Year: 2026

Kirsten Ovstaas

Kirsten Ovstaas is the Director of Marketing & Growth for Re:BC and Tourismo, where she leads strategic initiatives that connect people, place, and purpose. Her passion for environmental conservation and stewardship began at a young age—organizing fundraising efforts for Swan Lake at just eight years old—and has guided her career… Read more

Trina White

Trina White has an extensive background in hospitality with more than 20 years of experience in management roles. Recent recipient of the 2023 Hotelier of the Year Award from the BC Hotel Association for her leadership and focus on sustainability in the workplace and in the community, Trina is known… Read more

Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon

Dr. Thomas Homer-Dixon is one of Canada’s foremost public intellectuals and a bestselling author. He is considered among the world’s leading experts on the intricate links between nature, technology, and society, with his current research focusing on threats to global security in the 21st century. Tackling subjects such as economic… Read more

Laura Lynch

Laura Lynch is an award-winning journalist and is the host of What On Earth.  In the course of her career, she has reported from across Canada and around the world. In the 1990’s she covered the Supreme Court of Canada as it broke new ground with precedent setting Charter of… Read more

Sébastien Benedict

Sébastien Benedict is recognized as a visionary leader and strategic advocate for Canada’s tourism industry, bringing extensive experience in public affairs, government relations, and organizational leadership. Throughout his career, he has directed complex advocacy efforts, shaped policy development at federal and provincial levels, and guided collaborative initiatives that strengthened the… Read more

Natalie Slawinski

Natalie Slawinski is Professor of Sustainability & Strategy and Director of the Centre for Regenerative Futures at the Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria. Her multi-year research on Shorefast and other social enterprises in Newfoundland and Labrador led to an edited volume of chapters co-created with social entrepreneurs and… Read more

Christie Pashby

Christie Pashby has been working in and around tourism for more than 25 years. A former news reporter, travel writer, guiding company owner, consultant and tourism marketer, she now leads Communications, Advocacy, Engagement and Sustainability at Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. A long-time Bow Valley and Treaty 7 land resident,… Read more

Leigh Barnes

Leigh currently oversees Intrepid’s expansion into the USA, the company’s fastest-growing market, managing direct, industry, and white-label sales as well as operations across North, Central, and South America. Previously Chief Purpose Officer and Chief Customer Officer, he has been instrumental in building Intrepid’s reputation as a purpose-led, customer-focused organization. Outside… Read more

Melissa Jean Barnhard-McClurg / Nawhea’mowhah

My English given name is Melissa and my traditional name is Nawhea’mowha. I am from the Lekwungen peoples, more specifically, I am from the Songhees nation. My family roots are connected to the Dick family. My late grandmother is Janet Dick, and my mother is Terrie Barnhard. I have lived… Read more

Cyril (weqʷaqʷələq) Morris

weqʷaqʷələq (Cyril) is from Leǩʷəŋən territory – Songhees Nation on his mother’s side. His mother was born and raised at tl’čəs (the Original Songhees Islands) for the first ten years of her life. weqʷaqʷələq loves being on the ancestral highways (providing canoe tours) and x̌əx̌ə teŋəxʷ (sacred lands) delivering cultural… Read more