Respectful roaming


Experiences rooted in Indigenous culture can be rewarding provided they benefit communities, finds Alice Barnes-Brown


DESTINATIONS INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES | CANADA


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Warrior Women walking tour PICTURE: Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada


travelweekly.co.uk


eeing a rugged Canadian landscape through the eyes of its First Peoples is a highlight of any traveller’s experience – in fact, it would be an


oversight to plan a trip to Canada without acknowledging and honouring its Indigenous communities. From learning about the area’s earliest inhabitants to exploring the modern relationship between Indigenous peoples and other communities, there are many ways to ensure both the visitor and Indigenous community enjoy a mutually beneficial experience. The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (Itac) has outlined an ambitious plan for Indigenous tourism experiences to contribute the equivalent of £3.3 billion to Canada’s GDP by 2030 – a significant uplift from its 2019 peak of just over £1 billion – which would see Canada become the global leader in offering experiences of this kind. Agents can play a critical role in supporting authentic Indigenous businesses. So if you’re new to selling this type of activity, here’s how to get started.


DO . . . look for reliable accreditation The easiest way to find responsible Indigenous tourism opportunities is via the Destination Indigenous website (destinationindigenous.ca). Alternatively, look for Itac’s ‘Original Original’ label on your prospective supplier’s website – this means that the business is at least 51% Indigenous-owned, and guided by ancestral principles of authenticity and respect for the land, as well as being ready for the international market. Candace Campo, co-owner and operator of Vancouver-


based Talaysay Tours, says: “We like to meet with our partners, so we can learn more about their clientele. We share our


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