Authentic Indigenous Application Form

Authentic Indigenous (AI) showcases remarkable Indigenous tourism operators in BC and is open to ITBC Stakeholders in Tiers 3 & 4 who have already received the Indigenous-owned (IO) designation. Authentic Indigenous designees must meet a specific level of market readiness, encompassing sound governance, cultural activities, community focus, and sustainable business practices.
Click here for detailed information on the criteria used by our adjudication team for the Authentic Indigenous designation.

Indigenous Tourism BC uses this completed Authentic Indigenous application form to determine basic eligibility for the program. If the basic criteria are met, our team will contact you to arrange a video interview, during which you will have the opportunity to share the story of your commitment to community, culture, and sustainability in more detail.
Complete this form to apply for the Authentic Indigenous designation.
Thank you for interest in this opportunity!
Applicant Contact Information
1.Applicant/Contact Name(Required.)
2.Business Name(Required.)
3.Address(Required.)
4.Address 2
5.City/Town/community(Required.)
6.Province(Required.)
7.Postal Code(Required.)
8.Email Address(Required.)
9.Phone Number(Required.)
10.Business Website (URL)(Required.)
Business Operations

To be approved as Authentic Indigenous, ITBC requires that you have been a Stakeholder for at least one year, are in good standing with legislative requirements, and have developed marketing materials, including a consumer-friendly website.
11.Have you been an ITBC Stakeholder for longer than a year?(Required.)
12.Do you sit in good standing for any applicable business licenses, insurance and legislative requirements?(Required.)
13.Does your business have a well-developed online presence and marketing materials? Please list all URLS and social media platform handles below for our review.(Required.)
14.Please estimate the percentages (totalling 100%) of customers identifying as locals (non-travellers), domestic travellers, and international travellers.(Required.)
Local Governance and Protocol

ITBC is committed to supporting First Nation communities’ local governance, laws, and stewardship efforts. We require that Authentic Indigenous designees uphold the same standard.
15.Do you have the consent of the local First Nation to operate on their Traditional Territory? How do you build and maintain a relationship with the Nation(s) on whose land your business is located?(Required.)
16.In what ways does your business adhere to local protocol and respect local First Nation values and governance?(Required.)
To receive the Authentic Indigenous designation, your business must demonstrate an exemplary commitment and contribution towards the three pillars of the Authentic Indigenous Program, which are:

CULTURE: The business offers culturally authentic experiences, demonstrates a high level of commitment to Indigenous values, traditions, and Peoples, and contributes directly to the revitalization and preservation of culture.

COMMUNITY: The business is highly committed and directly supports the employment and economic development of First Nations and local communities.

SUSTAINABILITY: The business is highly committed and directly contributes to the wellbeing of the local environment and makes choices that ensure the connection between the land and its People is sustained.
17.CULTURE

Indigenous Tourism BC understands that sharing your culture is deeply personal and can look different for everyone. How does your business contribute directly to the revitalization and preservation of First Nations or Indigenous cultures? Below is a list of examples of cultural sharing. Check any that apply and use the text box to share more information. If you meet basic eligibility criteria, you will have an opportunity to offer more information during the follow-up interview.
(Required.)
18.ITBC recognizes that there are many ways to share culture. Describe the cultural offerings of your business in your own words and add any cultural components not captured in the list above. All activities listed should be enhancements or experiences that are accessible by visitors to your business.(Required.)
19.COMMUNITY

How do you directly support the employment and economic development of First Nations and local communities? Check any that apply and use the text box to share more information. If you meet basic eligibility criteria, you will have an opportunity to offer more information during the follow-up interview.
(Required.)
20.ITBC recognizes that there are many ways to support your community. Describe your contribution and commitment to community in your own words and add any community components not captured in the list above.(Required.)
21.SUSTAINABILITY

How do you demonstrate a high level of commitment and directly contribute to the wellbeing of the local environment and make choices that ensure the connection between the land and its People is sustained? Check any that apply and use the text box to share more information. If you meet the basic eligibility criteria, you will have the opportunity to provide additional information during the follow-up interview.
(Required.)
22.ITBC recognizes that there are many ways to support sustainability for the environment and its People. Describe your contribution and commitment to sustainability in your own words and add any components not captured in the list above.(Required.)
Thank you for submitting your application.
We look forward to reviewing your application and will be in touch shortly.


Thank you,
The ITBC Authentic Indigenous Team