The Anishinabe Experience, Golden Lake, Ontario
We believe in sharing our Algonquin culture, traditions
and beliefs, however, we do not see ourselves displaying talents
just because clients may be looking for “Indians.”
In addition to talking about our traditions and way of life, we
wanted our guests to see how we maintain our culture today in
our everyday lives. How do we balance our cultural traditions
with today’s modern technology?
Linda Sarazin, President
Nutti Sami Siida, Norrbotten, Sweden
By thoroughly explaining and demonstrating cultural experiences,
guests become familiar with traditional values and the close connection
between local people and nature. As well, guides must be properly
trained in dealing with multi-cultural differences and being able
to explain and demonstrate the value and benefits of cultural
diversification.
...Our guests appreciate the openness of the guides and are astonished
by their and the Sami People’s knowledge about nature –
and want to learn more from them. Of course that increases our
guides’ pride in their ancestry. ...We are adding to the
knowledge of the guides and staff members by providing them with
information, inviting lecturers and by organizing information
days when we discuss how to improve and develop our skills and
products.
Kairosmaja, Lapland, Finland
You cannot emphasize enough the local traditions, culture and
history with customers. We cooperate with the local art association,
Tunturin Taidepaja, in organizing art camps. In our café
we have an art show telling the local history of the Pelkosenniemi
municipality.
Snow Games Ltd., Lapland, Finland (Winter safaris and treks
to reindeer and husky farms, ice fishing)
Local culture and nature are highlighted in the products that
we develop, and based on the customers’ interests. Different
customers like different things: for some the safari is the main
attraction and for others it is nature and they only use snowmobiles
for transportation. An old logging site house of the Forest and
Park Service has been used for tourist groups. Local lumberjacks
who used to work there were invited to share stories about the
local history and the stories have been documented to save the
traditions and culture. We also hire local reindeer herders for
the visits to the reindeer farms. For their part, the herders
inform the customers about sustainable development issues.
The Anishinabe Experience, Golden Lake Ontario Quoted from:
In the aboriginal community, it is important to seek and obtain
approval of community elders before beginning a cultural tourism
business. ....
- The community should set boundaries on what they deem
appropriate or feel comfortable in sharing with visitors.
- Know the community’s rich and distinct heritage.
- Conduct an inventory of all human resources based on expertise,
skills, language, etc.
- Build partnerships with others in the development of packages.
- Ensure [that] the business benefits the community.
- Partner with the community on publicity and media opportunities.
- Promote your business and other local businesses, your
community, and your region.
- Utilize local resources and expertise as much as possible.
- Build upon community pride in sharing the heritage, cultural
diversity, and beauty of the region and surrounding area.
- Keep the community abreast on new trends and opportunities
in tourism for the overall benefit of the whole
- Share feedback on the business with the community, including
thank-you’s and compliments, media coverage, publicity,
etc. This builds community pride and strengthens the business.
We believe that we do not have a business without the support
of our Algonquin community. What the community thinks and believes
is very important to us. We ensure that all the community values
are instilled into our cultural programs. The community is our
most valuable asset. In other words, without the community there
is no Anishinabe Experience.
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