NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: North Slave Region

Tags: social sciences, tourism

Objective(s): To study the way in which tourism is being presented as a growing opportunity for the Northwest Territories, and to assess its importance in relation to changing resource development landscapes.

Project Description: This fieldwork will supplement previous secondary library and archival research on the way in which tourism is being presented as a growing opportunity for the Northwest Territories and how that will help to assess its importance in relation to changing resource development landscapes, Yellowknife’s role as a service and administrative center, and broader regional development plans. I believe that it is necessary to understand the logic of the discursive which orients policy and community discussion and decision-making on this topic by speaking with those involved in the Yellowknife community. Semi-structured interviews of approx. one hour each, one-on-one with key stakeholders in government and local business community, recorded via pen & paper, recording device or video camera. Participants will be recruited in consultation with and approved by the Supervisor. Sources of the organizations will be the Internet and suitable contacts (i.e. snowball technique). The participants themselves will be determined by approaching senior staff of these organizations and soliciting suggestions as to staff/personnel best suited for the task. There are questionnaires for those unable to participate in person; library research on local publications; and, an on-site assessment of local tourist facilities. The principal investigator will be consulting with local government (GNWT, City of Yellowknife), businesses and tour operators about tourism and its impact on NWT economic development. Social, cultural, educational and economic benefits are derived from the knowledge obtained from the study, for example possible enrichment of cultural and social life through tourist-oriented events or better understanding of the nature of opportunities provided by the tourist industry. The principal investigator will make a summary of work available through research supervisors (or own) website and will provide this information to anyone interested upon request. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from May 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015.