VIU grad Jolleen Dick has been hired for the role of Indigenous Tourism Specialist. One of the most important upcoming events she'll be involved in is Tribal Journeys 2020 hosted by the Snuneymuxw First Nation.  (Nanaimo Aboriginal Centre)

By Dan Marshall

Brand New Role

Tourism VI follow new path to increase First Nations-related visits to Nanaimo

Jan 15, 2020 | 10:47 PM

NANAIMO – In an effort to advance reconciliation and tourism for local First Nations the island’s first Indigenous Tourism Specialist has been hired.

VIU graduate Jolleen Dick is a member of the Hupacasath First Nation and becomes the fourth person to take on this role in the province. She has been tasked with building networks and relationships with Indigenous communities and operators on the island.

The position stems from a partnership between Tourism Vancouver Island and Indigenous Tourism BC. Indigenous Tourism already generates $705 million for the BC economy.

Similar positions exist in Cariboo-Chilcotin, Thompson-Okanagan and Northern BC Tourism.

In taking on the new position Dick has looked into successful projects in those regions and drawn inspiration from one of the attractions in the Thompson-Okanagan, the Indigenous Artisans Trail.

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A recent addition is a mobile space that houses First Nations artwork from Interior Salish people.

“(The mobile space) travels to festivals, farmers’ markets and events within the region,” Dick said. “The Indigenous Tourism Specialist was able to lead the engagement around this project, working with the Secwépemc, Nlaka’pamux and Sylix Nations artisans to fill the space.”

In Nanaimo, the most significant coming event is Tribal Journeys 2020 hosted by the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Upwards of 100 canoes are due on the shores in Snuneymuxw from July 27 to Aug. 1.

It’s the first time in the 30 year history of the event that Snuneymuxw will have the chance to host tribes from up and down the west coast.

One of the partnerships Dick noted that is already working well is the relationship with BC Parks and the Snuneymuxw First Nation to operate the food service and provide cultural tours on Newcastle Island.

She plans to reach out to the 54 Nations on Vancouver Island in an attempt facilitate more relationships like it.

Dick sees an opportunity to incorporate traditional place names in tourism content and marketing materials as a way to help the industry grow on Vancouver Island.

“Some nations are further ahead than others. They may already have their relationships and partnerships with either Tourism VI or Indigenous Tourism BC,” Dick said. “I want to meet nations where they’re at, I’m willing to work with everyone that wants to begin a tourism journey.”

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77