M.Sc., Rural Planning & Development (University of Guelph)
David has been at the helm of North Island College’s Adventure Guiding and Indigenous Ecotourism programs on Vancouver Island since 2002. Through this he has worked closely with students and knowledge keepers from over 30 coastal First Nations.
He is the past owner and now consulting Co-Manager of West Coast Expeditions, through a recent ownership transition to the local Ka:’yu:’k’t’h’ / Che:k:tles7et’h’ First Nations (KCFN). WCE provides a nationally recognized Canadian Signature Experience and was Canada's first kayak tour company to achieve the Sustainable Tourism Gold Award. Through his leadership and this ownership transition WCE recently became accredited with The Original Original mark from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) as part of an exciting and important path ahead for the KCFN and sector.
With more than 35 years of experience guiding, instructing and educating in coastal BC, David is committed to developing well-rounded skills and knowledge in adventure and ecotourism leaders, including a passion for working with Indigenous ecotourism education, partnerships, and community capacity building. David’s applied research and consulting outreach has been focused on community-based tourism planning and regional economic development that prioritizes cultural and ecological stewardship for health and well-being.
Level 3 Guide, Guide Trainer and Examiner (The Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of British Columbia)
Level 2 Sea Kayak Instructor (Paddle Canada)
B.Arts Sc. (Combined Honours), Anthropology (McMaster University)
International Baccalaureate (Pearson United World College)
NAU-016 Restricted Operator Certificate -ýMaritime
TGA-100 Guiding Skills 1
TGA-101 InterpretationýCulture
TGA-103 Sea Kayaking 1
TGA-105 Canoeing
TGA-106 Sea Kayaking 2
TGA-110 Guiding Skills 2
TGA-131 Field Specialty Option 1
TGA-132 Field Specialty Option 2
TGA-700 Work Placement
THM-100 The Tourism Industry
THM-211 Sustainable TourismýIndustry
THM-225 Cross Cultural Tourism
THM-300 Global Tourism
Adventure Guiding Certificate
Tourism & Hospitality Management Diploma-Adventure Guiding Option
Tourism & Hospitality Management Diploma-Hospitality Option
Tourism & Hospitality Management Diploma-Sustainable Tourism Option
For over 40 years, West Coast Expeditions have been marine ecology tour leaders in British Columbia, creating and delivering unmatched diverse west coast experiences, including over 25 years with guided sea kayaking adventures.
David has been a volunteer Director with the WTABC, working to to ensure a sustainable future for BC's wilderness tourism industry through leadership, advocacy and stewardship.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the featured faculty member. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of North Island College.