TIABC Voice of Tourism Newsletter – September 27, 2024

Often when I’m asked to present at various conferences, organizers request a copy of my bio to post in the program section of their websites. It starts with the words, “Walt has been involved in the tourism industry for over 30 years.”

Ironically, I didn’t set out to pursue a career in tourism but rather fell into it back in 1989. Other than a couple of minor detours, I’ve remained deeply ingrained in this sector and owe a debt of gratitude to countless individuals who hired and/or put their faith in me as a colleague to fulfill my responsibilities at BC Pavco, Port Metro Vancouver, Tourism Vancouver, and since 2015, TIABC.

Each World Tourism Day reminds me of the incredible experiences I’ve had personally and professionally that would not have been possible without this remarkable industry. More importantly, I think of all the amazing people I’ve gotten to know and work with throughout my career, many of whom I now call friends including a wonderful man that has contributed to today’s CEO message.

At the same time, I’m mindful that World Tourism Day is not about me but rather on bringing people together, transforming communities, creating jobs, strengthening local economies, fostering inclusion, nurturing peaceful co-existence, and preserving natural and cultural heritage, among other tenets. I’d like to believe that it’s no coincidence that the other special occasion – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th (also recognized in BC as Orange Shirt Day) – follows closely on the heels of World Tourism Day given many of the same shared values with our Indigenous friends and colleagues.

Last year, TIABC Director Mike Retasket answered some of my questions about Orange Shirt Day in this space. This year, he offers a new perspective to ponder:

In 1875, there was a man by the name of Captain Richard Pratt who came up with a concept to create an institution to house any Indian who was outspoken against the federal government. Pratt got buy in from the federal government and his institution was created in Fort Marion, St. Augustine, Florida.

Indian leaders such as Sitting Bull, Red Cloud, and Chief Joseph were some of the first to become incarcerated in Pratt’s institution. Word spread fast across Indian nations and quelled them from standing up against the federal government. So in the government’s mind, Pratt’s institution was a success.

Then, Captain Pratt came up with another concept to create an institution to house Indian children to “kill the Indian, save the man.” Pratt coined the term racism. Again, he got buy-in from the federal government and his institution was created in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In the government’s mind, it too was a success.

Prime Minister John A. McDonald got wind of the success of Pratt’s institution and began rubber stamping Indian residential schools across Canada. These schools were used to break up families and strong communities. In the Indian world, September is known as the “crying month”, a time of year when children were forcibly removed from their homes and relocated to Indian residential schools, which have caused immeasurable harm on generations of Indian people throughout our territories.

Orange Shirt Day and Kamloops Indian residential school findings came before the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The atrocities committed by the Canadian government on Indian peoples have always been known by our communities. In fact, Indians have an understanding about the high level of strategic planning that it took to keep those findings secret.

Throughout our life, we have sought social justice for those who have been marginalized by this unjust treatment. Orange Shirt Day has become a movement for global justice. The dialogue may make many feel uncomfortable because it is not designed to make people feel comfortable. We feel uncomfortable and find ways to be critical on the issues and to be kind to the people.

We invite you to join us on Orange Shirt Day to help raise awareness about residential schools and their lasting impact on Indigenous peoples. Truths are coming forward about what happened to so many students who were forced to attend these schools. We can no longer remain ignorant to harms inflicted on Indian children and can use Orange Shirt Day to highlight and educate and begin the arduous task to redress the colonial legacy of residential schools.

Mike Retasket, former Chief, Bonaparte Indian Band, & TIABC Director

During World Tourism Day, Orange Shirt Day, and National Day for Truth & Reconciliation, I encourage you to take advantage of TIABC’s resources to use to educate your colleagues, members, customers, and stakeholders on the value of both reconciliation and tourism to British Columbia.

Value of Tourism Presentation Toolkit

Value of Tourism to Reconciliation

Also, be sure to take a moment to ponder the significance of both days to your own life and take appropriate action (ideas below).

As I was updating my bio for upcoming speaking engagements, I noted the last paragraph which reads: “Having visited over 40 countries, Walt loves to travel and especially enjoys visiting communities around British Columbia and other provinces to meet with tourism colleagues.” I look forward to the next several weeks travelling around BC to present at various conferences and meet with members and stakeholders from all sectors. See you soon.

Walt Judas
CEO, TIABC