Indigenous tourism could revolutionize sector, says Wade Davis

Tahn Donovan tears up as she recalls watching amurder of crows circle above a singing First Nations' man, the birdscrowing as he broke into traditional song in the middle ofVancouver's Stanley Park.

"It just really resonated with me," said the Australianaboriginal woman, smiling at the memory of a recent indigenous-ledtour she took of the expansive green space. "And then the crowsstarted to sing.

"That connection with culture and land. To hear somebodysing for their country is really special."

Donovan, who represents an indigenous tourism council in WesternAustralia, was in Vancouver this past weekend as one of more than100 delegates at the second annual Pacific Asia Indigenous Tourismand Trade Conference.

The three-day event, which ended Monday, brought togetherindigenous groups from around the world to form partnerships, sharestories and discuss best practices on promoting the burgeoningfield. A key element explored the value of that unique relationshipbetween First Nations and the environment.

• Aboriginal 'cultural' tourism booming in B.C.

Delivering the conference's keynote address was renowned NationalGeographic explorer-in-residence Wade Davis who told delegates thatindigenous tourism could potentially revolutionize the industry byencouraging a better appreciation of cultural diversity.

"I think there's a moral and huge opportunity to becomeambassadors for an entire new way of being, a new geography ofhope," said Davis.But it needs to go beyond leveraging quotas of First nations intothe field, he added.

"Real tourism is when aboriginal societies on their own termscan share their visions of life in a profound way that gives thevisitor a true sense of authenticity, such that a visitor goes awayas an avatar of the wonder of culture."

Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C. head Keith Henry saidFirst Nations' tourism is unique because it provides a snapshot intoa culture and its people.

"We see visitors who are really looking for new experiences,unique experiences they want to know the true history and story ofthe land," he said.

"That's what aboriginal tourism does for all of tourism, notjust for aboriginal communities but for all of Canada."

Indigenous tourism in B.C. employs 3,400 people, reached $50million in revenue this year and Henry expects it to hit $68 millionby 2017.

Cuts to B.C. Ferries last year prompted criticism from FirstNations' entrepreneurs concerned about the impact reduced servicewould have on offering authentic travel experiences to remotecoastal areas.

"It's very important not only for jobs but it's also aboutcultural sustainability or revitalization," Henry added."We'veseen a lot of communities where tourism has been really theincubator to really helping a new sense of pride in the community."

That was the case with Dennis Thomas, a member of theTseil-Waututh Nation and general manager of an ecotourism canoe andkayak business in North Vancouver.

"Fifteen years ago I didn't really know anything about myculture," he said.

"Given that opportunity by my leaders to come and learn and knowthe history of my people and my songs, it just made me a betterperson."