The Original Original: Fostering Authentic Connection Between Visitor and Community

It was just shy of midday on the week preceding the solstice, though in a land with seemingly endless sunlight, time as I knew it was obsolete. I sat on the remnants of an aged red cedar on the bank of the former Haida village, Xayana, on Maude Island. The Pacific coastal tides reverberated impossibly clean air against the lush canopy of the boreal forest, creating an atmospheric dome of incomparable tranquility from which I took stock of my surroundings:

Towering trees, with trunks wide enough to encompass the stories of generations, create a natural cathedral, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor below my feet. There was no evidence of human occupation on Xayana aside from a 45-foot totem pole towering overhead, guarding the desolate island like a silent sentinel. Though this particular pole was new, (having been raised in memoriam of Kaay’ahl Laanas hereditary chief Watson Price just that year) it resembled many time-worn totems I had seen in Skidegate and Massett in the days preceding. 

Throughout Haida Gwaii, Totem poles adorned with intricate carvings, rise majestically – each telling a tale of ancestors, spirits, and the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. The totems are not lifeless statues but living narratives, whispered by the wind and etched into the very essence of the land. Under the watch of this particular mortuary pole, I actively dissociated from the hypnotic painter’s palette of blues and greens around me to reflect on my unique itinerary in Haida Gwaii.

Much like many Indigenous destinations, Haida Gwaii’s past and present seamlessly coalesce, creating a palpable sense of timelessness. The whispers of the elders seem to linger in the rustle of leaves and the din of carving sheds. The land itself is a keeper of stories, a silent witness to the resilience and wisdom of a people who have thrived in harmony with the natural world for millennia. At that time, I determined that the ethos of this land and the experiences it graciously offers its guests can be concisely summarized in one word: Authenticity. A notion so simple in concept and yet difficult to come by.

In an era marked by globalization and a growing emphasis on cultural renaissance, the significance of authenticity in Indigenous Tourism cannot be overstated. By prioritizing genuine connections, these destinations create a tourism landscape that respects and preserves the cultural richness of Indigenous Peoples and extends it to a wider audience. As the travel industry continues to evolve, embracing authenticity becomes not only a choice but a shared responsibility to nurture a world where cultural rejuvenation is celebrated and protected.

Haida Gwaii’s self-sustained ecosystem of Indigenous-operated experiences proudly wears this spirit of authenticity on its sleeve. Their unique offerings have helped restore economic autonomy over the land that Haida People have occupied since time immemorial, while presenting international travellers with an equally enlightening and captivating opportunity. This said, the importance of these tactical business practices extends far beyond the realm of commerce. These enterprises serve as powerful agents of cultural and linguistic preservation, economic empowerment, and communal catharsis. This ideology isn’t exclusive to the Northern Pacific Coast either, but is reflected by many renowned experiences across Turtle Island and beyond. 

In 2021, with this very philosophy in mind, The Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) developed The Original Original Mark of Authenticity. Aesthetically, the mark itself is exquisitely understated, exploring the values of said authenticity by placing two letter Os within each other. This purposefully represents the earth and the respective life-cycle of its inhabitants. At the center of these circles is a fire symbol that possesses a single flame divided into three parts. This careful distinction represents each of the three groups of Indigenous Peoples in Canada; First Nation, Métis and Inuit. The namesake, The Original Original, is a truncated testament to the reality that many lay claim to being “original”, but none are truly as original as this land’s primitive inhabitants.

While the pairing of this imagery and verbiage alone carries inherent allegorical meaning, the mark’s true purpose is actually as a very practical identification tool. While many enterprises offer immersive access to the Indigenous way, not all Indigenous tourism experiences directly support Indigenous individuals, families and communities. The first of its kind, The mark acts as a north star for those who are purchasing products and experiences with deliberate intention. While encouraging travellers to actively educate themselves about the territories they explore, The Original Original mitigates the often contentious legwork of vetting an operator’s legitimacy. In abridged terms: if you see the logo, you know it is authentic.

Behind the artful curtain of the mark is a rigorous accreditation process facilitated by a team of detail-oriented business development professionals. While by no means gatekeeping the integrity of Indigenous entrepreneurship, these individuals evaluate businesses based on a comprehensive accreditation process. Among more granular details, this process confirms that the business is at least 51% Indigenous-owned and that it reaches a set standard of market readiness for consumers. Once approved, the accredited members are awarded usage to the seminal mark, which can then be used to seamlessly substantiate their authenticity to travellers worldwide. 

By fostering genuine connections between tourists and Indigenous communities, the program ensures that cultural integrity is celebrated, respected, and preserved for generations to come. As the tourism landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this play a pivotal role in promoting ethical practices and nurturing a harmonious coexistence between cultural preservation and destination development. Among other globally revered destinations in Canada, these principles are on full display in communities like Haida Gwaii.

As I sat in the quietude of the rugged Haida shorelines, the rich tapestry of untouched culture unfolded before me like a well-worn map, guiding visitors like myself through a landscape where tradition and modernity dance together in a delicate balance. I took comfort in the fact that, aside from the glaring appeal of the striking landscape before me, I was cultivating a meaningful connection with the Haida community through my visit. This peace of mind brought undeniable clarity to the breathtaking tableau of nature’s artistry surrounding me. While authentic Indigenous business practices predate The Original Original by countless millennia, it was increasingly clear that this simple mark presented a bridge that connected an age-old gap between travellers and Indigenous Peoples. Through this innovation, visitors like myself are offered the unique opportunity to champion those who, in turn, gift us with lifelong memories.