December 20, 2019 (Treaty 7 Territory, Alberta, Canada). Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) is excited to announce the hiring of our new Executive Director, Shae Bird.

Shae is originally from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, but is now proud to call Alberta home. Shae has an extensive background including multiple years working as the VP for Tundra North, an Indigenous tourism company, where he led both business development and marketing.

“We’re excited to welcome Shae to the Indigenous Tourism Alberta family, and excited about the leadership he’ll bring to our vision,” said Indigenous Tourism Alberta Chair, Brenda Holder.

In addition to his work with Tundra North, Bird has also sat on the board of directors for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada as a proxy representing the Northwest Territories.

Bird has also helped Tourism Saskatoon with experience development and travel trade. After the successful completion of his contract there, he moved to Edmonton Tourism to work with their product development team, before accepting the new Executive Director role with ITA. Bird also does various tourism consulting work, which includes a past contract with ITA as a Project Manager.

“Shae is passionate about tourism and has had the opportunity to work in the industry on various levels, from an entrepreneur, operator, to a DMO and provincial association. It is not only tourism, but Shae’s passion for people, culture, and business that we’re excited about,” said Holder.

Shae will officially start with ITA on January 10, 2020.

About Indigenous Tourism Alberta

Incorporated in 2018 as a not-for-profit society, Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) provides leadership in the development and marketing of authentic Indigenous tourism experiences across Alberta through innovative partnerships. The ITA board consists of six board members representing Indigenous tourism businesses from across Alberta. Indigenous tourism currently generates $130 million in spending in Alberta, providing jobs and supporting entrepreneurs, businesses and communities. For more information, visit www.indigenoustourismalberta.ca

To set up an interview with Executive Director, Shae Bird, or ITA Chair, Brenda Holder, please contact:

Jessica Harcombe Fleming
Beattie Tartan
403.614.6175
jessica.harcombefleming@beattiegroup.com

Note: The ITA office will be closed for Christmas, December 20th to January 6th.