Tag Archives: Indigenous tourism

Asia/Pacific travel, Benefits of Travel & Tourism, Cultural Travel, ecotourism, experiential travel, Homestays, Importance of Tourism, Indigenous Tourism, Nature & Wildlife

Community Homestay Network’s New Wildlife Experiences in Western Nepal Empower Indigenous People

Western Nepal is an emerging destination when it comes to wildlife spotting, and Community Homestay Network, the pioneer of community-led tourism in Nepal, is announcing a new tour taking travelers to this lesser-visited part of the country, simultaneously helping to distribute wealth via tourism, to empower women and youth, and safeguard Indigenous traditions and cultures.

Western Nepal is an emerging destination when it comes to wildlife spotting, and Community Homestay Network, the pioneer of community-led tourism in Nepal, is announcing a new tour taking travelers to this lesser-visited part of the country, simultaneously helping to distribute wealth via tourism, to empower women and youth, and safeguard Indigenous traditions and cultures.

The communities of Bhada and Bardiya in western Nepal are home to the Indigenous Tharu people. This new, multi-day itinerary – Live the Tharu Way: Journey through Culture, Wildlife and Rural Life – is available to book now, and as well as wildlife spotting in remote areas, travelers will be hosted by local families at homestays as they are introduced to their way of rural life.

Shiva Dhakal, the founder of Community Homestay Network, which was this year named one of TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2025’ –  says community tourism is a powerful force that goes well beyond travel. 

“This new itinerary epitomizes what Community Homestay Network stands for. At a time where overtourism is a real concern, there are places that can benefit greatly from having a well-managed number of travelers visit. Our homestays and other experiences offer visitors a two-way exchange, building meaningful connections between travelers and local people.

“Both Bhada and Bardiya in western Nepal see very few tourists, making them an exciting alternative for wildlife-spotting to more well-known Chitwan, with Bardiya very much still opening up to tourism. 

“As well as having a special wildlife and cultural experience, this itinerary will help to preserve the traditions that are so unique to the Tharu people. Community tourism empowers women and youth in terms of employment, brings money into the local community’s economy, and helps mitigate urban migration as more jobs are created,” says Dhakal.  

Highlights of the new Live the Tharu Way: Journey through Culture, Wildlife and Rural Life trip include: 

  • Spending time with the Indigenous Tharu people. The Tharu originated in India centuries ago, and now have traditions, language and cuisine that resemble both hill Nepali and North Indian cultures.
  • Experiencing local community life, cooking classes and culture at the Bhada Community Homestay and Bardiya Community Homestay in western Nepal. 
  • Going wildlife spotting on a Jeep safari in Bardiya National Park, searching for elephants, rhinoceros and the elusive Bengal tiger. 

Locally owned and operated, Community Homestay Network was developed to bring tourism to Nepal responsibly and sustainably, and to encourage entrepreneurship in local communities significantly benefitting women, youths, and marginalized communities while safeguarding local culture and tradition. With a strong focus on co-creation, Community Homestay Network (CHN) collaborates with 50 communities across Nepal, actively engaging local residents to assist in developing and managing their tourism services. Locally owned and operated, the award-winning Community Homestay Network currently has 50 different experiences available for travelers to book, made up of 40 community homestays and 10 experiences focussed on spending time with local artisans. This year, Community Homestay Network was named as one of TIME’s ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2025’.

For more information, visit: https://communityhomestay.com. 

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

Going Places @ longislandpress.com

www.longislandpress.com                                   

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

X: @TravelFeatures

Threads: @news_and_photo_features

Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social

attractions, Cultural Travel, heritage travel, Indigenous Tourism

South Dakota, New Mexico & Wyoming Go All Out to Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Native American Heritage Month

The Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota, the world’s largest mountain carving, is a private installation so not subject to the federal government shutdown. Another surprise: the monument is still under construction.There is also a superb museum. The memorial hosted the first Native Americans’ Day Celebration 35 years ago © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Ahead of Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Native American Heritage Month, here are destinations in South Dakota, New Mexico and Wyoming celebrating annual traditions:

HONOR & CELEBRATE in South Dakota 

South Dakota was the first state to officially replace Columbus Day with Native Americans’ Day as a holiday, in 1990  

Lakota Music Project Performances (October 13-18): A collaboration between the state’s Symphony Orchestra and Lakota and Dakota musicians, the group goes on tour in mid-October.

