Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours (HWCT) opened in 2001 in response to interest from Sonora Resort for grizzly bear viewing in Homalco First Nation traditional territory. What began as a trickle slowly grew into the largest sustainable grizzly bear day-viewing operation in BC that now includes other local partners like Campbell River Whale Watching and Big Animal Encounters. However, the business struggled with losses due to high operating costs and a 2.5 month season. In 2018 a comprehensive review identified key opportunities. Demand for marine-based tourism was growing, but we had no boats. Add to this growing demand for authentic Indigenous experiences, and a desire by travellers for more sustainable options. A new plan was implemented focused on profitability, Homalco values and strengths, year-round employment and new product development. Investments were made in recruitment, training and skills development and a complete rebrand. In 2019 we successfully tested the feasibility of our own whale watching and a new cultural tour. HWCT also became export-ready, began marketing directly to consumers, and established relationships with international wholesalers. In 2019 the team re-examined the business according to Homalco values. Through this lens HWCT was redefined as a values-based social enterprise with four key pillars to guide us: 1. Language & cultural revitalization 2. Employment & career development 3. Conservation & restoration 4. Economic growth & security We were excited to move forward with a purpose that was about much more than just profit. Then came the pandemic and we were forced to close for 2020. We used that time to plan and invest. Two custom best-in-class vessels were built specific to needs for cultural and immersive experiences. The boats also opened up year-round opportunities for water taxi services. 2021 and 2022 saw the addition of new tours, more investment in staff training, new conservation fees, and the empowerment of staff. The hard work is paying off with being profitable now since 2018, our most successful year in 2022, 5-star TripAdvisor and Google reviews, and being shortlisted for two awards in 2023. We now look to the future and anticipate a banner 2023. New opportunities consistent with our values are constantly being explored. HWCT will continue to advance the principles of regenerative tourism that make our communities and natural spaces more resilient. ʔimot - it is good

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

Our community support is multi-faceted. We now employ 20 people during tour season, while providing year-round work for 5. Employment comes with free training for skills and knowledge development that can be used for work elsewhere. Team members participate in beach clean-up activities while donating their time to serve on various boards and committees. These include 4VI (formerly Tourism Vancouver Island), Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), the Commercial Bear Viewing Association (CVBA), North Island Marine Mammal Stewardship Association (NIMMSA), Indigenous Round-table for Grizzly Bear conservation, and the Discovery Islands Tourism Forestry Working Group. Through conservation fees we support local bear conservation, salmon restoration, whale research and Homalco youth cultural revitalization. HWCT management spearheaded a group application for the Salish Sea Marine Emission Fund to access funds and develop recommendations for all marine vessel operators in reducing our carbon footprints. We donate over $15,000 per year in free trips to support local not-for-profit fundraising for a organizations including YANA, Pacific Salmon Foundation, youth sports, homelessness and more. The business is currently undergoing Biosphere Certification through 4VI. This internationally recognized certification aligns with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris COP21 Accord to Fight Climate Change. As further points of pride, our new boats have allowed us to bring Homalco Elders and community-members back to their traditional territory - some for the first time. We involve elders in our training programs and get their blessing before pursuing new activities. Youth are committing to careers in tourism through formal education and many have said that their lives have changed because of the pride in learning about their language and culture. We have also helped forestry workers transition into tourism as their work has declined due to changes including old growth deferrals. Our efforts have yielded awards and recognitions including Outstanding Outdoor Cultural Experience in 2019, a 2020 Story-telling Award for social media efforts during the pandemic, two TripAdvisor excellence awards, and “Authentic Indigenous" certification. In 2023 we have been nominated and shortlisted for: 1. TIABC - “Indigenous Operator or Experience" 2. ITAC - “Leading the Way in Sustainability”

