Indigenous Tourism. Indigenous Tourism is a concept that has the indigenous people of Canada as whole or majority owners in tourism initiatives which generate income and educate people in the land or culture of the many indigenous groups in Canada.
Canada has a long aboriginal history. With thousands of different indigenous tribes, bands and groups, there is an opportunity to help some of these isolated or even neglected communities generate income through the tourism sector. By allowing for the development of tourism initiatives by the original inhabitants of the land, we are getting a more authentic experience and are educating tourists on the unique nature of the cultures which exist here. Exposing people to indigenous Canada can help people understand the current relationship with Canada and the growing need for greater emphasis on reconciliation.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
Your job is to research an indigenous tourism initiative from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Yukon, Northwest Territories OR Nunavut. There are a variety of sources you can use to find different providers in the indigenous tourism sector.
Initiatives could be a museum, a tour operator, an attraction or historic site, an experience or even an event. As long as what you have chosen is run by indigenous Canadians.
In your tourism poster you will need to provide the following:
i) Location of the attraction/operator
ii) How to access the location (boat/air/car/bus). If by air, include which airlines fly there, if by road, include how to get there from major cities in southern Canada, if by boat, include access to ports etc. This is an opportunity to SELL the region, so make accessibility clear and concise.
iii) Cost of the attraction/tour/activity. Engaging potential tourists should also include costing the experience. People want to know how much things are going to cost before they commit, providing this information on your poster will be important.
iv) Information about the indigenous group running the company/attraction etc. You will want to sell potential tourists on the authenticity of the experience by giving them a breif background of the local group, band or tribe who run it.
v) Visuals. Making a poster with information is important, but including a visually pleasing look helps to attract potential customers. Organize your information in a way that is easy to find and read while catching the eye with visuals.
