NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: North Slave Region

Tags: environmental impact, social sciences, knowledge transfer, socio-economics, economic sustainable development, public policy, economic feasibility, northern community, social benefit, employment opportunities, nature-based tourism

Objective(s): Many First Nations communities in the North possess a wealth of environmental and cultural knowledge accumulated over millennia. These same communities, almost without exception, are characterised by a lack of economic opportunity and related social and economic maladies. A growing demand for ecocultural tourism experiences centered upon indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage provides an opportunity to develop diverse, self-sustaining and culturally relevant sources of revenue for aboriginal communities. This study will assist Gameti First Nation in preparing a tourism action plan and an analysis of the opportunities and constraints that are faced in the implementation of ecocultural tourism.

Project Description: This study will assist Gameti First Nation in preparing a tourism action plan and an analysis of the opportunities and constraints that are faced in the implementation of ecocultural tourism. Transportation to and on site will be by air. Data collection will be carried out while working under the direction of a consultant. Data collection will involve non-structured interviews and may involve community developed questionnaires. Key informants will be asked questions about their experiences with the ecotourism policies and practices followed by their companies. Current challenges faced due to unique cultural, climatic, political, and ecosystem conditions will be investigated. Key informants will also be asked about approaches used to overcome these challenges, their effectiveness, and about trends and current issues related to the subject. Names, identities and opinions will remain anonymous unless specific permission to quote has been granted. Interviews may involve audio recording of the interview proceedings. Other means of recording (i.e, taking notes) will be undertaken if audio recording is objectionable to the respondent(s). All interview data will remain with the researcher and be kept secure and locked for a period of three (3) years, after which it will be destroyed. Signatures on consent forms indicate that respondents have understood to their satisfaction, the information regarding participation in the research project and have agreed to participate as subjects. In no way does this waive their legal rights nor release the investigators, sponsors, or involved institutions from their legal and professional responsibilities. Respondents are free to withdraw from the study at any time. Continued participation should be as informed as initial consent, so respondents are reminded that they should feel free to ask for clarification or new information throughout their participation. If participants have further questions concerning matters related to this research they should contact the researcher at the address listed above.