
🔹 Walt Judas
🔹 Sarvar Minwalla
🔹 Kevin Adlparvar

#Airble #TravelInnovation #NextGenTravel #BCtourism #BC
TIABC CEO Walt Judas with Hon. josie_osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation, along with @guideoutfittersassociationofbc's Scott Ellis and @cariboochilcotincoast's Amy Thacker at the Vancouver Cabinet office following a productive discussion on ways the tourism industry can more effectively work with government to achieve mutual benefits for both the visitor economy and resource extraction industries such as mining.
Your support matters to us! 🤝

Meet Will Harding, Founder of Travel Local and proud member of TIABC. Hear why his business recently became a member of TIABC and why he encourages other businesses and organizations to consider a membership.

Your support and engagement is vital to ensuring businesses, DMO’s and sectors are united and speaking with one voice on issues that impact BC’s tourism industry.

Join TIABC today through link in bio. 👆
TIABC CEO Walt Judas with Hon. josie_osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation, at the Fully Charged Live Canada exhibition at the Vancouver Convention Centre. 🙌
🚁 Weekend vibes: TIABC CEO Walt Judas joined a heli-hiking tour in the Cariboo Mountains near Valemount with pilot Nadia and fellow adventure enthusiasts. A thrilling experience in BC's stunning landscapes! 🏔️🌲