Recreation and Indigenous Tourism

 

Webinar Summary

Indigenous tourism is a fast-growing niche in B.C.’s tourism landscape and one that does well with outdoor recreation. Many First Nations are developing their own nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation initiatives that highlight Indigenous culture, history, and stewardship. The goals of these efforts often align with the broader objectives of the outdoor recreation community. Collaborating could unlock many interesting synergies.

In the ORCBC’s March webinar, we hosted a panel of experts to discuss how recreation groups can support and partner with First Nations and Indigenous-owned businesses to further these efforts.

Watch the webinar Recording

Shelley Witzky’s slides

Panelists

Summary

Indigenous Tourism BC supports the development of tourism businesses with resources and can play a part in connecting outdoor recreation and Indigenous businesses. 

Indigenous tourism projects are often focused on connecting people to the land, revitalizing First Nation culture and creating space for Elders to share stories. Outdoor recreation is a natural fit with this vision. Trails and natural landscapes are what many visitors are coming to B.C. to experience. Both outdoor recreation and Indigenous tourism share a sustainable vision for the land. 

The following projects are good examples:

Secwepemc Landmarks Project

  • 100 trail sign posts, carved by students with traditional Secwepemc pictorgraphs

  • 16 sculpture style landmarks at important points in Shuswap area

  • Visiting sites with Elders to celebrate the hard work.

  • Shuswap Trail Alliance helped identify sites and provide expertise and knowledge

Waglisla Trails

  • Three trails near the Heiltsuk Nation’s reserve at Bella Bella.

  • Some new trails, one trail around Martin Lake recovered and improved. 

  • Provide access to recreation and nature near the village.

  • More people in community exercising and using recreation.

  • Partnered with First Journey Trails, which trained village youth to create capacity.

  • Community now able to build and maintain on own.

McAbee Fossil Beds Heritage Site

  • Bonaparte First Nation took over management of the site near Cache Creek from the provincial government. 

  • Built more than 17 kilometres of trails of varying difficulty to fossil beds and on to grasslands beyond.

  • Challenging environment for trail building, particularly the heat.

  • Big plans to expand the trail system, add ATV trails, and build a visitor centre. 

Squamish First Nation and SORCA MOU

  • Nation and mountain bike club signed a MOU in 2012

  • Formalizes relationship between club and Nation.

  • Includes how relationship works, responsibilities of club.

How to start a conversation:

  • Open with a letter or phone call 

  • Share their news and celebrate each others successes with audience

  • Invite Indigenous businesses and Nation to events; attend their public events

  • Find a champion - ask who is most likely to respond, who has interest in what you are doing

  • Ask for Elder to open an event or participate

Key points: 

  • Find opportunities to work in a good way

  • 7 Generations thinking is key, so land is in good shape for future

  • Youth engagement is important

  • Many First Nations are resource limited - look for ways to fill gaps in their knowledge, resources

  • Don’t be afraid to offend - be genuine and curious and mistakes will be forgiven

  • Adjust expectations and timelines - goal is to socialize, connect and build trust first

  • Pace is important - change and opportunities can’t get ahead of what people are ready for

Quotes:

“If Elders support an idea nothing can stop it!” - Shelley Witzky

“We need to get healthy before we can get well. Recreation is an opportunity for us to get healthy.” - Evangeline Clifton

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Support Our Work

Thank you to the Real Estate Foundation of BC for sponsoring this webinar. As a non-profit organization, we rely on supporters to keep our programs, resources, and advocacy going so that B.C. can have enjoyable and responsible outdoor recreation opportunities. A tax-deductible donation today makes a big impact for the outdoors tomorrow.