Exploring Indigenous cultures in B.C.
Indigenous Tourism BC’S new trip planner app links travellers to authentic experiences, curated itineraries and cultural knowledge
As British Columbians make holiday plans closer to home, now is a great time to learn more about rich First Nations cultures in the province. Indigenous tourism not only promotes travelling responsibly and sustainably — aligning well with top health officials’ guidelines to stay local — it’s a way to contribute to the revitalization of Indigenous cultures.
“When you visit an Indigenous destination, you’re not only contributing financially to business owners, you’re also supporting the community as a whole,” says Samantha Rullin, stakeholder and marketing coordinator for Indigenous Tourism BC “A lot of businesses hire youths within the community, which offers younger generations the opportunity to both share their culture and earn a living.”
“B.C. is home to one-third of Canada’s First Nations. There are so many different cultures and experiences to be had, and these stories can only be told by the communities themselves.”
To help holidaymakers book their vacations, Indigenous Tourism BC has launched a new trip planner app. The easy-to-use tool lists authentic Indigenous experiences and businesses, which can be searched by genre and geography. The “Learn” section includes common Indigenous words and phrases, for travellers hoping to pick up some of the local language before their visit. Songs and narrated stories also make for great listening on road trips.
Visitors can meet Indigenous tour operators that love sharing their astonishing wealth of knowledge about their culture and the land. In Port Hardy, Sea Wolf Adventures takes travellers on grizzly bear viewing tours into the Great Bear Rainforest. Owner Mike Willie of the Kwakwaka’wakw nation has become so familiar with some of the bears that he has even given them traditional names. App users can listen to a song Willie created for his daughter in the “Learn” section, sung in Kwak’wala.
Leisure travellers can explore the many breathtaking sights of Canada’s only desert, Osoyoos. The sacred land of Spirit Ridge brings together wellness and luxury, with access to scenic hikes, golf courses, and the award-winning wines of Nk’mip Cellars, the first Indigenous-owned winery in North America. The nearby Nk’mip Desert Cultural Centre offers outdoor interactive exhibits and a reconstructed traditional Okanagan village.
Mindful of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the app provides a few tips on how to travel responsibly. Visitors are encouraged to check that communities are open and welcoming visitors before travelling, as some are currently closed. As elders are knowledge keepers and at highrisk for the virus, the need to protect the culture and limited medical resources is urgent.
Indigenous tourism emphasizes expanding cultural knowledge through more intention-filled stays. The app offers curated itineraries, including a 48-hour culinary and wellness-focused trip to Langley and Chilliwack, wildlife and nature-filled escapes to Vancouver Island, and a relaxing stay right in Vancouver city limits.
Visit Indigenousbc.com for more information about visiting Indigen- ous destinations this summer.