Chapter 9 - Limits to Indigenous Ecotourism: An Exploratory Analysis from the Tl'azt'en Territories, Northern British Columbia

Abstract

This chapter explores the potential for building capacity to plan and develop ecotourism in a traditionally forest-dependent indigenous community. The Tl'azt'en Nations in the Omineca Peace Region of Northern British Columbia (BC) represent communities seeking to revitalize their economic base, due to a significant decline in forestry. This study is based on fieldwork conducted in 2001 and 2002, which involved two workshops, informal and formal interviews with members of the Tl'azt'en Nations, semi-structured interviews with selected guide and outfitters, and an exploratory survey of key tourism sites. Results show that there is significant potential for ecotourism development in the Tl'azt'en territory. The Tl'azt'en First Nations have a strong desire to be involved in ecotourism, however, they seem to be incognizant of the challenges and opportunities that come with its development. There is a general lack of commitment to a shared responsibility in the planning and management of ecotourism. Four potential obstacles to fully realize the development of ecotourism include: (a) the speculation that most commercial “niches” are already filled; (b) lack of clearly identified target markets; (c) competing interests from other northern BC communities that have similar resources; and (d) stereotypical images of First Nations in Canada. The chapter suggests several strategies, including the capitalization of Tl'azt'enne knowledge of resources, measures preventing the negative effects of ecotourism, building networks with other Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal agencies and individuals, persuading the provincial government to fund projects and provide technical support, and exploring opportunities for educating and training the Tl'azt'en youth in tourism and small enterprise development.