The Gen Z entrepreneur blending her Indigenous heritage with a very modern take on tourism

Campo explains how certain plants were used for medicine, food, and crafting

Talaysay Campo, a member of the Squamish and Sechelt Nations, co-founded Talaysay Tours as a Gen-Z entrepreneur. She leads guided experiences along Whistler’s Lost Lake Trail in partnership with Intrepid Travel. The initiative launched recently to share ancestral knowledge through immersive forest walks. It aims to educate visitors while creating opportunities for Indigenous youth. Campo integrates traditional ecological knowledge into every tour, teaching participants about native plants, seasonal cycles, and cultural practices passed down through generations. Her approach combines storytelling with hands-on learning, ensuring the information is both respectful and engaging. By working with Intrepid, she gains access to a global audience while maintaining full cultural oversight. The tours are designed to be low-impact and deeply rooted in place-based wisdom. How ancestral knowledge shapes modern travel experiences Each tour begins with a welcome protocol that acknowledges the land’s original stewards.

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Campo explains how certain plants were used for medicine, food, and crafting long before colonial settlement. Visitors learn to identify species like salmonberry and cedar, understanding their roles in Squamish and Sechelt lifeways. She emphasizes that these teachings are not relics but living practices still relevant today. The goal is to foster genuine connection, not performative observation. Participants often leave with a shifted perspective on conservation and cultural respect. What does it mean to lead as a young Indigenous woman in tourism? Campo says leadership means balancing tradition with innovation, especially when bridging worlds that have often been at odds. She notes that young Indigenous entrepreneurs face unique pressures to represent their communities while navigating mainstream industries. Yet she sees her age as an asset, allowing her to reach younger travelers who seek authenticity over spectacle. Her work challenges outdated narratives about Indigenous cultures being static or historical.

Instead, she presents them as dynamic, adaptive, and forward-looking. This mindset helps attract partners who value ethical collaboration over extraction. Frequently Asked Questions How long are the Talaysay Tours experiences? The guided walks along Lost Lake Trail typically last between two and three hours, depending on group size and engagement level. Is prior knowledge of Indigenous cultures required to join? No, the tours are designed for all visitors, with Campo adapting her explanations to suit different levels of familiarity and interest. Are the tours available year-round? Currently, the experiences operate seasonally, primarily from late spring through early fall, to align with optimal trail conditions and plant visibility.