Staff & Executive Leadership
Our team brings together passionate leaders in tourism development, cultural education, financial governance, marketing, and community advocacy across Manitoba.
Holly Spence
Tasked with leading the growth and development of the Indigenous tourism industry in Manitoba and in collaboration with Travel Manitoba and Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, Holly will lead efforts for implementation of the Manitoba Indigenous Tourism Strategy, which focuses on the development of sustainable market-ready and export-ready Indigenous tourism products, as well as increasing the demand for Manitoba’s Indigenous tourism experiences. Holly was born and raised in Peguis First Nation where she owned and operated multiple successful businesses. She understands the barriers and complexities of owning a business both on and off the reserve and brings that first-hand knowledge to tourism operators in Manitoba.
Through her previous work as the Manitoba Regional Coordinator at ITAC from 2019 to 2022, Holly guided many Indigenous entrepreneurs and community-owned tourism enterprises to strengthen their offerings into market and export-ready products. Holly’s connections and leadership within the region are proven and she is a true advocate for Indigenous tourism in Manitoba.
Doreen Booth
Doreen Booth joined ITM as a Project Manager. Having worked in the tourism industry for the past 16 years, she brings extensive knowledge and experience in program development, project management, and relationship building. As a passionate traveler and outdoor enthusiast who has experienced destinations all across Canada and abroad, Doreen believes that the connection to place, story, and people is what creates lasting memories. She is dedicated to supporting Manitoba operators and expanding authentic Indigenous cultural experiences throughout the province.
Renée Simcoe
Renée’s professional background is eclectic, including 10 years in the agriculture industry across various levels of government, not-for-profit, and academic sectors with a focus in communications, event planning, and education. She brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the ITM team and looks forward to supporting members with marketing and outreach initiatives.
Outside work— in the warmer months Renée enjoys foraging wild mushrooms, cycling, and hiking. In the winter, she spends her time reading, baking sourdough, and cross-country skiing.
Cecelia Point
As the Director of Finance, Cecilia contributes to the overall success of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba by effectively managing the organization’s financial operations and providing strategic advice.
A member of the Musqueam Indian Band, Cecilia has worked in the travel and tourism industry in excess of 25 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of British Columbia, bringing deep financial stewardship, governance experience, and operational expertise.
Taytum Assinaboine
Taytum Assiniboine is a proud Indigenous leader in Manitoba’s Tourism and Economic Development sector.
Through her work as Store Manager at Indigenous Tourism Manitoba and Board Director at SEED Winnipeg, she is passionate about creating spaces that uplift Indigenous artists, makers, and tourism operators, promoting economic reconciliation through authentic retail and cultural exchange.
Darcie Guarderas
A Manitoban at heart, Darcie graduated with honours in tourism and then travelled the world for 25 years as an award-winning tour director. With deep expertise across experiential travel, community partnerships, and destination marketing, Darcie works closely with ITM operators to strengthen business capacity, market readiness, and visitor engagement.
Board of Directors
Guided by Indigenous leaders representing First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, entrepreneurs, and operators from every region of Manitoba.
Dave Daley
David Daley is a Métis man, and long-time resident of Churchill, Manitoba. David and his wife Valerie have worked hard to become a part of Churchill’s tourism industry including owning and operating the Wapusk General Store (hand-built by Dave) and Wapusk Adventures, an award winning Indigenous Tourism experience.
Dave served his community as the Chairman of the Churchill Métis Local, a previous President of the Churchill Chamber of Commerce, and Founder of the Hudson Bay Quest dog sled race. Dave also chaired the Manitoba Indigenous Tourism Advisory Committee and is now the Chair of Indigenous Tourism Manitoba and is a board member for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada as the Manitoba representative.
Melanie Gamache
Melanie Gamache is the one woman show that created Borealis Beading. She is a francophone Red River Métis with a passion for sharing Métis history and culture through the art of beadwork. Her hands-on workshops immerse guests in the historic Métis floral beading traditions that earned the Métis the name ‘The Flower Beadwork People’.
As a board member, Melanie is committed to representing Indigenous tourism operators—especially small and rural businesses—and helping cultivate authentic, high-quality cultural experiences that respect and honour Indigenous traditions.
Melanie brings strong relationship-building skills and a broad network of partners, artists, and tourism stakeholders to her role as Vice President of ITM.
Lee Sinclair
Lee Sinclair is the Director of Operations for PBDC and oversees its portfolio of current businesses including Otineka Mall, Kikiwak Inn, and other commercial enterprises. A proud member of Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Lee has extensive experience in corporate governance, financial management, and economic development in northern Manitoba.
Melanie Ferris
Melanie Ferris is a writer based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is a proud member of the Long Plain First Nation in Treaty One Territory.
As an intergenerational Survivor of the residential schools, Sixties Scoop, and foster care systems, Melanie has been working with First Nations across Manitoba for more than five years. She has travelled to more than 20 of the 63 First Nations across the province, including many remote, fly-in communities.
Melanie loves stories and has written numerous books, including ‘Honouring our Ancestors: Remembering the Legacy of the Residential School System in Northern Manitoba.’ She is the Director of Communications for the Southern Chiefs’ Organization and brings strong advocacy and storytelling expertise to ITM.
Edna Nabess
Edna Nabess was born and raised in Cormorant, Manitoba and is a proud member of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation. Edna was taught to sew and bead by her mother at a very young age. She is an award-winning artisan, entrepreneur, and the founder of Cree-Ations. Edna is deeply committed to community development, Indigenous artisan empowerment, and sharing traditional cultural arts with visitors from around the world.
Connect With Our Team
Whether you are an Indigenous operator, artisan, or tourism partner, we are here to support you.