Green Travel

Ecotourism

Indigenous Tourism

Indigenous Tourism in Wisconsin

Common Questions

Indigenous Tourism

The term indigenous is being used by peoples around the world. The definition - having originated in and living, or occurring naturally in a particular region or environment - linked with tourism suggests a travel experience linking the historic residents with today's people.

A genuine indigenous tourism experience should also address origin of the experience. The travel experience should be generated by and with the "ownership" of the indigenous population. This compliments several of the core concepts of ecotourism. The goal is to create a positive travel experience that builds environmental and cultural awareness and respect of local people while empowering and contributing financially to the local community. Is the museum built and operated by the local First Nation? Are the guides real locals - not just outsiders who have moved to an area to service a particular tour company? Ask yourself where does the money go?

Travelers seeking an indigenous ecotourism experience should also be aware of any visitors' code of ethics. These can be guidelines or recommendations for a visitor at a site. Respect for cultural and indigenous heritage at a destination is integral to ecotravel. In general, when planning a visit to an indigenous site, be mindful of requests regarding such things as access, photos, dress, etc. Don't assume its ok; be proactive and ask!

From Mexico through out the United States and into Canada, First Nations, aboriginal and indigenous communities offer original and exceptional interpretive experiences linking their past and historic stories with the present - the ongoing history and culture. Because this is a rich and unique area of travel and in order to make these travel experiences easier to identify, Green Concierge Travel will use the following symbol
on its website and other materials to identify travel opportunities offered by aboriginal communities. Learn, experience and enjoy!

Resource web sites:

Aboriginal Ecotourism By Sylvie Blangy, the website is produced from research for "Le Guide des Destinations Indigènes".

Native Tourism Program of the Western American Indian Chamber

Respecting Native Cultures and People, Plimoth Plantation’s Guide and Policy on Cultural Sensitivity

The Plimoth Plantation located in Plymouth MA offers a rich cultural experience for people investigating this country’s past. Because the exhibits include live interactions with people including a variety of Nations, Plimoth offers a useful guide for these interactions including appropriate and inappropriate questions.

Reproduced below is their guide to interactions with staff at Plimoth Plantation or visit their web site at http://www.plimoth.org/plan/policies/sensitivity.php:

“All the staff wearing traditional Native clothing are Native People. They are from the Wampanoag Nation as well as other Nations, such as Micmac or Cherokee.

Today, mistaken ideas about Native People are everywhere. In your conversations with Native staff we ask you to avoid questions or comments that are based on stereotypes, such as war whooping, saying "How!" for a greeting or addressing Native women as "squaw" or men as "chief."

The Native staff that you meet may not look like the stereotypical images of Native People you have seen on TV or in the movies. Like any other ethnic group, Native People are diverse in their appearance.

Personal questions such as "What is your Native name?" and "Are you a real Indian?" are not appropriate to ask. Native staff will be glad to discuss why these questions are not appropriate.

In your conversations with Native staff, please do not use the word "Indian" to describe their culture. Using the description "Native People" is more respectful than the word "Indian." It is also respectful to use the names of individual Nations, such as Wampanoag, Cherokee, etc. You might want to inquire "What Nation are you from?"

The culture of the Wampanoag and other Native People from the northeastern part of the country is very different from what you may have expected-- no feathered headdresses or teepees. Please take this opportunity to find out about the fascinating history and culture of the Wampanoag People.

Sample Questions:

• "What material is that _______ made of? (for example, woven bag)"
• "How would that item be used in the 1600s?"
• "Is this area original Wampanoag territory?"
• "How did the Wampanoag react to the English colonists arriving in their homeland?"
• "How do present-day Wampanoag traditions differ from the 1600s and before?"”

For more information on Plimoth Plantation, see Green Concierge Travel Great Ideas or the Plimoth Plantation website.