Engaging with Indigenous Cultures
This playbook outlines steps for culturally sensitive engagement with indigenous communities and for supporting indigenous tourism initiatives. It focuses on building understanding, respect, and mutual benefit.
Step 1: Research
Learn about the indigenous community you plan to engage with. Understand their history, culture, customs, and current issues they face. Perform comprehensive research using books, reputable online sources, and academic journals.
Step 2: Establish Contact
Identify and reach out to the appropriate representatives from the indigenous community. Contact could be through formal channels like community leaders or councils, or through intermediaries who have established relationships.
Step 3: Listen Actively
Foster open communication by actively listening to the community members’ needs, perspectives, and desires for engagement. Show respect by not imposing your own agenda and be open to learning from their experiences.
Step 4: Cultural Sensitivity
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity by asking about and adhering to local customs and protocols. This may include understanding proper greeting rituals, dress codes, and permission to record or photograph.
Step 5: Collaborate
Work with the community to develop initiatives that they find beneficial. This could involve co-creating tourism experiences, educational programs, or other collaborative projects.
Step 6: Support Locally
When engaging with indigenous tourism, choose to support locally-owned and operated businesses. Ensure that the economic benefits of your engagement go directly to the community.
Step 7: Continuous Learning
Recognize that cultural engagement is an ongoing learning process. Continue to educate yourself and seek guidance from the community as needed.
Step 8: Post-Visit Reflection
After your visit or interaction, take time to reflect on the experience. Consider the impacts of your engagement and how you can apply your learnings to future interactions.
General Notes
Consent
Always seek consent before visiting indigenous lands, participating in cultural events, or using indigenous imagery/language for your projects.
Benefit-sharing
Ensure that any commercial benefits from using indigenous knowledge or culture are shared fairly with the community.