The Only Role of Its Kind: How I Pioneered Real Indigenous Relations in the Mountains

A few years ago, I didn’t just join Whistler Blackcomb. I helped create something that didn’t exist before: the Indigenous Relations Specialist position.

This wasn’t a generic diversity role or a short-term project. It was a pioneering, full-time position grounded in a unique 50-year agreement between two First Nations (Squamish and Lil’wat), Whistler Blackcomb, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the Province of British Columbia.

Real structure. Real accountability. Real shared success.

In that role, I bridged communities and corporations daily - advising on cultural integration, guest experiences, staff training, land-use conversations, and meaningful reconciliation that actually moves the needle. The work opened doors far beyond one resort: advising the Mayor of Whistler, mediating with local Nations at Whitewater (yes, I even helped name a chairlift the right way), sitting on Helicat Canada’s Indigenous Advisory Committee, and contributing to Global BC’s Indigenous editorial board.

Here’s the truth that matters to resort operators and destination marketers: Guests today aren’t satisfied with surface-level experiences. They want authentic stories, respectful connections, and a sense that the mountain destination they’re visiting truly values the people whose land they’re on. When you build partnerships the right way—rooted in trust, cultural accuracy, and long-term commitment—you unlock richer guest experiences, stronger community support, and offerings that genuinely stand out.

That’s exactly what I deliver through Blackbird Canada: practical, no-fluff Indigenous relations consulting, culture training that lands with teams (like the Indigenous Culture 101 I delivered to Burton’s global sales crew), and collaborative strategies that turn reconciliation into real business value.

If your resort, brand, or tourism organization is ready to move beyond land acknowledgments into genuine, revenue-positive partnerships, I’m the specialist who’s already done it at the highest level.

Let’s talk about bringing that same pioneering energy to your mountain. Coffee, chairlift ride, or Zoom—Blackbird’s always down.

— Court “Blackbird” Larabee Anishinaabe Leader | Founder, Blackbird Canada Canada’s Leading Specialist in Indigenous Relations for the Ski & Snowboard Industry www.blackbirdcanada.ca