“I am honoured to be the 2025 recipient of the IWD award. It is a blessing to be recognized by the Niagara community….I feel a sense of accomplishment when I think about the impact I have made through Tubman Tours Canada. Sharing Niagara’s rich Black history with visitor groups and other interested people is the most rewarding.” – Rochelle Bush
News from Niagara College, with files from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce
Posted March 10th, 2025 on Niagara At Large
Rochelle Bush (Class of 2018) is owner of Tubman Tours Canada.
Niagara, Ontario – Niagara College alumna Rochelle Bush was in the spotlight this past March 7th on International Women’s Day for championing Black history in Niagara.
Bush, who is the owner of and primary guide of St. Catharines-based Tubman Tours Canada, will receive the 2025 International Women’s Day award from the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) and Women in Niagara (WIN).
The award was presented at the GNCC/WIN IWD event on March 7 in Niagara Falls, where Bush will be a key speaker. The award celebrates one outstanding Niagara woman and her contributions each year.
“Rochelle Bush is a proud descendant of freedom seekers whose dedication to preserving, promoting, and protecting Canada’s Black history has profoundly shaped our community.
As a historian, educator, and advocate, her work–through Tubman Tours Canada, Salem Chapel, and numerous historical initiatives–ensures that the legacies of Harriet Tubman and other freedom seekers are not forgotten,” said N’ora Kalb, Chair of the WIN Council.
“Her leadership, passion, and commitment to inclusivity embody the values of WIN, making her a truly deserving recipient of the 2025 International Women’s Day Award.”
The historic Salem Chapel in St. Catharines, Ontario
“I am honoured to be the 2025 recipient of the IWD award. It is a blessing to be recognized by the Niagara community,” said Bush. “I feel a sense of accomplishment when I think about the impact I have made through Tubman Tours Canada. Sharing Niagara’s rich Black history with visitor groups and other interested people is the most rewarding.”
Bush has dedicated more than 25 years to preserving, promoting, and protecting Canada’s rich Black history. She played a pivotal role in shaping the early Black history narrative and government tourism initiatives in St. Catharines and across Niagara.
She began offering step-on guide services, showcasing Niagara’s Freedom Trail and enhancing visitors’ understanding of the Underground Railroad. About 15 years ago, she launched the Harriet Tubman Tour, highlighting Tubman’s time in St. Catharines.
Born and raised in St. Catharines, her deep-rooted connection to the community continues to shape her work. Her maternal great-great-grandfather served as minister-in-charge of Salem Chapel, BME Church during the period when Harriet Tubman was an active member.
Bush graduated from NC’s Social Service Worker program in 2018. She also graduated from the College in 1983 (Fashion Arts).
More recently, she has reconnected with her alma mater as a guest speaker for the NC Retirees Association in February and for NCSAC a couple of years ago.
Looking back on her time at NC, the words of a professor stand out in her memory.
“A teacher repeatedly instructed me, along with his other students, to write down any thoughts or ideas immediately, and to always pay attention to detail no matter how great or small,” she said. “Both instructions have benefitted me in life and on my career journey. ”
She also recalled moving back to Niagara after a period of time when she frequently commuted from Toronto during the nineties and decided to launch her tour company. She signed up for a business management course at NC and ended up with a positive, enthusiastic mentor, Steve Stunt.
“He thought my tourism business plan was good, said I would face some challenges because it’s a seasonal business, and encouraged me to ‘stay the course,’” she recalled. “For the next five years, Steve would check in with me and provide guidance.
“When the SARS pandemic shut down tourism in Ontario in 2003, Steve advised that I wait it out instead of closing down. He truly inspired me and I am glad I listened to him.”
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