Indigenous Tourism Program

TOTA is committed to working towards Indigenous truth and reconciliation by collaborating with Indigenous tourism companies in the Thompson Okanagan region and Indigenous Tourism British Columbia (ITBC).

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) acknowledges that the Thompson Okanagan region is situated on the unceded, traditional territory of three Interior Salish Nations: the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc Peoples.

TOTA continuously works to cultivate credible relations with the 33 Indigenous communities throughout the Interior and endeavours to develop economic opportunities that progress Indigenous Tourism within the region, whilst maintaining respect and cultural authenticity.

Alongside strategy implementation, TOTA will plan and support Indigenous cultural events and initiatives in gateway locations and acquiring unique stories for marketing ventures.

Together with ITBC, TOTA is excited to share this journey as the past rejoins the future.

Indigenous Tourism Videos

The 33 Indigenous communities in the Thompson Okanagan are part of three Interior Salish nations: the Syilx, Nlaka'pamux, and Secwépemc Peoples, summarized below.

Interior Salish refers to the linguistic grouping of North American Indigenous nations speaking related languages. Interior Salish people lived on the Plateau, in the upper basins of the Columbia and Fraser rivers and their tributaries in what are now the province of British Columbia and the U.S. states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana. The name distinguishes them from their neighbours, the Coast Salish nations who reside on the coast of the Pacific Northwest.

The Syilx Okanagan People

The Syilx Okanagan People are a trans-boundary tribe separated at the 49th parallel by the border between Canada and the United States. Members form a distinct and sovereign nation, sharing the same land, nsyilxcən language, culture, and customs.

The Syilx Okanagan Nation Alliance is comprised of seven member communities in the Southern Interior of British Columbia and one in Washington State:

• Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) | Sqilxʷ/Syilx

• Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB)

• Penticton Indian Band (PIB)

• Upper Nicola Band (UNB)*

• Upper Similkameen Indian Band (USIB)

• Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) | Smalqmix

• Westbank First Nation (WFN)

• Colville Confederated Tribes (Washington State)

The Secwépemc People

Secwepemc (pronounced suh-Wep-muhc) people occupy a vast territory of the interior of British Columbia. Most Secwepemc people live in the river valleys. Only a handful of people know Secwepmctsín language. It is an endangered language, on the verge of extinction.

The communities are:

• Adams Lake Indian Band | Sexqeltqin

• Bonaparte First Nation | St'uxwtews

• High Bar First Nation

• Little Shuswap Indian Band (LSIB)

• Neskonlith Indian Band

• Shuswap Indian Band

The Nlaka'pamux People

• Ashcroft Indian Band

• Coldwater Indian Band*

• Cook’s Ferry Indian Band | Kumcheen

• Kanaka Bar Indian Band | T'eqt''aqtn'mux

• Lower Nicola Indian Band

• Lytton First Nation**

• Nicomen Indian Band

*Four communities make up the Scw’exmx Tribal Council and are situated within a few km radius of the city of Merritt, British Columbia, Canada.

**Five communities make up the Nlaka'pamux Nation Tribal Council.

Though independently varied, the three Nations all have one thing in common: A deep and profound connection with the elements; the mountains, the forests, the rivers, and the wildlife that call the region home.

Embrace the ancient art forms that tell the stories of generations past. Tour the native kekulis (pit houses) and sweat lodges, and enjoy delicious wine made by Indigenous winemakers. Immerse yourself in a culture deeply woven into the fabric of the region. Lose yourself in an unforgettable travel experience.

Want more information about Indigenous tourism within the region? Email the Indigenous Tourism Specialist or use the form below: