Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours Awarded Indigenous Business of the Year at Tourism Industry Gala
For Immediate Release: November 9, 2021
FREDERICTON (NB): The Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick (TIANB) awarded Fredericton’s Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours & Events the 2021 Indigenous Business of the Year Award at this evenings Gala event, part of TIANB’s Annual Conference and Awards held in Fredericton.
The award recognizes the “Best of the Best” as it relates to promoting Indigenous tourism as an individual or a business. Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours and Events was recognized for their efforts in outstanding service, dedication and commitment to the Indigenous tourism industry.
Wabanaki medicine keeper Cecelia Brooks formed Wabanaki Tree Spirit Tours and Events in 2019, dedicated to the preservation and advancement of indigenous values through cultural events and experiential tours. Cecelia and her son Anthony have enjoyed taking guests on a medicine walk through the old growth forest of Odell Park to share their knowledge of local plants and trees along with their use as medicines, food and in ceremony and ancient stories of the lands called Wabanaki. In addition, they offer a culinary experience of a traditionally prepared meal and hands on workshops to make a Dreamcatchers or a Medicine Pouch. Other events are offered throughout the year such as this month’s Cooking with Bur, Oak and Acorn workshop.
Cecilia is also owner, chemist, and wild harvester of Soulflower Herbals, an all-natural body care and wellness brand, and a long time vendor at the Fredericton Boyce Farmers Market.
An additional winner at this year’s TIANB awards includes Fredericton Tourism's 2021 Partnership Award, for the accommodations packaging strategy, Stay the Night, Dinner’s On Us Stay & Play campaign. Delta Fredericton’s new restaurant, STMR.36 BBQ & Social were a 2020 nominee for the Tourism Product Development Award. 2020 awards were also presented at this event since TIANB Conference and Awards Galas could not take place last year.
Media Contact: Stacey Russell - Manager, Fredericton Tourism & Events, 506-260-6958, Stacey.russell@fredericton.ca
