Tourism

The debate around the Canadian aboriginal tourism industry has been ongoing for decades. Some argue it is an excellent opportunity for indigenous peoples to gain economic independence and to revitalize and share their traditional cultures which were previously denied them. Others claim it creates a culture which fetishizes, stereotypes, and degrades their traditions. Tourism can also be tricky for tourists who want to make sure they are receiving an authentic experience, when others might be appropriating cultural traditions in order to sell them off. The aboriginal tourism industry in Canada has been steadily growing for years; bringing in millions of dollars in revenue.

1. An article about the growth of the aboriginal tourism industry in Canada:
   
   https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/activities-and-interests/canadas-aboriginal-tourism-gives-travellers-a-taste-of-history/article26976171/


2. A book concerning the practices of indigenous tourism around the world, including discussions and case studies of the potential benefits and negative repercussions involved.
    
   • At Chapters for purchase:
     http://www.cjc-online.ca/index.php/journal/article/view/2619
   
   
   • The Carleton University library site which has this book and many others on the same topic:
     https://library.carleton.ca/
3. This company connects aboriginal peoples' tourism businesses from across Canada to provide a coherent guide to activities available for tourists who are interested in First Nations, Inuit, and Metis cultures.
   
   https://aboriginalcanada.ca/


4. Indigenous Walks is run by Jaime Koebel, a Michif woman, and features walks and talks of downtown Ottawa through an Indigenous perspective.
   
   http://www.indigenouswalks.com/


5. The interest in Canadian Aboriginal cultures is starting to permeate the food industry as well. Restaurants that focus on Canadian Indigenous cuisine are starting to pop up all over Canada.
   
   http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/indigenous-chefs-raise-awareness-traditional-foods-1.4042522


6. In March 2017, Top Chef Canada Finalist, Rich Francis, held a special event in Vancouver: Cooking for Reconciliation. It was aimed at creating awareness of the attempts to destroy the cultures of the first peoples of Canada.
    

   https://www.aboriginalbc.com/events/cooking-for-reconciliation-at-skwachays/