Blending symphonic tradition with Lakota songs, the week-long tour begins on Indigenous Peoples’ Day at what’s to become the world’s largest mountain carving, Crazy Horse Memorial, which also hosted the first Native Americans’ Day celebration 35 years ago

For a full schedule, see here

Itinerary Inspiration — Travel South Dakota’s Great 8 for Native American Culture: Serves to highlight culturally significant landmarks, like Dignity of Earth & Sky, a 50-foot-tall sculpture, a nod to the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota cultures in the state, according to sculptor Dale Lamphere.

37th Annual Black Hills Powwow (October 10–12): Outside of Rapid City, catch one of the premier cultural events in the country, attracting thousands of dancers, singers, and artisans. Beyond the arena, highlights include:

The Crowning of Miss He Sapa Win: Awarded annually to a young Lakota, Dakota, or Nakota woman for her cultural knowledge, dancing, and public speaking skill

Fine Arts Show: Showcasing the work of indigenous creatives, from beadwork and star quilts to contemporary painting and photography 

BE PART OF THE COMMUNITY in Santa Fe  

Santa Fe, the oldest capital city in the United States, is deeply rooted in Native history and culture, with 23 Tribes, Nations, and Pueblos across New Mexico contributing to its vibrant identity 

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration on the Plaza (October 11–13): Santa Fe honors Indigenous Peoples’ Day with three full days of programming in the historic downtown Plaza. 

The Santa Fe Indigenous Center’s 3rd Annual Honoring Native Nations Powwow brings together dancers, singers, and drum groups from across the Southwest, adding a vibrant, community-centered gathering to the celebration.

20th Annual Winter Indian Market (November 29–30): Santa Fe’s signature holiday art event, presented by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA), marks its 20th year as the premier opportunity to #buyNative during the holiday season. The market features 170 Native artists across jewelry, pottery, textiles, painting, and sculpture. It’s a chance to connect directly with artists, discover new voices, and find meaningful gifts that carry both beauty and story.

Itinerary Inspiration — Museums, Feast Days & Historic Sites: Discover the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian, and the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA). Time your trip with a traditional Pueblo Feast Day (Upcoming: October 4, November 12), when pueblos open their communities for dances, music, and shared meals. Explore the historic sites and ruins filled with petroglyphs at places like Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument and Bandelier National Monument.

You can read a guide to visiting Santa Fe’s tribal communities HERE

Highlight on Native Artists: Santa Fe’s galleries and boutiques showcase works from celebrated Pueblo, Navajo, Apache, and other Native creatives year-round. Collectors and casual visitors alike can meet artisans, watch demonstrations, and take home one-of-a-kind pieces. 

NEW FOR 2026: Cheyenne Frontier Days’ Indian Village Expansion 

Wyoming’s capital city will unveil a new Indian Village during Cheyenne Frontier Days (July 17–26, 2026) 

Background: For more than 60 years, The Morning Star American Indian Village has been a fixture at the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, offering dancing and drum circles, native storytelling, hoop dance workshops, and more. Cheyenne sits within the historic ranges of the Lakota and Arapaho tribes, and the Village has long provided rodeo-goers with opportunities to engage with Plains Tribal cultures. 

What’s changing: 

Tripling in Size: The Village will expand from 1.2 to 3.8 acres

More Spectator Space: Capacity will jump from 600 spectators to 1,000

Year-Round Engagement: The new village will be open beyond Frontier Days, opening doors for engagement year-round

Performer Amenities: Performers will now have a community building to utilize, with a kitchen, storage space and bathrooms, as well as improved air conditioning and sound systems 

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

Going Places @ longislandpress.com

www.longislandpress.com                                   

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

X: @TravelFeatures

Threads: @news_and_photo_features

Bluesky: @newsphotosfeatures.bsky.social

Adventure Travel, Cultural Travel, ecotourism, Indigenous Tourism, Uncategorized

wukalina Walk Named One of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places

wukalina Walk, a member of Discover Aboriginal Experiences, has been named one of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places (photo: Jillian Mundy)

wukalina Walk, a member of Discover Aboriginal Experiences, has been named one of TIME‘s 2024 World’s Greatest Places.

