The Potential for Aboriginal Ecotourism in Ontario

  • Sonya Graci Ryerson University
Keywords: Aboriginal, Ecotourism, Community Capacity, Partnerships

Abstract

Aboriginal ecotourism is a relatively new concept to the Ontario tourism industry. Very few studies have been conducted to determine the current state and potential of Aboriginal ecotourism in Ontario. In order to provide further insight into this potentially sustainable form of tourism development, a study was conducted to assess the current Aboriginal ecotourism practices in Ontario.  This study, conducted through eighteen in-depth interviews with various stakeholders involved in Aboriginal tourism in Ontario and abroad, was executed to determine the benefits and barriers to this kind of tourism development. Challenges, as determined by this study, include product development, marketing, lack of education, lack of resources, bureaucracy, and resistance of Aboriginal peoples to sharing their culture. The benefits, however, are pertinent, including improved economic well-being, employment opportunities, and the ability to build community capacity.  This study provides a closer evaluation of the factors that have impeded Aboriginal ecotourism development in Ontario, and thus provides insight on the potential for future development.

References

Aboriginal Tourism Canada (ATC) (2006) Aboriginal Eco-tourism. Retrieved January 19, 2008, from http://www.aboriginaltourism.ca/documents/conference_2006/Eco-Tourism.html.

BearingPoint LP Goss Gilroy Inc. and Associates. (2003) Aboriginal Tourism in Canada- Final Report. Ottawa: Aboriginal Tourism Team Canada.

Blangy, S. (2010) Definitions of Aboriginal Ecotourism. Retrieved February 10, 2010 from www.aboriginal-ecotourism.org.

Bramwell, B. and L. Alletorp (2001) Attitudes in the Danish tourism industry to the roles of business and government in sustainable tourism. International Journal of Tourism Research, 3: 91-103.

Bruner A., Sweeting, J. and Rosenfeld, A. (1999) The Green Host Effect: An Integrated Approach to Sustainable Tourism and Resort Development. Washington, D.C.: Conservation International.

Canadian Tourism Commission (2008) Canada’s Significant 28 Aboriginal Cultural Tourism Strategies. Retrieved February 12, 2010 from

http://www.corporate.canada.travel/docs/research_and_statistics/product_knowledge/aboriginal_brochure_en.pdf

Chaskin, R. J., Brown, P., Venkatesh, S., and Vidal, A. (2001) Building Community Capacity. New York: Aldine de Gruyter.

Colchester, M. (2003) The politics of parks: Indigenous peoples assert their rights against mining, markets and tourism. Multinational Monitor, 24(11): 19-21.

Economic Growth Solutions Inc. (2002) Aboriginal tourism development strategic plan for Northern Ontario. Ottawa: Industry Canada; Aboriginal Business Canada.

Hipwell, W. T. (2007) Taiwan aboriginal ecotourism: Tanayiku natural ecology park. Annals of Tourism Research, 34(4): 876-897.

Notzke, C. (2004) Indigenous tourism development in southern Alberta Canada: Tentative engagement. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 12(1): 78-91.

Rostum, H. (2002) Review of Aboriginal Tourism Team Canada. Prepared for Aboriginal Business Canada, Industry Canada. Accessed 15 July 2008: http://www.ic.gc.ca/cmb/welcomeic.nsf/0/4f61971a986e735985256e13004fc951?OpenDocument

Ryan, C. and Huyton, J. (2002) Tourists and Aboriginal people. Annals of Tourism Research, 29(3): 631-647.

Selin, S. (1999) Developing a typology of sustainable tourism partnership. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 7(3&4): 260-273.

Sommer, B., and Sommer, R. (1991) A Practical Guide to Behavioral Research: Tools and Techniques (3rd ed. Ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Sommer, B., and Sommer, R. (2002) A Practical Guide to Behavioral Research: Tools and Techniques (5th ed. Ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.

Statistics Canada (2006) Aboriginal peoples in Canada in 2006: Inuit, Métis and First Nations, 2006 Census, Retrieved April 29, 2008 from http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census06/analysis/aboriginal/surpass.cfm#02

Tisdell, C. (1996) Ecotourism, economics, and the environment: Observations from China. Journal of Travel Research, 34(11): 11-18.

UNWTO (2006) http.//www.world-tourism.org/facts/menu.html – last accessed August 2007.

World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) (2007) World Travel and Tourism Council website. Accessed August 11, 2007 from www.wttc.com.

Zeppel, H. (2003) Ecotourism policy and indigenous people in Australia. In Fennel D. and Dowling, R. (eds.) Ecotourism Policy and Planning. Cambridge: CABI Publishing, pp.55-76.

Zeppel, H. (2006) Indigenous Ecotourism: Sustainable Development and Management. Cambridge: CABI Publishing.

Published
2016-02-27