Elmer Frank, a Tin Wis manager, centre, showed off the Strength in Marketing Award Wednesday night in Vancouver. He was joined by Jeff Loucks, regional director general, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, left, and Chief Leah George-Wilson, Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, right. (Submitted Photo)

By Keven Drews

A Tofino resort was one of nine businesses to take top honours at the fifth Aboriginal Tourism Association of British Columbia awards ceremony in Vancouver Wednesday night.
The Tin Wis Best Western Resort won the Strength in Marketing Award, thanks to its innovating marketing programs and its aboriginal identity.
George Atleo, Tin Wis’ human resources and cultural manager, said the award was the biggest his resort has won, and he thanked all staff.
“We are very proud,” he added.
Accepting the award was Elmer Frank, a Tin Wis manager, who introduced himself in Nuu-chah-nult to a crowd of some 250-300 people inside the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.
Atleo said the Tin Wis, owned by the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, has had to find new ways of marketing and selling itself.
“It’s something we’ve been working on in the last two years.”
An ATBC press release cited the resort’s innovative marketing programs, which showcase the resort’s First Nation’s identity, and its onsite programming, which includes a carving shed, and Aboriginal cuisine and décor.
The Tla-o-qui-aht have owned the resort since 1994.
It offers 85 rooms that overlook MacKenzie Beach.
Other awards and winners included

• Coast Hotels and Resorts Ambassador Award: Paula Cranmer Underhill, Sto:lo Tourism Commission (stolocf.com)
• Inspirational Leadership Award: Cariboo Chilcotin Jetboat Adventures (jetboatadventures.com)
• Young Adult Achievement Award: Deanna Lewis, Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre
• Power of Education Award: Cedars Us, Squamish
• Cultural Authenticity Award: Kitselas Canyon National Historic Site (kitselas.bc.ca)
• Strength in Marketing Award: Tin Wis Resort (tinwis.com)
• Tourism Conservation Award: Haida Heritage Centre (haidaheritagecentre.com)
• Excellence in Customer Service Award: Mascot Gold Mine Tours (mascotmine.com)
• Industry Partner Award: Destination Osoyoos (destinationosoyoos.com)

Keven.drews@westcoaster.ca