Building Language-Based Tourism Opportunities in Haida Gwaii, Canada

The purpose of this project is to work with the Haida to implement a community-based tourism program to support the development and revitalization of their language. Based on the findings of a doctoral thesis undertaken with the community, the program will support culturally appropriate uses of language within tourism settings. Foundational to the program is supporting language relationships, meaning the people, networks, and associations within the community that serve to create a mutually supportive speaking environment. The goal is to establish a planning strategy, clarify the program goals, and establish effective valued practices to support language usage. In addition to determining the effectiveness of the program by assessing the relationships supported, a critical inquiry will explore visitor perceptions toward language and cultural interpretation. This research will inform decisions on language content and training. The benefit to the partner organization is the development of a culturally appropriate and integrated language program in the community

Faculty Supervisor:

Pamela Wright

Student:

Partner:

Haida Heritage Centre/Council of the Haida Nation;Haida Enterprise Corporation (Richmond, BC)

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Arts, entertainment and recreation; Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration

University:

University of Northern British Columbia

Program: