Free virtual workshops to celebrate National Indigenous History Month 

In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, Indigenous Tourism B.C. (ITBC) is hosting three free online workshops.

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In celebration of National Indigenous History Month, Indigenous Tourism B.C. is hosting three free online workshops.

“We’ve secured a group of exceptional individuals who will share their stories. We invite participants across B.C. and abroad to dive deeper into prominent themes of Indigenous cultures,” Brenda Baptiste, chair of Indigenous Tourism B.C., said in a news release.

The planned workshops, which are open to the public, cover food and beverage, arts and culture, and wellness.

Baptiste says she hopes the trio of virtual events will “inspire the community” to visit and support Indigenous businesses once travel restrictions in the province have eased.

A Tasting of Indigenous Cultures taking place June 15 at 2 p.m. will offer an “immersive exploration of the rich history and cultures of Indigenous cuisine and wine” within the province, according to the news release. Special guests will include Paul Natrall, chef and owner of the Vancouver-based Indigenous food truck Mr. Bannock, as well as Ryan Widdup, manager and sommelier of Indigenous World Winery in the Okanagan. To register for the free virtual event, visit https://bit.ly/33U30W5.

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Celebrating Living Indigenous Arts and Culture on June 17 at 2 p.m. will transport virtual attendees to the U’mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay. Guided by Sara Fulla, they will be presented with the opportunity to “learn about the history and cultural significance of potlatches, as well as the artistic practices of cedar weaving, song and dance.” The event will then take viewers to the Great Bear Rainforest in Klemtu to meet Sierra Hall at Spirit Bear Lodge. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/3eZktmw.

The third event, titled Honouring Wellness, is slated to take place on June 22 at 2 p.m. Frank Antoine, co-founder of the Okanagan’s Moccasin Trails, will host a smudging ceremony followed by a seminar to educate viewers on the colonization of Indigenous wellness practices. Dennis Thomas of the Indigenous-owned ecotourism outfit Takaya Tours, based in Vancouver, will then “share his ancestral knowledge, fostering an appreciation for wilderness and Indigenous culture,” according to the news release. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/3ft3J5V.

To learn more about the Indigenous Tourism B.C., visit Indigenousbc.com.