The First Nations Program

The First Nations advisory committee worked hard and respectfully to build a First Nations program that respectfully featured First Nations in BC and the Aboriginal tourism products.  We identified opportunities to showcase, educate and develop relationships with the people of the German tourism industry who are responsible for booking visitors to Canada.  The program we developed was woven throughout the DERTOUR Reisaekademi having 3 main components to the program - opening, featured dinner, and a follow-up sales / collateral material.

First Nation Themed Dinner Evenings

Considered to be a key event of the DERTOUR Academy program, the dinner was held on Nov 30 and Dec 6, 2001 and featured First Nations cultures and Aboriginal tourism products in a multi-media presentation, arts and crafts exhibit, cultural foods and entertainment.  The dinner was a closed dinner, seating 500 high performing German travel agents and tourism industry VIPs by invitation only.

Collateral Promotional Material 

This sales literature will be sent in 2002 to the DERTOUR Travel agent's after they return to Germany, and printed in English as well for domestic distribution.  First Nations tourism products that we anticipate will be featured in the collateral piece will have a cultural component and be a major attraction, and satisfy Tourism BC Export Ready Criteria.  Other Aboriginal tourism businesses and events will be listed in the program.

Opening Ceremonies

Led by the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, the Opening Ceremonies involved the Tsleil-Waututh, Musqueam and Squamish First Nations officially welcoming DERTOUR Reisaekademi, the way only the First Nations can.  Signing of an official welcome proclamation was witnessed by academy delegates and delivered to DERTOUR.

Who was Involved?

• Project Hosts:  Ktunaxa/Kinbasket Tribal Council
• Key Project Contact:  Beverley O'Neil
• Tourism British Columbia

The First Nations Program Advisory Committee

• Leonard George, Tsleil-Waututh First Nation
• Ray Gerow (Vince Prince, Alternate), Prince George Aboriginal Business Centre
• Cleo Holmlund, Department of Indian Affairs & Northern Development
• Dave Monture, Shuswap Nation Tribal Council
• Nancy Nightingale, Khot-la-Cha Coast Salish Art Gallery
• Beverley O'Neil, O'Neil Marketing & Consulting & Numa Communications (past Director with Tourism BC)
• Katherine Robinson, Nuu-Chah-Nulth Economic Development Corporation
• Geoff Sturgeon, Tourism British Columbia
• Dolly Watts, Liliget Feasthouse & Catering
• Sandra White, Native Education Centre FirstHost Program

How can you participate?

The event is now behind us, but you may still be able to be included in the First Nations Tourism Guide.  To be considered, send by email to info@designingnations.com (photos by mail - mailing address) the following:

• Quality images of your product and culture, original photographs and in an electronic format (TIFF or JPEG at minimum 300 dpi); and
• Background information - business/activity name, culture, brief description of product &/or activity in image with contact name of person who can answer any inquiries on the image.

O'Neil Marketing & Consulting and Numa Communications Ltd.

#409-100 South Park Royal, West Vancouver, BC  V7T 1A2     Tel (604) 913-1905     Fax (604) 913-1906    Email:  info@designingnations.com

Last revised: September 7, 2008