Vetted by TIME‘s editors and correspondents around the world, this exclusive list features 100 extraordinary destinations to explore, stay and visit. The award by TIME is highly coveted and reaches a global audience of 120 million (via TIME‘s print magazine, website and socials). Editors choose with an eye towards those offering new and exciting experiences.

wukalina Walk is a multi-award winning Indigenous/palawa-owned tourism experience. Led by Aboriginal guides, the walk offers a rare window into Tasmania/lutruwita’s Aboriginal culture.  For the first two nights, hikers sleep at the architecturally designed standing camp, krakani lumi (resting place), in domed-ceiling huts designed to reflect the shape of the palawa shelters that once lined the east coast of Tasmania/lutruwita. The third night is spent in a beautifully repurposed and restored lightkeeper’s cottage at the most northern end of larapuna (Bay of Fires). 

A group of up to 10 people are led on foot by Aboriginal guides to learn about land and sea Country. wukalina guides have lived experience and thousands of generations of Ancestral connections to the knowledge they share. They share their knowledge and perspectives as they lead travellers through bushland and along the coastline of wukalina (Mt William National Park) and larapuna (Bay of Fires). Hikers learn about the colonial history of Tasmania/lutruwita, and the brutal treatment of the palawa people. But the tour highlights their resilience, strength of culture, language and the ongoing connection that the palawa community has to Country.

wukalina Walk is a proudly Blak-owned business and different to anything else offered in Tasmania, and anywhere in the world. wukalina Walk was winner of the 2023 Australian National Tourism Awards for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience.

“Sharing our stories and our history on cultural homeland is an integral part of the experience,” said Clyde Mansell, Tasmanian palawa Aboriginal Elder and founder of wukalina Walk.

“It also allows us to increase employment, involve our young people and contribute to our self-determination, by creating more opportunities for the palawa community.”

“We’ve had comments over the years where guests have said it’s changed their lives and their whole thinking about how they should relate to Aboriginal people,” said Mansell.

Discover Aboriginal Experiences is a flagship suite of extraordinary Australian Aboriginal-guided experiences. Travelers learn about and connect with the diverse histories, cultures and languages of Aboriginal peoples, which date back more than 65,000 years. 

Each member in this collective is considered a leader in Aboriginal tourism, with more than 200 experiences from over 48 businesses around Australia, all led by Aboriginal guides. Please see the following pages for further details on other experiences in the collective.

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures 

Active Travel, Cultural Travel, Uncategorized

11 Experiences To Celebrate National Indigenous History Month in British Columbia, Canada

June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, culminating in National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. National Indigenous History Month represents a meaningful opportunity to learn about the cultures and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, so we’ve put together 11 ways to engage in Indigenous experiences in British Columbia this summer. 

More than simply checking out a destination, Indigenous tourism encourages visitors to understand and respect different perspectives of the world, and to experience histories, traditions, and values in an authentic and unfiltered way.  

BC has the greatest diversity of Indigenous cultures in Canada: of the 12 unique Indigenous language families in the country, seven are located exclusively in BC. Together, there are 204 unique Indigenous communities in BC. Here are a few ideas to start an Indigenous cultural itinerary.
naaʔuu expereince at Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort in Tofino | Indigenous Tourism BC/Melissa Renwick 

New This Summer

New Indigenous experiences beckon travelers seeking a cultural experience paired with delicious cuisine: 

Try Plant Medicine Lemonade – Opened in February 2024, The Ancestor Café in Fort Langley brings traditional Indigenous nourishment to locals and visitors while supporting Indigenous food sovereignty. The eatery is owned by Chef Sarah Meconse Mierau, a member of the Sayisi Dene Nation. On the menu: bison and elk Bannock tacos, handcrafted plant-medicine jams and lattes, and other delicacies made with traditional Indigenous ingredients and enriched with health benefits. Beyond the food, the café features a fair-trade gallery displaying works by local Indigenous artists and brands. 
Get there: Fly into Vancouver International Airport. From here, Fort Langley is a one-hour drive.   

