Chapter 12. Aboriginal Tourism
Keith Henry and Terry Hood
Learning Objectives
- Describe the socio-political context for Aboriginal tourism development
- Identify steps taken to uphold indigenous rights as they relate to tourism in developing nations
- Discuss the evolution of Aboriginal tourism in Canada and its connection to cultural/heritage tourism
- Describe approaches taken to strengthen and increase the number of Aboriginal tourism businesses in Canada and BC
- Describe the stages of market readiness and how these relate to Aboriginal tourism products and experiences
- Explain the concept of authenticity and the challenges in delivering authentic visitor experiences
- Articulate the importance of community involvement and effective partnerships in developing Aboriginal tourism businesses
- Recognize the value of Aboriginal tourism to BC’s tourism industry, and key agencies responsible for its development
- Relate success stories in Aboriginal tourism business operations and collaborations in BC, Canada, and elsewhere
Overview
In previous chapters, you’ve learned that Aboriginal tourism is an increasingly central part of BC’s tourism economy. In Canada, tourism operations that are majority owned and operated by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people comprise this segment of the industry. This chapter explores the global context for Aboriginal tourism development, the history of the sector in BC, and important facts about Aboriginal tourism in BC today.
Today’s travellers are attracted to many global destinations because of the opportunity to interact with, and learn from, other cultures. Visitors to Australia can meet an Aboriginal guide who will help them feel a spiritual connection through a memorable outback experience. In New Zealand (Aotearoa in the Maori language), tourists are often welcomed into a ceremonial community marae, a communal or sacred centre that serves a religious and social purpose in Polynesian societies (New Zealand Maori Tourism Society, 2012).
In the mountainous region of northern Vietnam, traditionally dressed ethnic minority villagers are now opening their homes to international trekkers, thus generating new income for the community. In the United States, visitors to the ancient desert wonders of Monument Valley can enhance their experience in a Navaho-run hotel, enjoying indigenous cuisine while learning about the cultures of the Native American groups that have lived there for centuries.
Globally, indigenous peoples are those groups protected under international or national legislation as having specific rights based on their historical ties to a particular territory and their cultural or historical distinctiveness from other populations (Coates, 2004). Indigenous people in Canada are often called First peoples or Aboriginal peoples and have diverse languages, ceremonies, traditions, and histories. The Canadian Constitution Act recognizes three groups of Aboriginal people: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
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