The Sto:lo Community Futures Development Corporation (SCF) has established tourism as one of its primary economic
development initiatives. In doing so, it recognizes the potential tourism offers as an economic opportunity for many of its First
Nation communities and entrepreneurs. While tourism activity is modest at this time, the market potential is significant and
provides the Sto:lo and our partners in development with an opportunity to grow a healthy tourism sector providing business
opportunities and employment for all communities.
SCF has recently established the Sto:lo Tourism Commission to provide leadership for tourism development.
Guided by representatives of the tourism industry the Sto:lo Tourism Commission secures support resources at this time
through Sto:lo Community Futures Development Corporation, itself a non-profit corporation with its own staff. Sto:lo
Territory
The area covering the upper Fraser Valley and lower Fraser Canyon region, including both sides of the Fraser
River, from approximately Kwantlen - Ft. Langley, to Yale, BC, makes up the Sto:lo Territory. The Sto:lo are the River
People. The Sto:lo Traditional Territory is home to many Nations, and many First Nations people. All of the First Nation,
Status, Non-Status, Metis, Inuit, on reserve, and off reserve Aboriginal people contribute to the make up of the Aboriginal
Culture of the Territory, and qualify for participation in all programs and services delivered by Sto:lo Community Futures and
the Sto:lo Tourism Commission.
Recognition of the Sto:lo Territory accomplishes several objectives:
- Identifying the area within which Sto:lo tourism development will be priorized and focused;
- Establishing a geographic area definition that the regional and national/ international tourism sector will associate with Sto:lo tourism. This will enable them to respond with programs, packages, and partnerships based on a clear understanding of the geographic area of the Sto:lo and;
- Creating an "image" in the minds of the tourism sector and customers alike that helps to establish market awareness for Sto:lo tourism products.
Sto:lo tourism enterprises, are defined as those that incorporate Aboriginal cultural content/ interpretation in their
product. It is estimated that revenue generation from First Nations' businesses of about $4,00,00.00. For the purposes
of the estimates, this includes events and festivals, and revenue attributable to tourism generated by support services
such as design, video production and printing houses. It is estimated that there are 200 - 250 artisans in various stages
of development in the Sto:lo Territory.
Community Awareness of the Tourism Sector
Communities are increasingly looking to tourism as an economic development option for their growth and expansion. This awareness is reflected in the priorities communities are placing on creating tourism agencies, developing tourism strategies and seeking to participate as a partner with regional tourism associations and Tourism BC, and AtBC in marketing and promotion. For the Sto:lo tourism sector strategy, this is appositive trend that will facilitate strategic partnerships with communities in the Lower Mainland.
Economic Objectives
- Increased entrepreneurship, First Nations business ownership and employment in the Sto:lo tourism sector;
- Business stabilization and growth for existing Sto:lo tourism enterprises;
- Additional business for the Sto:lo artists and artisans community;
- A positive environment for new investment in the Sto:lo tourism activity;
- Generation of economic spin-off benefits for Sto:lo services supplying the Sto:lo tourism sector.
Improvement in Sto:lo Quality of Life
- Positive impacts on the education system through incorporation of tourism and its potential career paths;
- Enhanced community capacity to undertake tourism;
- Fostering a sense of pride throughout Sto:lo and other First Nation communities and, in particular, Sto:lo and other Aboriginal youth.
Support for Elders as Part of the Strategy
- To facilitate teaching/ sharing culture;
- To take the lead in establishing what may be shared, and to ensure that cultural authenticity is maintained - member tourism operators will reflect their own true unique history and culture;
- Provide for a master artists program approach as part of a broader artist training program;
- Provide showcase opportunities for Sto:lo cultural traditions in arts and crafts.
Partnerships and Collaboration with Non-Aboriginal Communities and Organizations
- Improved community relations;
- Positive and effective partnerships advancing both the Sto:lo tourism sector and the non-Aboriginal tourism sector.
The Sto:lo Tourism Development Program recognizes that success on the part of the Sto:lo Tourism Commission can only be
achieved in collaboration with partnerships with communities within the Sto:lo Territory and with long-term partnerships
established with the travel trade in the Lower Mainland and beyond.
For more information please contact the Sto:lo Tourism Commission at 604-858-0009.
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