Yukon conference focuses on First Nations cultural tourism - Action News
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Yukon conference focuses on First Nations cultural tourism

Three Yukon First Nations have organized a conference in Whitehorse this week to focus on what they see as a growing economic opportunity: the cultural tourism sector.

'It is important that people know our story is the story of the Yukon,' says CYFN grand chief

The Sharing Our Stories conference continues at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre until Friday. (Philippe Morin/CBC)

Hone Mihaka, who runs atourcompany in New Zealand, admits that people in his Maori community used to be skeptical of tourism.

"Fiftyyears ago our culture was being exploited by tourism companies," Mihakasaid. "Now that we have become more and more savvy with the tourism industry, we are starting to take control."

Mihaka is in Whitehorse this week to inspire Yukon first nations to similarlytake control of a lucrative industry aboriginal cultural tourism. He's a guest speaker at the "Sharing Our Stories" conference, organized by the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association.
'Tourism isn't something to be feared,' said Hone Mihaka, who runs a tourism business in New Zealand. He's in Whitehorse to speak at the conference. (Karen Vallevand/CBC)

The goal is to build the industry in Yukon whileensuring that indigenous communities benefit and are not "commodified."

"Our landscapes mean nothing to [tourists]unless we're there providing the stories of those cultural landscapes," Mihaka said.

Ruth Massie, Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN), agrees.

"It is important that people know our story isthe story of the Yukon," Massie said. Tourists, she said, "want the real dealwhen they visit."

Preserving, revitalizing culture

Recent Yukon government visitor surveys found16 per centof summer tourists "experienced Yukon First Nations culture or traditional ways," and 22 per cent rated First Nations culture as an "extremely important" factor in their travel plans.
Tourists want 'the real deal' when they visit, said Council of Yukon First Nations Grand Chief Ruth Massie. (Philippe Morin/CBC)

Massiesays First Nations communities are startingto seethe opportunities.

"We have so much to offer, in storytelling, teaching our culture, and our history," Massiesaid.

"[First Nations]are recognizing that the industry canhelp preserve and revitalize our past teaching, our language, our culture."

The Sharing Our Stories conference continues today and wraps up on Friday.