Company Story
It began with two old friends who shared a vision. What if people doing what they love, exploring new places, could help bring healing, understanding, and real economic opportunity?
Darrell Phillips, aka Little Black Bear, was a master facilitator and community builder from Hollow Water First Nation. He had enjoyed guiding groups of Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth on journeys across Canada and as far afield as Europe. Through these transformative experiences Darrell taught people to see the world through each other’s eyes.
Chris Maxfield had devoted more than twenty years to helping Indigenous organizations build strong foundations through pensions and benefits, building economic power and cultural pride. He shared Darrell’s belief that travel could be an avenue of reconciliation; that culture is not a barrier to overcome, but a gift to be shared.
In 2015 dreams began to take shape as Chris and Darrell, together with their families, founded Indigeno Travel; an Indigenous-owned and led full-service travel agency. Sadly, Darrell was unable to carry the vision forward, as he succumbed to illness in 2017. The torch was passed to his wife Charlene, who joined Chris in establishing Indigeno Travel as a legal entity.
Indigeno Travel is not just another company; it’s a beacon for reconciliation through action. With every trip booked and every cultural exchange sparked, the legacy of Little Black Bear and his friend lives on; proof that healing can begin with a single journey taken together.
VISION:
To unite travellers in a spirit of reconciliation
MISSION:
To be an Indigenous owned and operated leader in the travel and tourism industry
PURPOSE:
To advance the Indigeneus economy by providing service and education to Indigenous and non-Indigenous clients