‘We have to make sure that we are developing a new stream of tourism that’s led by Indigenous communities,’ says federal tourism minister
Author of the article:
The Canadian Press
Chuck Chiang
Published Nov 20, 2023 • 3 minute read
The federal government has launched a $10-million program to directly supporting small businesses involved in Indigenous tourism across Canada. Unofficially named “The First Sidewalk” a 700-foot walking trail system to promote ecotourism is seen in Bella Bella, B.C., Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022.Photo by CHAD HIPOLITO /THE CANADIAN PRESS
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Canada’s new tourism minister says Indigenous rights and decision-making must be respected in how the country operates and develops its tourist industry, which may present unique opportunities for Aboriginal communities to grow those businesses.
Soraya Martinez Ferrada said instances of tourism sites being shut down by Indigenous communities are examples of the nations making themselves heard on issues important to their members.
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“We have to make sure that we are working … at the rhythm that they want to do it, and in terms of what they want to show — not what we want to see,” Martinez Ferrada said Friday.
“It’s what they want to share in terms of experiences and traditions and culture. And that’s up to Indigenous communities to do that. That’s what we call self-determination.”
Two B.C. First Nations shut down access to the popular Joffre Lakes Provincial Park for several weeks this summer to assert their title and rights to harvest and gather resources in the area.
The Líl̓wat and N’Quatqua nations asked others to honour the decision to remain out of the park to ensure the well-being of their members.
The nations said the closure was supported by both the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and a Supreme Court of Canada ruling that required First Nations consent for the use their lands and resources.
The park reopened in September after an agreement between the nations and the provincial government.
Upper Joffre Lake near PembertonPhoto by LeonU /PNG
Martinez Ferrada said the challenge is for each Indigenous community to determine how to operate tourism-related activities on its land in a way to benefit members economically, while not hurting the natural setting that’s both environmentally and culturally important.
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She said another example of the need for balance is the increased prevalence of cruise ships and yachts in Canada’s North, which has potential to disrupt fishing and other water-based opportunities that are part of the Indigenous way of life.
“We have to be careful,” Martinez Ferrada said. “We have to make sure that we are developing a new stream of tourism that’s led by Indigenous communities. But they want to make sure that’s not going to impact their fishery.
“So, it’s the right balance that communities want to find, and we have to respect that … and the rhythm and the time they’re going to take to do that.”
In August, a statement from B.C.’s opposition United party said the Joffre Lakes disruption came about as a result of the NDP government not properly engaging First Nations communities.
Martinez Ferrada was in Vancouver Friday announcing the launch of a $10-million program to provide grants to small businesses involved in Indigenous tourism across Canada.
The fund, to be administered by the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, will supply qualified small businesses with up to $25,000 each in non-repayable assistance.
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Soraya Martinez Ferrada rises during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020.Photo by Justin Tang /The Canadian Press
Martinez Ferrada said the goal of the program is to build “capacity” among Indigenous businesses to be able to support whatever decisions they make on the direction of tourism on First Nations land.
She said the funding will also help the Indigenous Tourism Association promote an accreditation program certifying businesses that offer “high-quality authentic experiences,” and growing this segment of tourism is one of her top priorities.
The federal government said Indigenous tourism was among the hardest hit sectors of the travel industry during the pandemic, just as it was becoming one of the fastest-growing segments before COVID-19.
The new program will be financed through a $20-million Indigenous Tourism Fund that was announced by the federal government in its 2022 budget.
Martinez Ferrada said the remaining $10 million in the fund will be dedicated to support and strengthen “signature projects” already driving the Indigenous tourism sector and ready to be “shown to the world.”
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