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Although BC indigenous tourism has been funded by the provincial government, indigenous groups are pushing for more tourism funding as many struggle to stay afloat.

Author of the article:

Pratyush Dayal

Publication date:

June 27, 2021 • 31 minutes ago • 3 minutes read • Join the conversation Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, in North Vancouver on June 16, 2020. Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, in North Vancouver on June 16, 2020. Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG

As COVID-19 travel restrictions are eased, indigenous tour operators are pushing for more tourism aid as many are still grappling with the post-pandemic.

“The current situation is still very critical. Yes, there has been some investment, but we have lost hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, jobs and people who have had cultural experiences, “said Keith Henry, President and CEO of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC). .

“Indigenous tourism is really life-sustaining right now.”

Indigenous tourism includes lodges and resorts, outdoor adventure experiences, and galleries and souvenir shops. BC Indigenous tourism companies recently raised over $ 28 million for 60 projects to aid their recovery from the pandemic.

“Indigenous tourism is one of the fastest growing segments of tourism in British Columbia as it provides an opportunity to share indigenous cultures and experience communities in new ways,” said Melanie Mark, Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports. “This funding shows reconciliation in action by establishing and expanding projects for the economic development of tourism with indigenous nations and supporting the self-determination of indigenous companies.”

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Earlier this year, 140 indigenous tourism companies had received grants to help mitigate the effects of COVID-19. The province had raised $ 5 million through the BC Indigenous Tourism Recovery Fund.

But Henry says hundreds of indigenous businesses are still struggling to survive.

“Indigenous tourism is very important to the role of Canada’s macroeconomic health. One in three Canadians is interested in indigenous experiences. Canadians spend millions of dollars exploring their backyard every year, we want Canadians to spend more money. Many Canadians are still ignorant of indigenous culture and experiences, ”he said.

This tourism contributes to the indigenous economy, which promotes the country’s economic growth. ITAC hopes that more visitors will visit indigenous businesses, especially in rural and remote communities like those in the Okanagan. The travel funds also help indigenous companies create jobs.

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“This year we want people to realize, more than ever, that we are at a turning point in this time of reconciliation and these terrible tragedies in the boarding schools. We believe in our industry that we are one of the strongest platforms for Canadians to gather support in our communities, ”said Henry.

“If you want to help the communities protect their land and feel supported, if you want to help the communities that you care about their history, come to indigenous tourism companies.”

Henry says many Indigenous business people talk about boarding schools, which are not new to Indigenous people but kind of stayed under the radar to Canadians.

“Now that Canadians are paying attention, we want them to experience and learn with us. At this tipping point, I firmly believe that Canadians can be part of the solution by supporting local indigenous experiences. “

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Indigenous tourism also serves as a way for indigenous peoples to regain power over their lands and for those interested in exploring parts of BC to experience the land from those who know it best. During these emotional times, indigenous tourism can be a path of reconciliation, Henry noted.

A Canadian adventure platform, Yervana, is going in that direction by partnering with indigenous tour operators in BC and Alberta. Via their web-based platform, they connect travelers with local guides who know the region best.

“When you think of locals, you think of indigenous cultural trips. They really are the original storytellers. We’re all about our locals, ”said Jim McGovern, CEO and Founder of Yervana. “We believe that people have a real thirst for knowledge. So it’s not about going on a hike, for example, but about what you learn on this hike. “

McGovern finds that this quest for knowledge and indigenous experience is stimulated by the younger generation. Storytelling is rudimentary for their indigenous tourism adventure.

“People want to network and create a social connection as part of their trip. Knowing who the local is is one of the reasons they go on an adventure, ”he said.

pdayal@postmedia.com

twitter: Pratyush_Dayal_

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