Pride, economics key in local Indigenous tourism
By Lethbridge Herald on March 12, 2025.
Dignitaries carry flags during the Grand Entry for the Indigenous Tourism Alberta gathering this week at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre.
Herald photo by Alexandra NoadAlexandra Noad – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Advancing Indigenous tourism in southern Alberta was on the agenda this week as Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) met with members of the community dedicated to advancing tourism around Sikoohkotoki (the Blackfoot name for Lethbridge).
Dion Red Gun, from the Siksika Nation and director of ITA, has been in the travel field for more than 30 years and says in recent years he has noticed an increase of membership. He wants to make sure the momentum continues.
“We were here last year, so this is our second year here,” says Red Gun. “I noticed we were gaining momentum; now we want to increase our membership. There is strength in numbers.”
Red Gun, who serves as a member on the Tourism Lethbridge Advisory Committee, says he not only supports the committee’s vision, but also supports them through creating job opportunities.
Terry Goertzen, vice-president of economic development Indigenous relations for Travel Alberta, says he hopes to see Alberta become a destination for tourism.
“I’m hoping as we work with Dion and operators like (him) and Blackfoot Crossing, Head Smashed in Buffalo and those kinds of operations here that we could lead the country as an Indigenous destination in Canada.”
Goertzen vision of seeing southern Alberta on the national stage for tourism is also felt on the local level.
Erin Crane, chief executive officer for Tourism Lethbridge, says with many attractions located in southern Alberta with ties to Blackfoot roots, the area offers a special experience for those wanting to experience Indigenous culture.
“People want to come where there’s authentic experiences,” says Crane, “and that is important to them and it’s important to us that this is what’s driving it.”
With tariffs being threatened against Canada by the U.S., all parties see this as an opportunity to promote Indigenous culture, especially since there is about $20 billion worth of spending down in the U.S. Crane believes if southern Alberta can get even a little of the money through locals touring our sites, it will not only help the economy, but also help boost Canadian pride.
“If we can even capture a bit of that here in our region, that’s really going to boost our economy, especially that visitor economy to a higher scale,” says Crane. “It also gives us the chance to talk about our Canadian pride and what makes us special and the Indigenous experiences are a big part of that.”
Red Gun says he has noticed the Blackfoot language being incorporated in signage, something he believes will connect long-time residents and newcomers alike.
“I’m really humbled and noticed the languages the communities are now incorporating signage – that’s a big deal,” says Red Gun.
He also believes that collaboration with entrepreneurs, along with the beautiful scenery southern Alberta has to offer, will give visitors the experience of a lifetime.
One of those entrepreneurs is Gigi Black, who was a vendor at the ITA event, says many hours go into her beadwork, with many of her pieces having deep cultural roots which include turquoise and shells incorporated into her designs.
She adds that being able to share her culture has given her a sense of pride.
“Being Native is something to me that’s very special,” says Black. “I grew up as a 60’s Scoop person and so being able to participate in some of these programs and some of these sales, it’s my opportunity to showcase what I’ve done.”
Black says advertising, especially to Indigenous vendors, is crucial to make markets a success, as many love to share their work.
“Events, if their well-advertised, there’s a lot of people that would come out and attend the different things.”
Crane believes this is a start to a very bright future for the future of Indigenous Tourism in southern Alberta and is another step towards Truth and Reconciliation.
“This is what it’s about, its growing our economies and putting people into meaningful work that celebrate the culture and heritage that makes this area so special.”
23-22
[…] Source link […]
[…] Advancing Indigenous tourism in southern Alberta was on the agenda this week as Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA) met with members of the community dedicated to advancing tourism around Sikoohkotoki (the Blackfoot name for Lethbridge). […]