Indigenous tourism in Alberta sees opportunity in wellness, survivalist sectors

Indigenous Tourism Alberta says the pandemic has created inroads for more wellness and survivalist experiences within their sector.

With little travel opportunities, and the pandemic bearing down on everyday life, Canadians have been exploring their backyards.

Indigenous-lead companies, that have been around for years, say they are seeing more interest from domestic tourists who want to connect with nature and equip themselves with survivalist skills — to pull through an uncertain time.

Shae Bird, ITA director, said according to the data they have available, one-in-four domestic tourists are looking for an Indigenous experience.

He added while the pandemic has been difficult for many in the tourism sector, there has been a silver lining for some.

"Right now there's an increased appetite for that cultural understanding and that educational connection to the land getting outdoors and just having that mental reset or perspective gaining type experience," Bird said.

Post-COVID, he believes locals will have a better understanding of Indigenous tourism and what it has to offer — it may help raise the profile of these sorts of activities and make way for a more diverse experience in Alberta.

"I think people are really starting to identify their values and how they want to spend their money and their time on things," Bird said. "Obviously, a lot of us have either been semi-isolated or isolated throughout this past year [due to] COVID to a varying degree. And people are striving for that human connection in alignment with their connection to the land and their connection to the survival side of things as well."

Local interest catches company off guard

Tracey Klettl said she thought their Indigenous tourism company, Painted Warrior, would have a quiet year. But, then locals from Calgary, Edmonton, and Sundre began to call and ask for tours.

Klettl and Tim Mearns have been operating for eight years; she said this is one of the first they have concentrated on domestic tourism.

"Actually, we were really surprised this year, I think it kind of caught us off guard a bit," Klettl said. "We really are seeing a lot of people almost kind of waking up and understanding that we need to keep this relationship with the land. It's these skills, you know, when something like this hits, even though, you know, people still have power and everything, I think it really brought home to them."

Klettl added that the domestic market could help better sustain business during shoulder season, and the winter when fewer travellers come to Alberta from outside of the country.

Families connect with the land

Mearns said it was really encouraging to see families come and noted there were a number of new Canadians on tours as well.

"When they come out and they try it a lot of time, they find these hidden gifts they have," Mearns said. "That's what really makes you feel good inside."

Their ranch offers a variety of activities, including archery and hunting through an Indigenous lens.

Klettl said their programs are grounded in connection — connecting cultures, and helping visitors learn about a different way of life and Indigenous culture.

'Build a bridge'

"We have a great opportunity here to, you know, to build a bridge of understanding between cultures," Klettl said. "This is what I'm really loving about having more of a regional market come out … when you have that communication and those conversations, I think it really for me anyway, from what I've seen, it shows us a way forward."

Mearns said his mother is a residential school survivor, and this summer he's been able to share the perspective of how those schools affected his family down the line.

"We have a lot of new Canadians coming and they're learning some stuff and they're learning history about Canada and what happened to the Aboriginal people … a lot of them don't know the whole true story and what actually happened."

Attractions like Lake Louise, Banff, and getaways close to home will be filling up over the winter. Bird with the ITA hopes Albertans will seek out Indigenous experiences off the beaten path. Things like medicine walks, teachings around the fire, and time with elders.

Bird said while some companies were able to make inroads this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenge for many. Research done by the Indigenous Tourism Tourism Association of Canada showed a 62 per cent loss in GDP contribution and the loss of 60 per cent of the jobs within the sector in Alberta.

"At the end of the day, our businesses are really struggling right now to continue to keep their business and their doors open moving forward," Bird said.