Host: Jamie Bourne, Indigenous Tourism Specialist, TOTA
After receiving much interest in the first Preparing an "Indigenous Cultural Tourism Strategy" workshop, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is hosting this virtual workshop once again.
In this workshop we will share how Indigenous communities, and Non Indigenous communities can develop Indigenous Cultural Tourism experiences and how any tourism businesses can incorporate Indigenous Tourism into their offerings.
What is Indigenous Cultural and Heritage Tourism?
Indigenous cultural tourism is about the people and the community and the way of life. Culture is the way of life, knowledge, ideas, customs, laws, and habits of a group of people or society that they accept together as their core values.
Indigenous Heritage Tourism is about the place where people are traveling to experience the places, artifacts, and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present
Indigenous Tourism is defined as a tourism business majority owned, operated and/or controlled by First Nations, Métis, or Inuit peoples which demonstrates a connection and responsibility to the local Indigenous community and traditional territory where the operation is based.
Indigenous Cultural Tourism meets the Indigenous tourism criteria described above with a significant portion of the experience incorporating a distinct Indigenous culture in a manner that is appropriate, respectful, and true. Authenticity lies in the active involvement of Indigenous people in the development and delivery of the experience.
This workshop is offered through the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Resiliency Program.