Cultural Heritage: Indigenous
“Through consciousness, our minds have the power to change our planet and ourselves. It is time we heed the wisdom of the ancient indigenous people and channel our consciousness and spirit to tend the garden and not destroy it.”
–Bruce Lipton
With Indigenous Travel, we can learn about indigenous cultures and deepen our understanding for indigenous peoples. Hence, we can truly honor their humanity, our shared humanity and then appreciate the many contributions they’ve made to society.
Despite their rich cultural heritage and traditions, many indigenous peoples are noticeably absent from historical narratives. That historical imbalance must be reconciled.
Indigenous travel offers curious travelers with a great opportunity to contribute to indigenous communities and at the same time experience their culture personally and make a difference to their lives with tourism. The stories below reflect our attempt to educate and restore harmony and accuracy to our collective history.
Chilean Tourism and the Indigenous Mapuche
By Leijia HanrahanThe regions of Biobío and Araucanía, which lie somewhere in the middle of the 2,653 miles that stretch from Chile’s top to bottom, are nevertheless known as “the south.” Read more
Central and South America Indigenous Social Responsibility
Bolivia’s Las Cholitas
By SJ ArmstrongThe cholita indigenous women from Bolivia’s countryside, are an indomitable symbol of resilience. In a country ravaged by colonial greed, ransacked resources, and periods of crippling poverty, the Bolivian people are no stranger to adversity. Read more
Central and South America Indigenous
Confronting Cannibalism Stereotypes in Papua New Guinea
By Cara SieraI hate to admit it, but when we booked our trip, I didn’t even know where to find Papua New Guinea on the map. Our travel companions had selected the destination. But in the months leading up to our departure, I began to fall in love with a place that … Read more Read more
Oceania Experiences History Indigenous
Exploring Indigenous Tourism and Istanbul
Indigenous tourism is tourism that directly engages Indigenous people, either by allowing them to manage a site or making Indigenous culture the focus for a destination. An Indigenous-focus tourist is generally an international or domestic tourist who participates in or undertakes at least one Indigenous tourism activity during a holiday, … Read more Read more
The World History Indigenous
Martha’s Vineyard: Along the Deaf Heritage Trail and beyond
Nancy Gardella, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, says that Martha’s Vineyard is so much more than its pretty beaches and famous residents. Among the stories Nancy reveals is the Vineyard’s troubling story of colonization and the island’s surprising legacy of sign language. Read more
United States History Indigenous
Visiting Panama’s Embera People
By Chez ChesakOur wooden longboat plied the Chagres River deeper and deeper into the Panamanian rain forest. Soon the boatmen, one wearing a loincloth and the other a beaded skirt, were poling us through channels so narrow that it looked like the river had disappeared. Read more
Central and South America History Indigenous
4 Incredible Places to Visit in Lake Toba, Sumatra
By Nayla AzmiLake Toba, or Danau Toba in Bahasa, is a huge, natural lake occupying the caldera of a supervolcano and an important site for the Batak Indigenous people. Read more
Asia Off the Beaten Path Indigenous
How one Indonesian community is using ecotourism income to fight deforestation and climate change
By Nayla AzmiClimate change is impacting the world in significant ways. We know this. But it’s impacting the beautiful islands of Indonesia, in particular… Read more
Asia Eco-tourism Indigenous
Singing the country: Understanding the Aboriginal creation story
By SJ ArmstrongEvery inch of Australia is written in song. Read more
Oceania History Indigenous
A Trip Through Tradition on the Tweed Coast
By Ann-Marie CahillWollumbin is not the first site to be ‘renamed’ in Australia, and it certainly should not be the last. Read more
Oceania Landscape Indigenous
Indigenous Food Travel: A Culinary Postcard
By Ann-Marie CahillWhile many of my friends have turned to books or television documentaries, I have been exploring the world of culinary travel — but not just for cooking recipes. I found inspiration in the preservation of Indigenous food. And that has me planning my next adventure. Read more
Oceania Food & Drink Indigenous Preservation Social Responsibility
Max Mara: A Fashion House Under Fire for Stealing Indigenous Designs
By Tara TadlockMax Mara, a multi-billion dollar Italian fashion label, has been blasted on social media for stealing the traditional clothing designs of the Oma, a tiny ethnic minority in Southeast Asia. Read more
Asia Fashion & Style Indigenous Social Responsibility
Locals of Licin, East Java
By Ziba RedifThe sleepy village of Licin is situated in the Banyuwangi regency of East Java, Indonesia. It’s a 30-minute drive from the town of Banyuwangi – Java’s easternmost tip – and an hour from the slopes of Kawah Ijen, the legendary volcano famous for its electric blue flames. Read more
Asia Agritourism Indigenous Sustainability
Western New York’s New Onöhsagwëde’ Cultural Center
By Kathleen WallsThe Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County, New York are the homeland of The Seneca Nation, one of six Native American tribes that formed a confederacy in the region. The largest of the six tribes, The Seneca, who lived in the Western part of the Confederacy, called themselves the Onöndowa’ga,’ or … Read more Read more
United States Experiences Indigenous Preservation
Garifuna culture and history throughout St. Vincent and Grenadine Islands
By Tonya FitzpatrickTraveling throughout the Caribbean and especially the West Indies, one can experience the cultural influences of the Garifuna people in the food, music, dance and island traditions. The Garifuna people are the mixed-race descendants of Carib, African and Arawak people. When indigenous Amerindian inhabitants of these Caribbean islands, intermarried Western … Read more Read more
Caribbean and Atlantic Experiences Indigenous