The Rotary Centre for the Arts (RCA) announced its been recognized as a Top 3 Finalist for the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Award for Remarkable Experience. The nomination recognizes the RCA as a presenter of the groundbreaking Indigenous Resilience Festival held in March 2023, reflecting the organization's commitment to delivering exceptional tourism experiences.
The Remarkable Experience award acknowledges individuals, organizations, or consortia that have developed, promoted, and sold a new or improved tourism product or experience aligning with the British Columbia tourism brand. The festival, a collaboration with the University of Victoria's Gustavson School of Business, unfolded in two parts, featuring workshops in 10 BC Indigenous communities and a spectacular showcase at the RCA on March 25-26, 2023.
Colleen Fitzpatrick, RCA's Executive Director, expressed gratitude for the nomination, stating, "We are honoured to be recognized for our efforts in providing access and promoting programs for marginalized communities. This nomination is not just about our dedication; it celebrates the resilience and rich cultural heritage of the Indigenous communities we aim to uplift."
The Indigenous Resilience Festival, hosted at the RCA, featured 45 Indigenous showcases and 72 presenters, delivering powerful stories through storytelling, drumming, song, and dance. The event uniquely addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indigenous communities, providing a space for exploration, traditional sharing, and celebration. It prioritized inclusivity, removing participation barriers, and attracted a diverse audience. Local Indigenous businesses played a vital role in providing services, contributing to the event's success.
The initiative, supported by grant funding from Heritage Canada, demonstrated exceptional financial performance, strategic advantages, alignment with the BC Tourism Brand, and long-term viability. Despite the event occurring during the off season in the Okanagan and careful spending, the program achieved financial success, ensuring comprehensive support for all performers, including travel expenses, accommodation, and access to catered meals. The festival not only met its objectives but left a lasting positive impact on attendees, solidifying its place as a uniquely remarkable tourism experience.
Strategically, the initiative fostered pride and belonging among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, providing opportunities for commemorative activities related to emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. It significantly contributed to the economy by supporting Indigenous businesses and strengthening the local economy through travel arrangements and collaboration with community partners.
The positive impact extended to the Okanagan community, generating professional Indigenous media content and strengthening relationships between Indigenous community partners and the Rotary Centre for the Arts. Participants reported a profound sense of healing and belonging through the traditional sharing of their stories.
Aligned with the BC Tourism Brand, the experience provided a distinct travel experience, guiding expectations, and eliciting positive emotions. Attendees explored the Downtown Cultural District and enjoyed a 4-star experience at the Delta Grand Hotel, complete with authentic Sylix Okanagan Indigenous catering. The event's educational and entertaining performances fostered an engaged audience, contributing to the long-term viability of the initiative and positioning the RCA as a valuable resource within the community.
The 2024 BC Tourism Industry Awards will be presented at the Awards Gala evening during the 2024 BC Tourism Industry Conference on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Victoria Conference Centre.
To learn more about the Indigenous Resilience Festival, visit:
https://rotarycentreforthearts.com/news/post/84/irf-recap/