Hawaii is a dream destination for many people around the world. Hawaii has soft sands that invite you to bury your feet in, refreshing ocean water, and the gentle breeze of a tropical destination. As much as Hawaii is an oasis for tourists, Hawaiian Natives see it differently. Hawaiian Native culture and traditions are directly tied to nature. The same nature is being torn down to build new hotels, shopping malls and gift shops to cater to tourists.  As a result of excessive tourism and pollution, Native Hawaiian food sources, especially fish, are on the decline. With booming tourism playing a critical role in Hawaii’s economy, Hawaiian Natives have called for better management of tourism in Hawaii.  Some have even begged tourists to stop coming.

Unlike Hawaii, some First Nations people have been engaging in indigenous led tourism, which allows them to not only share their culture, traditions and protect their lands, but benefit from tourism economically. An example of this is tourism development in subarctic Canada on Dene land. The Dene tribe has collaborated with Parks Canada, to establish protected land and create parks for tourists. The Dene also benefit from tourism led by indigenous people economically, as earnings from tourism go back into indigenous communities. Activities such as wildlife viewing, fish or hunting guiding, and other nature based experiences benefit not only tourists, but lead to long term local employment opportunities for the Dene. Tourism for the Dene also revitalizes their culture and the land.  For example, First Nation’s people such as the Dene are given jobs that focus on the ecological monitoring of the park, which can help the protected lands prosper. 

Both examples illustrate the complex nature of tourism’s impact on indigenous people and nature, negative, positive, or something in between.  While in some cases, indigenous people’s way of life and culture have been negatively impacted by the tourism industry, such as Hawaiian Natives, others have taken advantage of tourism, like the Dene, who have used tourism to their sacred lands to boost their economy, and share their culture.

Ecotourism allows for travelers from all over the world to enjoy picturesque landscapes, allowing for an escape from their day to day lives. But what of the Indigenous peoples who rely on and value these lands? Where have Indigenous people taken advantage of tourism in a way that is beneficial for themselves as well as the environment? 

Drawing insights from research, experts and indigenous peoples themselves, I will explore if tourism’s impact on indigenous people. Using case studies, I will illuminate different indigenous groups across the world’s complex relationship with tourism.  How have indigenous people responded to the impacts of tourism on their interests? When have indigenous people taken  advantage of tourism for their land and community’s benefit?