Ecotourism can Feed Environmental and Cultural Sustainability. Presented by Jessica Winnestaffer Chickaloon Native Village

Transcription

1 Ecotourism can Feed Environmental and Cultural Sustainability Presented by Jessica Winnestaffer Chickaloon Native Village

2 What You ll Get Definitions Chickaloon Native Village Introduction Past Ecotourism Project and Lessons Learned Next Ecotourism Project

3 Definitions Culture ways of living transmitted from one generation to another. (Anthropology versiondictionary.com) Sustainability - able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed. (Merriam- Webster)

4 Ecotourism - Environmentally responsible travel to natural areas, to enjoy and appreciate nature (and accompanying cultural features, both past and present) that promote conservation, have a low visitor impact and provide for beneficial socio-economic involvement of local peoples. (World Conservation Union)

5 Cultural Tourism - Travel to experience the arts or history of a location or travel to immerse oneself in the language, society, or culture of a region. (Travel Industry Dictionary)

6

7 Chickaloon Village Traditional Council Mission To perpetuate our ancestors beliefs, customs, traditions and values and steward our environment to help our citizens thrive.

8 Chickaloon Village Traditional Council Goals Rejuvenate Athabascan culture, oral traditions, spirituality, Ahtna Athabascan language, songs, and dances based on our traditional values. Protect, enhance and restore our ancestral lands, water and air and ensure respectful, healthy development.

9 Tene Ninicezet (FY ) [Trails I Am Thinking About Project] Goal: To enhance Tribal governance and land stewardship throughout our traditional territory through trails and recreation planning and management, and enhance social and economic development by initiating Tribal cultural ecotourism opportunities.

10 FY Objectives: Watershed Recreation and Trails Plan Tribal Guide for Cultural Ecotourism Development Training/Development for Tribal Ecotourism

11 Recreation and Trails Plan Community (and Stakeholder) Planning Field Assessments Community Input Written Plan Community Review

12 Tribal Guide for Cultural Ecotourism Development Landowner Survey on Ecotourism Business Interviews Community Input Written Guide

13 Training for Tribal Ecotourism Trainings Provided to Community Backcountry Guide (2011) Kayaking, Hiking, Rafting, Glacier Travel Certified Interpretive Guide (2012 & 2013) Certified Interpretive Trainer (2013) Trail Design 101 (2012)

14 Development of Tribal Ecotourism Management of Recreation Sites Development of Trails Stewardship of Public Lands within Traditional Territory 3-day Statewide Cultural Tourism Summit (2013)

15 (Some of the) Lessons Learned Existing tourism businesses want to partner with Tribal organizations to deliver Cultural Ecotourism There are not enough Tribal Cultural Ecotourism tours in AK (or in most places) Cultural Presentation Content Considerations: Authentic, Appropriate, Personal, Contemporary

16 Cultural Ecotourism Benefits to Culture Preserve and perpetuate culture Nurture cultural pride and cultural connection Nurture cultural interest within community Positive, culturally-healthy jobs Economic benefit from learning/knowing/sharing culture

17 Cultural Ecotourism Benefits to Environment Increase natural resource appreciation Nurture environmental stewardship Educate on traditional environmental stewardship beliefs and practices Develop environmental curiosity

18 Nurture the Land and People Project (FY ) Goal: To provide Ahtna cultural restoration and preservation by developing an Ahtna Cultural Resource Library, writing an Ahtna Cultural Education Book and providing frequent Ahtna cultural education events; and cultural sustainability and economic growth through development of cultural tourism, cultural tourism networks and a business plan for tourism infrastructure development.

19 Planned Cultural Sustainability Efforts Ahtna Cultural Education Book with 15 lesson plans 30 Ahtna cultural education events in the community Ahtna Cultural Resource Library

20 Planned Cultural Sustainability & Job Training Provide 10 free tourism trainings Provide Ahtna cultural presentations and tours by three Cultural Interpretive Guides Establish partnerships to develop and strengthen our Ahtna cultural tourism program

21 Infrastructure Visioning (for Long-term Cultural Sustainability) Feasibility study and business plan for a hotel/conference center and Ahtna cultural park

22 We Believe Through cultural rejuvenation we can improve our community s health and wellness Through cultural tourism we can create cultural and environmental sustainability and satisfying employment opportunities.

23 For more information: Jessica Winnestaffer Chickaloon Native Village Environmental Stewardship Director (907)