Let’s Talk: Building Indigenous Tourism Partnerships

Tara Saunders, a member of The Qalipu First Nation, works with the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada as Director of Business Development.  In her role, Tara is responsible for implementing programs, tools and resources to help develop the Indigenous tourism industry across Canada, as well as helping to develop and stabilize regional Indigenous tourism associations.

Prior to her work with ITAC, Tara worked as the Director of Culture, Tourism and Community Development for Qalipu First Nation, which, with close to 24,000 members, is one of the biggest First Nations in the country.

During her work with community, Tara oversaw the implementation of the Nation’s tourism development strategy; Experience Qalipu.  This strategy focuses on developing market-ready cultural experiences and other tourism products throughout the Mi’kmaq communities on the island of Newfoundland, connecting the visitor to the vibrant culture of the Mi’kmaq people and forming strong partnerships within the industry to lead to a strengthened economy and culture.

Tara also led the development of the provincial Indigenous Tourism strategy from Newfoundland and Labrador, took part in the incorporation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous Tourism Association and became the inaugural chair of the association in early 2020.

Dawnielle Tehama is a Modoc tourism professional and enrolled citizen of the Klamath Tribes with extensive experience in stewardship and Indigenous tourism. She currently serves as Education and Business Development Director with the American Indigenous Tourism Association, having previously assisted with strategic planning and community engagement as a Senior Associate Principal at Coraggio Group. As a DMO leader, she focused on regenerative travel and diversity initiatives. After law school, she owned small businesses before finding her passion in tourism, where she helped form a Destination Management Organization in Southern Oregon and became a liaison to her tribe. Her career includes overseeing global marketing for the Hualapai Tribe at Grand Canyon West, developing an early economic development plan for the Hopi Tribe, and working with multiple tribal organizations including Grand Ronde, Siletz, and Klamath Tribes. She holds a Class III gaming license in three states and has been a speaker for prestigious organizations like The World Travel and Tourism Council regarding Indigenous tourism. Dawnielle’s credentials include being a Certified Diversity Tourism Professional, Certified Autism Specialist, graduation from the Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy, and recognition as Woman of the Year from the National Tour Association. She Chairs the National Tour Association’s DEI Advisory council, is a member of the Tourism Cares Program Committee and has served as a Climate Champion within the Expedia Sustainable Destination DMO program. In all her work, she remains dedicated to unifying stakeholder voices while promoting stewardship that sustains communities for generations.