Four Ways Indigenous Tourism Supports Sustainable Travel

The symbiotic connection between Indigenous culture and sustainability has been in existence long before "sustainability" was ever a word. Inherently, respect for Mother Earth and all entities is a characteristic Indigenous culture has taught through oral history since time immemorial.

Sustainable travel connects community, culture, conservation and commerce (otherwise known as the four C's) – and Alberta's Indigenous experiences represent all four of those pillars.

Community

Alberta is a province made up of resilient, welcoming, and diverse communities, each different from the next. When it comes to tourism – and, in this case, Indigenous tourism – supporting communities empowers locals to drive their own sustainable development while providing viable economic opportunities.

Métis Crossing is Alberta's first major Métis cultural interpretation centre and it sets the stage for Indigenous experiences, workshops, lodging, camping and events. The interpretation centre is located 110 km (68 mi) from Edmonton and pulls together some of the best parts of community including arts, culture and music, with something that every traveller needs: a place to stay.

Culture

Alberta's Indigenous tourism experiences offer many opportunities to learn and engage with the diverse cultures that make up this province. Because our identifies are so closely connected with our cultures, this provides a transformational and sustainable experience.

Culture and language revitalization are some of the most empowering and positive outcomes of Indigenous tourism. What does that mean? It means travellers spending money to learn this history and knowledge puts a monetary value on preserving it for future generations. It means sustainable tourism has created a greater need to protect traditions, languages and history. And it means younger generations will see opportunity and pride in sharing their culture and language with others.

Two-way dialogue is pivotal to understanding Indigenous cultures, which is something Talking Rock Tours brings to every discovery tour. With tours available in Edmonton, the Badlands, Nordegg, and Elk Island National Park, Talking Rock Tours brings science from the mind, stories from the heart, and history from the land to share the geological wonders of Alberta through natural and cultural storytelling. Think you know Edmonton's River Valley or the grasslands of Elk Island National Park? The human connection between these ancient lands and their healing properties might surprise you.

Conservation

Indigenous people are the original stewards of the land. Their oral history teaches the methodology of conservation and sustainable practices in ways western society is only now beginning to understand. From sustainable hunting practices to farming, fire protection through controlled burns, and water management, Indigenous people have always worked with Mother Earth, not against her.

At Painted Warriors, connections to the land and traditional foraging methods, including hunting, are taught at a level that helps visitors understand the need for survival and using everything that is taken. Transport yourself to a time when traditional hunting methods meant survival, while also sleeping outside (in a bit more comfort) in a glamping tent.

Similarly, Mahikan Trails uses plant and medicine walks to connect the importance of sustainable foraging with conservation and caring for the land so the land can take care of us.

No matter what time of year, the need for survival and caring for the land was always important, which is why both of these experiences are available year-round.

Commerce

Commerce within tourism is needed so owners stay invested and reliable income is generated for the communities and people dependent on the business's success. For conservation, community, and culture to succeed within sustainable tourism, the commerce factor needs to be balanced or profitable. Supporting Indigenous tourism means contributing to revenue sources that are funding language revitalization, retaining culture and social structure, and supporting reconciliation in action.

Whether it's an artist or artisan's shop, a hotel, a guided tour, dining, transportation businesses, or one of the many other Indigenous experiences across the province, supporting Indigenous tourism is one of the best ways to engage with sustainable travel. And Alberta's Indigenous tourism operators are ready and excited to welcome you.