2027 BC Tourism Industry Awards - Indigenous Operator or Experience Award

Indigenous Operator or Experience Award Nomination Submission

This award recognizes Indigenous tourism businesses that demonstrate authenticity, cultivate a greater understanding of Indigenous culture, history and traditions, and contribute to the resilience of the local Indigenous community.
GENERIC ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Applicable to all award categories:

Who Can Be Nominated:
- Nominees may be self-nominated or nominated by another organization or individual.
- Nominees must have been actively operating or working in the tourism industry in British Columbia during 2026, in either the public or private sectors.
Nominee Endorsement:
- All nominations must be reviewed, endorsed, and supported by the nominee prior to submission.
Ineligible Individuals:
- Current members of the TIABC Board of Directors.
- Employees of sponsoring organizations.
- Employees of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport or Destination British Columbia.
Ineligible Companies:
- Companies or organizations represented by current members of the TIABC Board of Directors are not eligible to receive an award.
Past Winners:
- Previous award recipients are not eligible to apply in the same category for three (3) years from the year they received their award, but may apply in a different category during that period.
*Joint or collaborative nominations are permitted, provided all partners meet the eligibility requirements.

*Supporting documentation or eligibility verification may be requested at the finalist stage.

AWARD SPECIFIC CRITERIA:

Nominees must be majority Indigenous-owned/controlled, doing business in British Columbia in 2026, and provide tourism experiences and/or related services.

Nomination Process
- All submissions will undergo an administrative pre-screen to confirm eligibility and completeness.
- Finalists will be notified in January 2026 and are expected to attend the Awards Gala, as winners will not be notified in advance.
Important Dates:
- Nomination Deadline: November 26, 2026 @ midnight
- Awards Gala: Thursday February 25, 2027
----

All sections of this form must be completed before submitting your nomination. You will be able to save your submission and return to complete it.

Your contact information will be kept private and used solely by conference organizers.

If you have any questions or technical issues, please contact: info@bctourismconference.ca
I have read and agree that my submission meets the eligibility criteria noted above.

Nominator Contact Information

Details for the person who is nominating an individual or organization for an award and can be contacted for follow up question, if required.
Nominator Name

First NameLast Name
Company / Organization
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.

Nominee Contact Information

Details for the individual or organization being nominated for an award.
Nominee Name

First NameLast Name
Job Title
Company / Organization
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Tourism Region
Please select the Tourism Region where the individual or organization operates.
Nominee Endorsement

All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee.
Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.

INDIGENOUS OPERATOR OR EXPERIENCE AWARD

This award recognizes Indigenous tourism businesses that demonstrate authenticity, cultivate a greater understanding of Indigenous culture, history and traditions, and contribute to the resilience of the local Indigenous community.
Provide a brief overview of the nominee’s Indigenous cultural product, service, or experience offered to visitors/guests.

0/250
Describe the business health and long-term viability of the nominated experience.

0/250
Describe the business’ customer service philosophy/values and how customer satisfaction and areas for improvement are measured and tracked.

0/250
Describe how the tourism business works collaboratively between Indigenous people, the tourism industry, governments, and the broader community.

0/250
Describe how the tourism business contributes directly or indirectly to the sustainability of the local Indigenous community and preserves and protects the community traditions.

0/250
Supporting Material
Please include supporting materials such as links to websites, social media, videos and samples of work relevant to the nomination, where appropriate. If the nominee is selected as the winner, this material may be used for promotion of the award category during Awards Dinner or in any post-event promotion or communications. You can use hyperlinks above or upload files using the File Upload Feature below.
Supporting Material - File Upload

Please include supporting materials such as links to websites, social media, videos and samples of work relevant to the nomination, where appropriate. If the nominee is selected as the winner, this material may be used for promotion of the award category during Awards Dinner or in any post-event promotion or communications.
Cancelof
Brief Description / Bio Submission
Please provide a brief bio or description (200 words max) that best represents the award you’ve been nominated for. If you are chosen as an award finalist, this will be used in the finalist recognition video and promotional materials.
Photo Submission

For inclusion in the finalist recognition video at the Awards Gala, please submit five (5) photos that best represent the award you’ve been nominated for. These photos are required, and if you are selected as a finalist, they will be used in the finalist recognition video and promotional materials.

Note: Please upload a high-resolution photo suitable for use on screen. Images are prefered to be between 200KB and 5 MB, but we will accept smaller ones as long as they are of high quality. Original or high-resolution images are preferred. Please do not upload thumbnails or screenshots.
Photo Submission - Image #1

Please upload a high-resolution photo suitable for use on screen. Images are preferred to be between 200KB and 5 MB, but we will accept smaller ones as long as they are of high quality. Please do not upload thumbnails or screenshots. Files must be pdf, jpg, jpeg, or png.
Cancelof
Photo Submission - Image #2

Please upload a high-resolution photo suitable for use on screen. Images are preferred to be between 200KB and 5 MB, but we will accept smaller ones as long as they are of high quality. Please do not upload thumbnails or screenshots. Files must be pdf, jpg, jpeg, or png.
Cancelof
Photo Submission - Image #3

Please upload a high-resolution photo suitable for use on screen. Images are preferred to be between 200KB and 5 MB, but we will accept smaller ones as long as they are of high quality. Please do not upload thumbnails or screenshots. Files must be pdf, jpg, jpeg, or png.
Cancelof
Photo Submission - Image #4

Please upload a high-resolution photo suitable for use on screen. Images are preferred to be between 200KB and 5 MB, but we will accept smaller ones as long as they are of high quality. Please do not upload thumbnails or screenshots. Files must be pdf, jpg, jpeg, or png.
Cancelof
Photo Submission - Image #5

Please upload a high-resolution photo suitable for use on screen. Images are preferred to be between 200KB and 5 MB, but we will accept smaller ones as long as they are of high quality. Please do not upload thumbnails or screenshots. Files must be pdf, jpg, jpeg, or png.
Cancelof
Should be Empty:

Indigenous Operator or Experience Award Nomination Submission

Nominator Contact Information

Nominee Contact Information

Nominee Endorsement

INDIGENOUS OPERATOR OR EXPERIENCE AWARD