A traditional dancer in the Zeidler Dome at the TELUS World of Science - Edmonton. Photo by Ryan Hunt.
At the TELUS World of Science – Edmonton, an Indigenous Tourism Development Strategy was announced for the city earlier this week.
On Sept. 26, Explore Edmonton, Stormy Lake Consulting, and Moccasin Trails Inc. jointly announced the tourism strategy; a plan to help share and promote local Indigenous culture with those travelling through Edmonton and provide education about the land the city sits on.
The first-of-its-kind strategy will be based on five elements, according to the partners: relationships, storytelling, empowerment and learning, shared leadership, and gathering. Those elements are going to be used to bring local Indigenous culture into the spotlight as tourists come through the Edmonton Metropolitan Area.
Paul Hawes, vice president of destination development and marketing with Explore Edmonton, spoke to Windspeaker Radio Network about the strategy, saying that “the real work started at the beginning of the year. Today is all of the work over the last 12 months, and now sharing it.”
Amberly Morin, tourism manager for Enoch Cree Nation, was also involved with the project since day one and has seen it go into effect today. Morin said that ceremonies and celebrations were a main focus when developing this plan.
“Having pipe ceremonies really helped us along in our journey towards laying out the groundwork, finding what works, and exploring all aspects of this tourism strategy. It’s been really fun, rewarding work. It doesn’t seem like much work at all”, Morin said.
For Indigenous culture as a whole, Morin says that having these aspects present at Edmonton’s tourist destinations is very important for storytelling, and to create and improve relationships.
“When you have those good relationships, things work out for the best. There’s also that storytelling piece. When you’re telling stories of your people, or your operation, you’re telling a piece of who you are. You’re letting somebody know who you are, you’re letting them in and educating them. Those are special”, Morin ended with.
Listen to the full interview with Paul Hawes and Amberly Morin below:
Do you have a story idea? Email me: ryan@windspeakermedia.com
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