A Three-Hour Song, Dance & Cultural Experience – During festivals, weddings, and potlatches, the Tla-o-qui-aht People come together to share a wholesome meal while exchanging wisdom and stories, with the belief that good food facilitates an easier reception to teachings. Visitors can join the tradition at the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort in Tofino, where the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation will host naaʔuu (which means “feast” in the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation language), an immersive experience taking place on select dates in June. Following a successful gathering last year, the three-hour experience tells stories from the Nation’s history through song, dance, and traditional carvings, presented during a symphony of cultural delicacies and foraged ingredients. Proceeds from the event go back to the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation to support language and cultural resurgence. Tickets start at $199 per person and can be purchased here. 
Get there: From Vancouver, fly into Tofino-Long Beach Airport with Pacific Coastal Airlines, or right into Tofino Harbour with Harbour Air. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo or Comox and drive approximately 3.5 hours to Tofino.Wildlife viewing experience at Spirit Bear Lodge | Indigenous Tourism BC

Where To Stay
Indigenous-owned and operated accommodation providers welcome visitors to experience warm hospitality alongside stories and culture—all with a deep-rooted respect for nature: 
Gorge Harbour Marina Resort – One of the most desirable cruising destinations in BC – Located at the edge of Desolation Sound, on Klahoose Nation land, Gorge Harbour Marina Resort offers an idyllic home base for adventurers eager to explore the sound, Cortes Island, and the Discovery Islands. The resort offers a multitude of overnight options, including a rustic lodge with four rooms, a cottage enclosed by lush gardens, and two self-contained trailers. Summer-specific options include 21 full-service RV sites, six glamping domes, and six tent sites—open for the season now. Summer activities span live music on the waterfront, yoga at the harbour, family movie nights, and more, as well as whale-watching tours offered between May 1 and October 15.
Get there: Take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo, then drive 1 hour and 45 minutes to Campbell River. From here, take a 10-minute ferry to Quadra Island, then a 45-minute boat trip to Cortes Island. You can also fly direct to the resort from Campbell River, Vancouver, or Seattle, Washington.   

Nemiah Valley Lodge – Off-grid & highly requested – Open year round, Nemiah Valley Lodge is located in the Chilcotin region, on Tŝilhqot’in Nation land. Here, guests are immersed in the food, history, and traditions of the Xeni Gwet’in community through local events, cultural experiences, and wildlife viewing. The all-inclusive packages include lodge activities such as lakeside yoga and meditation, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, archery, and more. Note: Nemiah Valley is taking bookings for 2025.
Get there: The lodge is a 30-minute floatplane ride from Whistler. Alternatively, take a flight from Vancouver International Airport to Williams Lake (available throughout the summer), and drive 2.5 hours to your destination. The lodge also offers a transfer from Williams Lake. 

Tsawaak RV Resort – A 2024 Indigenous Tourism Award Winner – Whether you’re seeking a cozy wilderness cabin or a place to park your RV, Tsawaak RV Resort— located in Tofino, on Tla-o-qui-aht Nation land—offers a tranquil space for rest and rejuvenation. Guests can choose from 34 RV sites and 13 longhouse-style cedar cabins—all situated close to Mackenzie Beach and a 30-minute walk from town. The central amenities building offers laundry facilities and vending machines, while the visitor centre houses an art gallery and retail shop. The resort provides easy access to Tofino’s most popular adventures, including surfing, hot springs, and hiking.
Get there: From Vancouver, fly into Tofino-Long Beach Airport with Pacific Coastal Airlines, or right into Tofino Harbour with Harbour Air. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo or Comox and drive approximately 3.5 hours to Tofino.

