Tricia Thomas is an Indigenous entrepreneur, facilitator, business coach, speaker, and a proud member of the Halalt (Xeláltxw) Nation. A mother of two children, Tricia strives to support her community and strengthen culture and language while living and working on Halalt territory near Chemainus BC.
Her personal mission is to create positive change for Indigenous People and build cross-cultural relationships that will inspire Reconciliation and hope for future generations.
As the award-winning Creative Director and founder of Salish Eye Productions, Tricia’s goal has been to provide a voice for her People and empower economic self-sufficiency in Indigenous communities through facilitation, storytelling, media and technology tools. She also serves as an Indigenous Relations Consultant with organizations wanting to build meaningful relationships with the First Nations in whose territories they live and work.
Since 2018, Tricia has been an Indigenous Entrepreneurship Facilitator and Program Manager for Indigenous Advancement of Cultural Entrepreneurship (I-ACE) for the Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria, guiding and supporting over 100 business start-ups and expansions.
A sought-after speaker, Tricia loves to share her insightful stories with others to foster awareness and equality of all people. In 2021, she gave the keynote address at the Deloitte National Executive Services Conference, sharing her perspective on the Truth of how Indigenous people experience colonialism today, and ways to incorporate Reconciliation into business practices.
Tricia recently completed her MBA in Sustainable Innovation at the University of Victoria, with a focus on Cultivating Indigenous Sovereignty through Solar Energy. She is an Instructor in the Bachelor of Commerce Program, and a founding Board member and Chair for the WISE (Wellness in Indigenous Sustainable Economies) Centre.
Recognition of Tricia’s efforts include Award Winner at the BC Achievement Foundation’s Indigenous Business Awards 2017; and Indigenous Innovator in Canada – “Indigenous people who are making a difference with bold ideas that have big impact.” (Reporting in Indigenous Communities, led by CBC’s Duncan McCue in 2019).