Indigenous tourism
Respecting the culture of place
Destination Vancouver respectfully acknowledges
that the land where we live, work, connect and seek inspiration, and the land to which we welcome our visitors, is the traditional, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh). We are committed to learning from our Indigenous partners, and working together to identify, elevate, and support, opportunities for economic and cultural development which take us further along the path of reconciliation.
Vancouver is a young city on an ancient land. At Destination Vancouver, we are committed to learning from our Indigenous partners, and to elevating and supporting Indigenous cultural development and economic opportunities.
Meet the three host nations
Learn about the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) people — the original inhabitants of the unceded land which is currently known as the city of Vancouver and surrounding areas.
A collaborative partnership
We acknowledge and thank Indigenous Tourism BC, our partner in promoting the growth of Indigenous cultural tourism.
$705M Annual GDP
from Indigenous tourism businesses in BC
Our aim is to ensure that Indigenous voices are integrated into the evolution of tourism in Vancouver and the region.
400+
Indigenous Tourism businesses in BC
Collaboratively, we can support Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs to create more opportunities to lead tourism development and celebrate Indigenous diversity & culture.
Destination Vancouver’s
Commitment to
Reconcili-Action
We are committed to truth and reconciliation by strengthening Indigenous tourism capacity, creating opportunities for Indigenous businesses, forming partnerships, and promoting greater understanding and appreciation for Indigenous cultures.
Learn about the principles, mutual interests, and coordinated functions set out in our Memorandum of Understanding with Indigenous Tourism BC.
About the artist
Ocean Hyland is a Coast Salish artist from the Tsleil-Waututh Nation whose practice spans painting, engraving, carving, weaving and digital design. Ocean strives to bring Coast Salish design into contemporary forms that explore Indigenous stories, language revitalization and our relationships with the natural world. Guided by family, culture and artistic mentors, Hyland creates work that honours the knowledge she has received while expressing a voice distinctly her own.
Informing
our partnership
The following strategies and documents play a key role in informing our engagement with the Indigenous Tourism BC and the development of our Memorandum of Understanding.
City of Vancouver UNDRIP action plan
Read about the City’s plans to implement and deliver its UNDRIP strategy, including urban Indigenous engagement, housing, addressing racism, and more.Read about the City’s plans to implement and deliver its UNDRIP strategy, including urban Indigenous engagement, housing, addressing racism, and more.
Authentic Indigenous and Indigenous Owned Designations
When booking an Authentic Indigenous experience or visiting an Indigenous-owned business, your travel choice directly contributes to an Indigenous-led movement toward increased well-being for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Peoples in BC through tourism.
The Authentic Indigenous designation highlights businesses that provide genuine cultural experiences, support their communities, and prioritize sustainability. This means visitors can engage with Indigenous cultures meaningfully and respectfully, knowing their visit helps preserve traditions, empower local communities, and protect the environment.
When booking your trip to British Columbia, support an Indigenous-owned business and book an Authentic Indigenous experience to participate in a meaningful cultural exchange that positively contributes to the protection and preservation of Indigenous lands, cultures, and First Nations communities in British Columbia.