Spirit Bear Lodge – Located in the largest, temperate coastal rainforest in the world – Wildlife viewing and cultural experiences take centre stage at Spirit Bear Lodge, located in Klemtu, on Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation land. The lodge’s all-inclusive adventures are anchored by visits to cultural sites of the Kitasoo Xai’xai People, who have lived for thousands of years in the Great Bear Rainforest—the largest temperate coastal rainforest in the world. Guests can search for the elusive Spirit bear, watch grizzlies roam lush estuaries, see whales and other marine life, and explore the remnants of ancient villages. 

Spirit Bear Lodge is open from August to October, with limited reservations available.
Get there: Board a flight at Vancouver International Airport with Pacific Coastal Airlines to Bella Bella. You’ll be met by Spirit Bear Lodge staff and shuttled to the dock, where a lodge boat will take you on the two-hour journey to Klemtu.A group with Takaya Tours, rowing a traditional First Nations canoe in Deep Cove | Destination BC/Hubert Kang

What To Do

Indigenous tour operators lead visitors into their traditional territory, providing a new perspective of local wildlife, plants, and waters:

Guided nature adventures led by the local Nation – Explore Ahousaht territory with Ahous Adventures, which is owned by a nation that has stewarded the lands and waters of Vancouver Island since time immemorial. The popular hot springs tour cruises the coast and inlets of Clayoquot Sound, with guides pointing out wildlife along the way. Once onshore, guests take a 30-minute walk via wooden boardwalk through old-growth rainforest, leading to the healing mineral waters of the hot springs. Throughout the journey, guides will discuss the history and cultural significance of Hot Springs Cove, a site that has been used for centuries by the Ahousat Nation for medicinal and spiritual benefits.
Dates: Tours are available throughout summer and beyond. 

Cruise an Island Archipelago – Sidney Whale Watching, serving Sidney (just 30 minutes from Victoria, BC) and the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island, is owned and operated by the Tsawout First Nation, with whale-watching experiences taking place on the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation. The three-hour whale watching tour cruises through the Gulf Island Archipelago, winding past orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles hunting for salmon. Sidney Whale Watching has a 95% whale-sighting rate throughout the year; if guests don’t spot a whale, they are welcome to join another tour free of charge, anytime.
Dates: Whale-watching tours take place daily between March and October. 

Take a cultural tour in a 35” canoe – Takaya Tours, based in Whey-ah-wichen, or Cates Park, in North Vancouver, leads guests through the territory of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Guests can paddle the protected waters of Indian Arm in replica ocean-going canoes, while guides share songs and stories of ancient villages. There’s also an option to add a rainforest walking tour to your paddling adventure.
Dates: The Cates Park location is open between May and September for guided tours, as well as rentals of kayak, surf-skis, and stand-up paddleboards. 

BC Tourism Industry Awards Best Indigenous Tourism Operator Winner 2024 – Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, which stewards the grizzly bear population in Bute Inlet—the ancestral home of the Homalco Nation—welcomes visitors to discover the area’s longstanding cultural and historical significance. The company’s full-day bear-watching and cultural tour leads guests to viewing areas that showcase grizzlies feeding on spawning salmon, along with plenty of opportunities to whale watch and bird watch. Guests can also wander through Aupe, an uninhabited Homalco village site.
Dates: Tours are offered between August and October.

2023 Yelp Travellers Choice – Sea Wolf Adventures, which leads tours in the Broughton Archipelago and the Great Bear Rainforest, on Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw Nation territory, combines cultural experiences with grizzly- and whale-watching safaris. The Grizzly Bears of the Wild tour connects guests with the iconic grizzly inhabitants of the Great Bear Rainforest, with bonus viewings of Pacific white-sided dolphins, eagles, orcas, and other wildlife. The full-day tour departs from Port McNeill, and includes Indigenous interpretations of local landscapes, as well as stories about the Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw People.
Dates: Tours run from May 31 through October. 

For more information on authentic Indigenous experiences in British Columbia visit www.indigenousbc.com.

For more travel features, visit:
goingplacesfarandnear.com
Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel
goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com
moralcompasstravel.info
travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/
goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/
instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near/
instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/
‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures
Twitter: @TravelFeatures