Exploring the Relationship Between Aboriginal
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ABORIGINAL ECOTOURISM AND COMMUNITY-BASED DEVELOPMENT IN HAIDA GWAII, CANADA by KELLY WHITNEY-SQUIRE Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Recreation Management University Spring Convocation 2011 © by KELLY WHITNEY-SQUIRE This thesis by KELLY WHITNEY-SQUIRE was defended successfully in an oral examination on November 26, 2010. The examining committee for the thesis was: –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Dr. Cynthia Alexander, Chair ____________________________________ Glyn Bissix for, Dr. Tom Hinch, External Reader ____________________________________ Dr. Alan Warner, Internal Reader ____________________________________ Dr. John W. Colton, Supervisor ____________________________________ Dr. Susan Markham-Starr, Director’s Delegate This thesis is accepted in its present form by the Division of Research and Graduate Studies as satisfying the thesis requirements for the degree MASTER OF RECREATION MANAGEMENT. ………………………………………………….. ii I, KELLY LYNN WHITNEY-SQUIRE, grant permission to the University Librarian at Acadia University to reproduce, loan or distribute copies of this thesis in microform, paper or electronic formats on a non-profit basis. I, however, retain the copyright in my thesis. _____________________________ Author _____________________________ Supervisor _____________________________ Date iii Table of Contents List of Tables ……………...................................................................….... vii List of Figures ……………………………………………….……...…..... viii Abstract ……………………………………….....……......…...............…. ix List of Abbreviations …………………………………..…...........……..... x Acknowledgements .................................................................................... xi Chapter 1: Introduction .....………………………….………………..... 1 Study Purpose and Objectives ………………………………….... 3 Study Area ……………………………………………………….. 4 Theoretical Approach ………………………………………….… 5 Potential Research Implications ………….…………………….... 6 Definitions ……………………………………………………...... 7 Researcher Experience ………………………………….……….. 8 Chapter 2: Haida Gwaii Tourism Context ............................................ 11 Geography ...................................................................................... 11 Tourism in Haida Gwaii ................................................................. 14 Tourism Planning in Haida Gwaii ................................................. 16 Haida Gwaii Watchmen Program .................................................. 18 Chapter 3: Literature Review …………………………………......….. 20 Community Development ………………….........……......…….. 21 Community-Based Ecotourism ………………………...........….. 25 Aboriginal Ecotourism ……………………...........................…... 26 Chapter Summary ……………………………....…..............…... 34 iv Chapter 4: Research Approach and Methods ………………………... 36 Research Paradigm ……………………………………..……...... 36 Methodological Approach ………………………………..……... 36 Description of Research Methods ………………………............. 37 Trustworthiness and Consistency …………………………..….... 42 Data Analysis ………………………………..…………………... 44 Meeting Ethical Research Requirements ………...…………….... 46 Chapter 5: Results …….........……………………………...................... 49 Theme 1: Commitment to Community and Planning………......... 50 Theme 2: Economic Factors …………………………………...... 62 Theme 3: Role of Continuity ………………………………......... 73 Theme 4: Stakeholder Impact ………………………………........ 86 Theme 5: Role of the Haida Heritage Centre and Haida Gwaii Museum ………….…………......…….. 96 Summary of Themes …………………….................……………. 104 Chapter 6: Discussion ……………………………………...…............... 108 1. Comprehensive Approach to Community-Based Development ……........................................ 108 2. Role of Art in Community-Based Development ........................ 115 3. Role of Language in Community-Based Development ............. 119 4. Continuity of the Haida Culture ................................................. 123 5. Demonstrating Aboriginal Ecotourism ...................................... 126 Chapter 7: Conclusions and Recommendations ………....................... 132 Key Insights ……………………………..........………........……. 134 v Recommendations to the Community ............................................ 136 Recommendations for Future Research ……………………...….. 138 Final Word ...................................................................................... 140 References ………………………………………………………............. 141 Appendices A. Interview Guide Questions ....................................................... 152 B. Informed Consent …...........…………......….....…….......….... 155 C. Haida Gwaii Heritage Tourism Strategy ................................... 