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AtBC and Province of BC News

Indigenous BC Tourism Engagement 2018 –

Aboriginal Tourism BC (AtBC) is launching a series of Indigenous Community Engagement Sessions over the next 6 months throughout BC to stimulate a conversation on how to engage Indigenous Communities and Entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. Learn how AtBC can support a regional shared vision for developing market-ready experiences and world-class destinations to meet the growing demand for authentic Indigenous Tourism.

Join AtBC in a conversation on the Value of Tourism and be part of the growing excitement. The Indigenous BC Tourism Engagement will be a one-day workshop that will include a morning session focused on demonstrating the value of tourism through presentations and panel discussion of local Indigenous operators. The afternoon is an engaging and interactive session that takes you on a journey that will develop a road map for tourism development.

The Kootenay Rockies region event will take place on Monday, February 19, 2018 from 9:30 am to 3 pm at the Akisqnuk First Nation located at 3050 Highway 93/95, Windermere, BC.

Click HERE for more information and to register.


Province of BC – Pilot Grant Program
Community Resilience Through Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture define and connect us, celebrate our diversity and unite us. A strong cultural foundation makes our communities resilient, sustainable and vibrant places to live and work.

The effects of natural and economic disaster, cultural erasure, social crises and the departure of youth can devastate small communities. Arts and culture can play a unique role in a community’s capacity to respond, withstand and recover from these significant challenges.

The intent of the Community Resilience Through Arts and Culture pilot program is to support arts and cultural events, initiatives and engagement by and for local communities. The focus of this program is communities experiencing hardship, historic oppression or other challenges that would benefit from the power of arts and culture to promote healing, resilience and connection.

Eligible activities include:

  • Cultural events, festivals and community celebrations
  • Arts and culture projects, programs or workshops

Click HERE for the details and application form. Intake is open until noon on March 2, 2018.


Province of BC
Rural Development Strategy

The B.C. government has committed to developing a long-term, durable Rural Development Strategy that works for all rural British Columbians. The new strategy will help rural and Indigenous communities build their capacity to create resilient, sustainable futures, and to ensure the strategy reflects the needs and priorities of rural communities. You can participate in this process by submitting your comments and by participating in online discussions. Face-to-face sessions are being held across the province to gain input and insight into rural development opportunities and priorities.

Fifteen sessions are being held until March 2, 2018 in all areas of the province – from Fort St. John to Port McNeill, to Cranbrook. These sessions are being led by local organizations, and reflect the province’s desire to partner with rural stakeholders to help gain a deeper understanding of the needs and priorities of rural communities.

There are two online engagement surveys: Indigenous Partnerships and Opportunities for Youth in Rural Communities, both close February 28, 2018.

Click HERE for the link to the online surveys.


Province of BC
Agricultural Land Reserve

The opportunity for British Columbians to participate in the public engagement on revitalization of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) is now open. An independent committee has been formed to lead a public engagement process and provide recommendations to the provincial  government around this important topic. Themes include “Farm Processing and Sales in the ALR” and “Non-Farm Uses and Resource Extraction”.

A discussion paper has been prepared for anyone wishing to participate in the online survey which can be found by clicking HERE.

The Advisory Committee will provide a final report (based on this feedback) to the Minister in Fall 2018.

Deadline is 4 pm April 30, 2018.