In this episode, I dive deep into the controversial issue of Indigenous tourism. Is it something we should be doing? What harm do the Indigenous communities endure? Are there any benefits to them? There has been a fascination with Indigenous or First Nation tribes for centuries. From the first explorers, to the colonists, to the missionaries - these people all had agendas to benefit themselves or their own countries. The tribes were an artefact along the way, to be dealt with accordingly, and mostly in a negative manner. Then anthropologists came along and lived with the tribes. They also had their own agendas to learn about the cultures and report their findings in academia, but at least they did not want to harm the tribes. With my fascination with the different African cultures, I was often called a budding anthropologist that was 20 years too late. This sparked my interest so much that when I came back to Australia, I enrolled into university and became an anthropologist, along with my scientific interest - but I digress....... Indigenous tourism has been around for awhile but it is only recently that they have started to control their own tourism and lead their own tours with more of earned revenue staying within the community. However, corruption still occurs. I remember my trip to the mountain gorillas, where I paid US$100 for the privilege. The rangers told me they were lucky to get $5 from that fee. It was a sad reality. I discuss the pros and cons of indigenous tourism. The advantages include sustainable economic opportunities through Indigenous-led tourism, expanding the awareness of cultures and their connection to their land, creating employment that leads to affordable education and improving themselves, and also building community pride. The disadvantages include desecration of heritage and sacred sites, over commercialisation and loss of authenticity, the notion of visiting a "human zoo" just for the photo opportunities with little interest in the culture, and the loss of culture and connection through the mass production of trinkets and souvenirs. I also discuss the ethical dilemma of some customs and question if we have the right to judge. I offer advice of how we can still visit these communities but only have a minimal footprint, such as immersing ourselves into their cultures through extended homestays bringing in money to their village. Lastly, I suggest the four basic rules to keep in mind when visiting a First Nation community 1. Stop - think before you visit 2. Respect - be respectful of the culture through your dress and your mannerisms, and who you are visiting. It is not a 'zoo'. Ask permission for photos and be aware of how you can impact a community through your actions. 3. Learn & listen - open your mind and take the opportunity to learn about different cultures. Many of these cultural tribes have oral traditions handed down over generations through story-telling. They are fascinating if you take the time to listen. You may also learn. 4. Behave accordingly and be mindful – you are also representing your nationality. Be courteous and patient. Time has a different meaning in these communities. Learn to go with the flow. Photo: A Turkana girl standing outside huts on the edge of Lake Turkana, northern Kenya. Note, her expression at the influx of tourists with cameras clicking away. Source: Justine Murray, Pentax Z10. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/justine-murray0/message