Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) encourages and promotes authentic Indigenous tourism that showcases the unique and immersive experiences offered by its members throughout our four regions; North, Central and Southern Alberta as well as the Rockies. ITA’s goal is to enhance economic viability, further engage and support our Indigenous peoples, and nurture these partnerships throughout the province by sharing our stories, culture, and experiences with a global audience.
Any Indigenous person, Indigenous organization and Industry partner that has an interest in advancing Indigenous tourism in Alberta may apply to become an ITA Member.
Indigenous Tourism Alberta is proudly supported in partnership with the following organizations: Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Western Economic Diversification, Indigenous Services Canada, Government of Alberta, and Travel Alberta.
With its head office in Edmonton, Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) strives for streamlined leadership in Indigenous tourism, creating a coordinated voice and a shared vision of goals under the leadership of a passionate and dedicated board of directors and staff.
Our staff
As the CEO, Shae has been responsible for steering ITA through one of the most difficult times in tourism history. Through his leadership, ITA has created the Indigenous Tourism Alberta Strategy 2020-2024 to drive its business, while growing ITA’s members to more than 180. Additionally, Shae has secured necessary funding grants to stabilize Indigenous businesses during COVID-19, including the Stimulus Relief Fund which provided relief to more than 80 businesses alongside Provincial and National partners.
With education through the Masters in Tourism Management program from Royal Roads University and corporate experience that covers strategic planning, organizational renewal, operations management, government relations and capital project oversight, Shae is now proud to call Treaty 6 & Metis Region 4, Edmonton, Alberta, home. Shae has quickly become recognized and respected as a leader in Indigenous tourism across Alberta and Canada with interview requests, speaking roles and involvement in multiple economic recovery task forces across Alberta.
Jaspar has over two decades of accounting professional experience. He acquired a Bachelor of Management degree in Accounting from The University of Lethbridge. And later obtained the Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation while articling with an accounting firm based in Edmonton, Alberta. Jaspar is pursuing an MBA in Global Leadership with The University of Fredericton.
As an experienced CPA, Jaspar has experience in leadership roles in the accounting industry; Skilled in Auditing, Full-cycle Accounting, Process Scheduler, Budgeting, Business Planning, Project Management, Managing Teams, and Customers Service. He has experience in the following industries: oil and gas, construction, public accounting, and the not-for-profit sector. This was when he realized he was passionate about the not-for-Profit section, as he aspires to give back to the community.
He spent several years in journalism, working as an editor at Postmedia and Swerve magazine, and writing for publications such as the Guardian, the Los Angeles Times and the National Post. He is the author of the book Frostbike: The Joy, Pain and Numbness of Winter Cycling.
In his free time, you’ll probably find Tom riding a bike, sometimes creating videos for his YouTube channel Shifter.
With a solution-focused mindset, she enjoys working with people who are enthusiastic about what they do or who are building something new (even if it’s hard!) and always finds ways to polish-out the silver lining no matter what challenges she may face.
Before ITA, Renee worked with Community Futures West Yellowhead supporting and coaching small businesses and entrepreneurs. She holds a degree in General Studies from the University of Athabasca along with a Human Resources Management Certification from the University of Alberta.
When not at work Renee spends most of her time reading, taking courses, hiking, and foraging for edible and medicinal plants.
Jessica’s role at ITA is to provide high level executive support. With a background in executive office management she aids with day-to-day administration and operations.
Board of Directors
Indigenous Tourism Alberta would not be here today without the leadership of our Board of Directors. Our board consists of key Indigenous tourism ambassadors throughout Alberta and continue to lead the direction of our organization today.
Brenda Holder
Chair
403.679.8379
Mahikan Trails
Keith Diakiw
Director
780.298.7992
Talking Rock Tours
Joe Urie
Director
780.852.8805
Jasper Tour Company
Dion Red Gun
Director
403.921.3972
River Ranche
Jeanette ManyGuns
Director
403.361.0532
Many Guns Ranch & Adventures
John Ritchie
Secretary
780 623 8885
Hideaway Adventure Grounds