Sensitive visits to Native America

[bixaorellana]

The New York Times, August 23, 2009



From the article:

" ... it has often been difficult for outsiders to find an accessible and comfortable way into the nuanced realities of Indian country: its venerable history and distinct cultures; its remote, rugged natural beauty.

.... A new generation of Indian entrepreneurs and leaders is making its influence felt in tourism, bringing a sensitive, updated sensibility to hospitality, along with a renewed emphasis on authenticity. In some of the most gorgeous, intriguing and remote places of Native American territory, the focus is shifting toward a more modern and higher-end travel experience."

[Deleted]

I had to troop through a strange ethnic village in Vietnam once on a group tour, and I was mortified at how they pointed at the people and explained their 'primitive' lifestyle. If they had at least said "we are paying this village X amount of money per tourist visit" I wouldn't have felt so bad, but it seemed pretty clear that they were being invaded without any regard to how they felt about it and possibly not even being compensated.

[bixaorellana]

*cringe* When you consider how negatively tourists are regarded in many places that court and rely on tourism, you can only imagine how hateful that experience must be to those villagers. As you say, how mortifying to be associated with people looking at their fellow man as zoo animals. It's so stupid, too -- what can you possibly learn about the lives of others by stomping through their home place?

One of the things I like most about this forum is that pictures and essays are posted by people with knowledge of and respect for what they're presenting. It gives everyone a chance to ask questions and to glean a little insight.

As far as I can tell from the OP article, the form of tourism offered should guarantee a certain level of respect and allow the traditional residents of the area to be hosts rather than victims.

[traveler63]

Bixa;
I have saved the entire article, because Kirk and I took the same trip and stayed at the Thunderbird Lodge and did the tour in Canyon de Chelly. We have many pictures and I would say to anyone, do this trip. It is a real eye opener into the Navajo nation and what they went through . The canyon is beautiful and the history really gives you the other side of the story. We also spent time in Monument Valley on the same trip.

[bixaorellana]

Thanks for telling that, T63. I was wondering what it was really like. I imagine because you all have some knowledge of the beliefs of the Navajo and Hopi, it must have been an even richer experience for you.

All I know about any of that, I learned from the Tony Hillerman novels. He probably did more than anyone to overturn the stereotypes absorbed by all of us who grew up in the 50s and 60s. He really did write about that area and the people who live there in a way that was respectful and made you want to know more.