Indigenous Tourism in Canada: Canada woos visitors with epic wilderness and cosmopolitan cities. But a key element is missing from its tourism branding – Indigenous culture. While other nations like New Zealand proudly showcase Indigenous heritage, Canada’s complex colonial history has muted Indigenous presence.
But growing advocacy for Indigenous tourism in Canada aims to celebrate First Nations and rectify oversights. Doing so responsibly hinges on addressing systemic inequality, elevating Indigenous voices and ensuring communities benefit.
Join me as we dive into the past and future of Indigenous tourism in Canada.
Why is Indigenous Culture Largely Absent from Canadian Tourism?
Flip through travel brochures for Canada and you’ll find majestic mountain ranges, vibrant multicultural cities and annealing winter sports. But representations of Indigenous culture are few and far between.
This is no accident. For centuries, colonial policies systematically marginalized Indigenous peoples, suppressing their traditions, languages and ways of life. Indigenous culture was not something to showcase, but rather to contain.
While Canada now officially promotes diversity and inclusion, enduring disparities reveal continued uneven treatment of Indigenous peoples:
- Lack of access to clean water, healthcare, education, housing
- High unemployment rates and poverty
- Overrepresentation in prisons
- Ongoing discoveries of unmarked graves at Residential Schools
Such stark inequities make celebrating Indigenous culture complicated. How can tourism authentically spotlight Indigenous heritage when communities continue to face discrimination?
This incongruity between Canada’s public image and lived Indigenous realities explains the absence of Indigenous tourism. But changing societal attitudes are spurring a push for inclusion.
New Zealand Shows What Indigenous Tourism Could Look Like
Nearby New Zealand models what a robust embrace of Indigenous tourism could resemble in Canada. Māori culture is proudly woven throughout the country’s tourism industry:
- Māori language and iconography feature on national airlines and at airports
- Māori place names are used for landmarks and amenities
- Māori performances showcase song, dance and arts
- Māori guides lead immersive tours and experiences
This vibrant presence attracts visitors eager to engage with living Indigenous culture. Māori tourism accounts for roughly $5 billion annually in economic impact.
New Zealand also prioritizes Indigenous operators by funding its Māori Tourism Agency. And the government partners with Māori on initiatives to protect sacred sites and natural resources.
So could Canada realistically adopt a similar model? There are glimmers of possibility, but the path won’t be straightforward. Systemic change and re-education are needed first.
Why Indigenous Tourism Has Been Complicated in Canada
Incorporating Indigenous elements into Canadian tourism requires understanding the colonial policies that displaced First Nations from the mainstream consciousness in the first place.
1. Legacy of the Indian Act
The 1876 Indian Act defined and constrained First Nations identities and rights. It created the reserve system that displaced Indigenous peoples from ancestral lands. Outlawing cultural practices further marginalized Indigenous ways of life.
This act also makes Indigenous business development difficult today by limiting access to capital. The reserve system hinders infrastructure, restricting tourism feasibility in remote northern communities.
2. Concerns About Commodifying Culture
Some First Nations worry that promoting Indigenous tourism could lead to cultural appropriation or dilution of sacred traditions for commercial gain. Without proper context, visitors may not treat cultural sites respectfully.
Authentic Indigenous tourism must be led by communities to ensure it is educational, sensitive and beneficial. Avoiding tokenization or performance is crucial.
3. Ongoing Reconciliation Efforts
While progress has been made, Canada is still reconciling past harms done to Indigenous peoples through initiatives like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Full equity is yet to be achieved.
This context explains why prominently integrating Indigenous elements into Canadian tourism has been cautiously slow. How can Canada thoughtfully move in this direction?
Pathways for Indigenous Tourism to Thrive Responsibly
If handled carefully and respectfully, highlighting Indigenous tourism could boost cultural understanding and socioeconomic inclusion. Here are key strategies for an empowering integration:
Uplift Indigenous Voices
Indigenous peoples must shape tourism initiatives themselves to share narratives on their own terms. This prevents misappropriation and ensures proper protocols are followed regarding sacred lore and sites.
Invest in Indigenous Operators
Entrepreneurship programs tailored to Indigenous businesses help local operators deliver authentic tours and experiences. Directing tourism revenues into communities sustains long-term benefits.
Foster Cultural Understanding
Visitors wanting to learn about First Nations and Métis should visit Reserves and cultural centers. Proper education combats ignorance and ethnocentrism among tourists.
Promote Reconciliation
Indigenous tourism that confronting difficult histories like Residential Schools educates visitors on colonial harms. This advances the national reconciliation movement.
Protect Ecosystems
Sustainable tourism principles prevent damage to ecosystems integral to Indigenous cultures. Conservation helps destinations balance tourism growth.
Share Truth Before Celebrating
A national embrace of Indigenous tourism works best when all citizens, not just visitors, appreciate Indigenous peoples’ integral, ongoing role in Canadian society.
The Future of Indigenous Tourism Looks Bright
Done respectfully, Indigenous tourism in Canada has huge potential for reconciliation and equitable growth. With careful collaboration, vibrant Indigenous culture can be incorporated into tourism branding in ways that enrich experiences for visitors and communities alike.
The path requires grappling with the past, amplifying Indigenous voices in the present and building partnerships for the future. But the promise of showcasing Canada’s diverse heritage while supporting Indigenous operators makes the effort worthwhile.
What role do you see for Indigenous tourism as our national narrative evolves? Share your thoughts in the comments.
FAQs
Why is Indigenous tourism limited in Canada?
Indigenous tourism is limited due to Canada’s history of colonialism, the Indian Act restricting businesses, lack of infrastructure in remote areas, and concerns about cultural appropriation.
How could Canada embrace Indigenous tourism?
Canada could embrace Indigenous tourism by uplifting Indigenous operators, investing in Indigenous businesses, promoting cultural understanding, incorporating Indigenous elements into existing tourism sites, and addressing systemic inequality.
What are examples of Indigenous tourism?
Examples include Indigenous-owned tour companies, cultural centers, museums, art galleries, restaurants, performances, storytelling, language lessons, craft workshops, and outdoor excursions on Indigenous lands.
What are benefits of Indigenous tourism in Canada?
Benefits are celebrating Indigenous heritage, economic opportunities for communities, fostering cultural exchange, educating visitors, advancing reconciliation, and incorporating diverse representations into Canadian branding.
How can travelers engage in Indigenous tourism respectfully?
Travelers can engage respectfully by doing research beforehand, hiring Indigenous guides, following cultural protocols, avoiding stereotypes, prioritizing learning, and ensuring their dollars benefit communities directly.