158 vi List of Tables Table 1 Definitions ………………………………….............…..... 5 Table 2 Community Development Approaches......................…..... 23 Table 3 Research Methods ….......................................................... 38 Table 4 Key Stakeholder Agreements ............................................. 86 Table 5 Community Development Activities by Approach ............ 110 Table 6 Activity Examples by Benefit Category ............................ 131 vii List of Figures Figure 1 Map of Haida Gwaii …………………………………....... 13 Figure 2 Haida Representation on TAC ........................................… 17 Figure 3 Photos of Signage in Skidegate .......................................... 79 viii Abstract This thesis assesses the effect of historical events on Aboriginal ecotourism and community-based development in Haida Gwaii, Canada. The establishment of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site in 1988 precipitated changes in how ecotourism is managed at the islands-wide and community levels. These changes placed the community in a greater position of power in managing and controlling development and effectively changed the relationship between Aboriginal ecotourism and community-based development. The community has used this new relationship to develop ecotourism products and services that reflect the spiritual, traditional, and cultural values of the people. The purpose of this study was to better understand the relationship between Aboriginal ecotourism and community-based development. Using a case study approach, qualitative data were gathered in the form of interviews, field journals, and participant observation. The results of the two month field visit indicate that the key components of the relationship are: (a) commitment to the community; (b) economic factors; (c) role of continuity; (d) stakeholder impact; and (e) the role of the Haida Heritage Centre and the Haida Gwaii Museum. The principle conclusions reflect the Haida’s approach to community development, the importance of art and language to ecotourism, and continuity as a driver of Haida culture. The use of the term “Aboriginal” in this thesis was based on its use in the current literature. ix List of Abbreviations AMB Archipelago Management Board ATBC Aboriginal Tourism British Columbia BC British Columbia CHN Council of the Haida Nation DMO Destination Marketing Organization GHNPR Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site HHC Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay llnagaay (Also referred to as the Haida Heritage Centre.) MIEDS Misty Isles Economic Development Society MoU Memorandum of Understanding NBCTA Northern British Columbia Tourism Association QCI Queen Charlotte Islands TAC Haida Gwaii Tourism Advisory Committee VIC Visitor Information Centre x ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to take this opportunity to thank several people who have been so helpful in preparing this thesis. I have no doubt that I would have had great difficulty containing my wandering pen to the issues at hand without the help of John Colton. Your support and instruction has been patient and kind and a source of inspiration. Thank you. To my family and friends who have lent their support and encouragement over the past year and a half a heart felt thank you. This comes with a reminder that I will be home soon. My greatest appreciation goes to the wonderful people of Haida Gwaii. Without your openness and trust this document would not have been possible. I thank you for the enthusiasm you brought to the project and the warmth shown me while I enjoyed in your island paradise. I gained far more from the experience than I could have possibly imagined. Upon successful completion of this thesis the intent is to deliver a copy to the Operations Manager at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay llnagaay in addition to an Executive Summary to be made available to interested members of the community. Thank you. xi CHAPTER 1 Introduction Aboriginal communities engaged in ecotourism are challenged daily to build and maintain their cultures while navigating within a complex and global industry (Bell, 1999a; Harris, 2009; Notzke, 2006). Aboriginal ecotourism occurs within a system that is, for the most part, outside the control of communities, yet it retains the potential to provide economic opportunity and to empower Aboriginal peoples (Notzke, 2006). Increasingly, Aboriginal communities are taking greater control over development; however they continue to face tremendous challenges resulting from historic and modern day considerations (Curtin, 2004; Notzke, 2006). Historically, government efforts to support Aboriginal communities have focused on economic development and the delivery of services and programs based on perceived needs (Bell, 1999a; Fleras, 1996). Alternatively,