Developing tourism experiences in this space requires meaningful engagement, cultural permission, and respect for community protocols.

Before you begin shaping a visitor experience, consider:

• Whose story is being told?
• Who holds the cultural authority to share it?
• Have the right people, Elders, knowledge holders, or community leaders, been consulted and given their permission?
• Are you working with appropriate community structures, such as Local Aboriginal Land Councils or cultural custodians?

These questions are essential. First Nations cultural tourism involves cultural and intellectual property that belongs to communities, not individuals. Consultation must occur through the proper channels, and the process should allow sufficient time for respectful dialogue and relationship-building.

For non-Indigenous operators, cultural tourism might involve hosting exhibitions, curating heritage spaces, offering creative workshops, or presenting food and wine experiences that celebrate local stories. Regardless of the format, it is essential to consider the broader cultural context and ensure that your experience contributes to a narrative that is respectful and inclusive.

As you read through the content in this Phase, keep in mind that developing cultural tourism experiences with First Nations communities takes time, care, and patience. That said, it is more achievable today than it has been in the past. Across the region, there is a growing appetite for collaboration, with many Indigenous people and communities actively seeking opportunities to share culture and co-create meaningful visitor experiences. Relationships still require trust, transparency, and respect, but the pathways to partnership are clearer, and the outcomes are rich and rewarding.