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours deserves to win the Business Impact Award for our leadership in regenerative tourism and our commitment to positive change for Homalco First Nation and surrounding communities. We are committed to revitalizing traditional knowledge in Homalco language and culture, restoring the environment while protecting the land we steward, and to delivering unforgettable BC "WOW" experiences to guests from around the world. Google and TripAdvisor reviews tell us that we are! 😊 In 2022 we generated $78,000 in conservation fees to support salmon restoration, bear conservation and whale research. This is something we are very proud of and helps a healthy ecosystem for the Homalco and our neighbours. We are grateful to have a team of people that make Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours a leader within the Indigenous tourism sector. We now employ 3 full-time Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff that grows to 20 staff in the main season and our goal is to expand year-round employment. The following four pillars guide us as a community-owned social enterprise and are based on Homalco values: 1. Language & cultural revitalization 2. Employment & career development 3. Conservation & restoration 4. Economic growth & security These principles provide us the guidance to be leaders in regenerative tourism with powerful First Nation values that benefit our surrounding community and natural environment.

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

Being a values-based business focused on more than profit provides our staff with diverse reasons to work with us - environment, cultural revitalization, career growth. We support our team them with above average pay that upholds our belief in people’s right to a living wage. We offer flexible work environments that recognize work preferences, life’s challenges outside of work, and time off for cultural activities. We actively assist people to maintain a healthy work/life balance by scheduling time off for rest. Management mentors staff to build confidence for new, more challenging roles as desired. All team members actively participate in decision-making through a combination of workplace empowerment and regular feedback loops such as post-season reviews. People are encouraged to present solutions, not just problems and to make decisions without fear of recourse. Mistakes are treated as learning opportunities. Skippers and guides are involved in tour modifications and boat changes to improve the experience and/or safety of guests and crew. All staff have access to free training including tourism learning, Indigenous knowledge, plus skills growth such as SVOP and First Aid certification. We keep things fun by doing road trips and knowledge exchanges with other best-in-class tourism operators. This all helps build a strong sense of pride and commitment. Our customers best tell the story in their reviews on TripAdvisor/Google. Below are just three of the many comments: “Irinamm139 Houston, TX This trip was beyond my expectations. First, we were met ant greeted by our guide, Janet, and our captain, Al at the pier. During our tour we learned a lot about the history, culture, language and traditions of Homalco, and, of course, we had a great opportunity to explore the nature and the wildlife of their territories…” “herman s Jul. 2022 We were surprised to see the passion of both guides. Perfectly organised - smooth, easy canadian style. And we were lucky we met a lot of humpbak whales on distance and close by. Awesome experience. Thanks.” “Sara BONYADI 7 months ago We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Homalco Tours! Ron, Cassie and Cheyanne were friendly, welcoming and all had different knowledge to share with us. Cassie put a lot of effort in making us feel welcome...We learned a lot about Homalco nation/language and the wildlife around us...This was one of the most rememberable days in our trip to Canada thanks to them!”

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours deserves the Premier’s People Choice Award for our leadership in regenerative tourism and our commitment to positive change for Homalco First Nation and surrounding communities. We are committed to revitalizing traditional knowledge in Homalco language and culture, restoring the environment while protecting the land we steward, and to delivering unforgettable BC "WOW" experiences to guests from around the world. Google and TripAdvisor reviews tell us that we are! 😊 In 2022 we generated $78,000 in conservation fees to support salmon restoration, bear conservation and whale research. This is something we are very proud of and helps a healthy ecosystem for the Homalco and our neighbours. We are grateful to have a team of people that make Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours a leader within the Indigenous tourism sector. We now employ 3 full-time Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff that grows to 20 staff in the main season and our goal is to expand year-round employment. The following four pillars guide us as a community-owned social enterprise and are based on Homalco values: 1. Language & cultural revitalization 2. Employment & career development 3. Conservation & restoration 4. Economic growth & security These principles provide us the guidance to be leaders in regenerative tourism with powerful First Nation values that benefit our surrounding community and natural environment. Please support us with your vote. ʔimot (it is good)