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

Takaya Tours was founded 25 years ago with a mission to put the Tsleil-Waututh Nation on the map and to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Coast Salish people to the world. The motivation behind starting the business was not only to preserve and share the traditions, stories, and deep connection to the land and waters that have been passed down through generations but also to create meaningful employment opportunities for the Tsleil-Waututh community. The founders of Takaya Tours were passionate about their culture and saw eco-tourism as a powerful way to introduce people to the beauty and significance of the Tsleil-Waututh lands and waters. By offering authentic cultural canoe and walking tours, Takaya Tours connects visitors with the stories, history, and traditions of the Coast Salish people, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture. What drives the team at Takaya Tours is the belief that sharing their culture with the world is essential for its preservation and for building a more inclusive society. At the same time, the business provides valuable employment opportunities within the community, allowing members to work in a way that is closely tied to their heritage and environment. Through their work, Takaya Tours is not only promoting environmental stewardship but also ensuring that the stories and traditions of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation continue to thrive for future generations.

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.

Takaya Tours plays a vital role in uplifting the Tsleil-Waututh community through employment, cultural preservation, and education. Over the past 25 years, we’ve created numerous job opportunities, particularly for community members working as guides and cultural ambassadors. This not only supports the local economy but also ensures that our traditions are passed down through generations. We invest in youth by offering training programs and internships, equipping the next generation with skills in eco-tourism and cultural education. Our collaboration with local schools and organizations allows us to provide hands-on learning experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of Tsleil-Waututh culture and environmental stewardship. The community’s support for Takaya Tours is evident in the strong partnerships we've built and the positive engagement we receive. Our commitment to sustainable tourism aligns with the community's values, helping to protect our land and waters. In terms of metrics, we've seen a 20% increase in employment over the past five years, and our tours educate thousands of visitors annually. This mutual support is the foundation of our success and our ongoing positive impact on the community.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Takaya Tours deserves the Business Impact Award for its exceptional leadership and significant influence in the tourism industry. As a Tsleil-Waututh-owned small business, Takaya Tours has set a remarkable example of how a company can have a profound impact beyond its physical footprint. Despite our size, we have demonstrated substantial success in advancing Indigenous tourism and cultural education. Our guided tours offer an authentic experience of the Coast Salish culture, significantly contributing to a broader understanding and appreciation of Indigenous heritage. This leadership in promoting cultural respect and environmental stewardship has elevated the profile of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation and set a high standard for sustainable tourism. We also make a substantial impact by creating employment opportunities within the community, fostering economic development, and investing in the next generation through training programs. Our commitment to sustainability and inclusivity resonates throughout our operations and interactions, reinforcing our role as a leader in both the local and broader tourism landscape. Takaya Tours’ success in educating thousands of visitors annually and its ability to form strong, respectful partnerships with other Indigenous communities further exemplify our influence. Our positive impact on cultural preservation and environmental protection extends well beyond our immediate business, demonstrating that even a small company can drive significant change and inspire others in the industry.

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.

At Takaya Tours, we embrace the Tsleil-Waututh Nation's values of respect, sustainability, and inclusivity in all aspects of our work. We create a welcoming environment by ensuring all team members engage with our cultural practices, fostering mutual respect and a strong sense of community. Sustainability is integral to our operations. We use eco-friendly practices and materials, and our team is trained to minimize environmental impact. Staff are encouraged to contribute ideas for enhancing our sustainability efforts. Leadership at Takaya Tours involves setting a positive example in all interactions. We prioritize working with vendors and contractors who share our values of sustainability and cultural respect. Our client interactions focus on providing educational and enriching experiences, with feedback used to continually improve our services. Internally, we promote open communication and shared leadership, valuing each team member’s input and ensuring they feel empowered and integral to our mission. This approach fosters a positive, healthy workplace while honoring our cultural heritage and commitment to the environment.