Community assessment of Indigenous language-based tourism projects in Haida Gwaii (British Columbia, Canada)

Abstract

Research into language-based tourism programming is rare. Aside from a few studies that consider the language/tourism nexus broadly, research has failed to examine the community context in which development takes place or the impact of communities on the choice of suitable projects. This study assessed the relative merits of 12 proposed language-based tourism projects to support the development and revitalization of Haida language. This research was conducted in two phases: initially, informal focus groups were used to identify key criteria affecting development, which were then used as a means of reflecting on the proposed projects from the perspective of the community. The results show that the two projects with the greatest potential include Impromptu Cultural Performances and Increased Signage in Haida Language. The level of community support contingent upon their ability to (1) find suitable partnerships, (2) secure adequate approvals, (3) hold long term industry potential, (4) deepen speaker opportunities, and (5) moderate high level political concerns. This research fills a gap in the literature by offering evidence to support projects best suited to the needs and aspirations of the community and introduces a necessary distinction between language use in tourism settings versus language planning in tourism settings.