Improving Indigenous local language opportunities in community-based tourism initiatives in Haida Gwaii (British Columbia, Canada)

ABSTRACT

This study explores visitor perceptions of Indigenous local language use at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay and Haida Gwaii Museum. We explore visitor expectations of local language use, the meaning and value of language, and their openness to expanded forms of language expression. The objective was to understand the context and limitations in which the Haida could improve local language opportunities using community-based tourism initiatives to their advantage. An Indigenist methodology informed analysis of 27 in-depth visitor interviews and provided insight into three major themes (1) life experience and heritage informs expectations, (2) [It's a] “Means of Communication” masks a deeper understanding of language, and (3) creating a meaningful space for local language engagement. The findings suggest significant and untapped spaces in which to support the expanded use of culturally appropriate local languages to the well-being of speakers and visitors. Ultimately, visitor affirmation drew on shared experiences of language loss – laying the groundwork for engagement based on the value of language as opposed to its prescriptive use as a commodity. Practical ways forward are given. This research was part of a larger study aimed at encouraging greater visibility and accessibility to Haida language through community-based tourism initiatives.

KEYWORDS:

• Cultural stewardship
• local language
• endangered languages
• language planning
• Indigenous tourism
• value of language
• language domain

Acknowledgments

I would like to acknowledge the support and assistance provided by the staff and management at the Haida Heritage Centre and Haida Gwaii Museum. They were instrumental in making this effort a success.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Language programming strives to support the transmission of language skills through (1) education, (2) in the home/family, and (3) preserving knowledge through documentation.

2. Grenoble and Whaley (2006) differentiate between immigrant and “local languages”: local referring to the original languages in use before colonization.

3. The Haida Gwaii watchmen program has become an iconic tourism feature: a cultural grassroots initiative that protects the ancient village sites from theft and vandalism.

4. The estimated number of annual visitors (50K) includes sport fishermen (30K) who spend little time or money on the islands.

5. There are three dialects of the Haida language; the southern dialect in Skidegate (HlGaagilda), the northern dialect in Old Massett (Gaw), and the Alaskan dialect in Hydaburg/Ketchikan (K'iis Xaat'aaay Tlagaay) (Steedman & (Jisgang) Collison, 2011).

6. Other initiatives include (1) the Head Start Program where children (one to six) are provided nine hours of language instruction per week, (2) educational programming where children (K-7) receive two additional hours of language instruction per week, and (3) a recently developed university certificate program aimed at increasing the number of certified instructors.

7. It is unclear whether the participant was referring to a variety of spoken Scottish Gaelic or a particular pronunciation of English. Suggested reading: Crann Tara: Preserving the culture, history, and future of Scotland. Scottish Dialects. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved from http://cranntara.scot/gaelic.htm

8. Street signs in Old Massett are styled in the shape of a Haida Canoe using the local dialect  – no English translation. In Skidegate, the signs are styled as copper shields using the local dialect first with the English translation below.

Additional information

Funding

The Mitacs Accelerate Program; the Council of the Haida Nation.

Notes on contributors

Kelly Whitney-Squire

Kelly Whitney-Squire received the doctorate degree in tourism management from the University of Otago and continued on to take up the postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Northern British Columbia to continue working with the Haida community to support language development and revitalization. She lives and works in Haida Gwaii.

Pamela Wright

Pamela Wright is an associate professor at the University of Northern British Columbia, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. Her research focuses on conservation-based approaches to protected areas design and management inclusive of Indigenous tourism and the social and ecological impacts and benefits of tourism and recreation.

Jason (Gaagwiis) Alsop

Jason (Gaagwiis) Alsop is working towards the master's degree in tourism management through Royal Roads University, Victoria, British Columbia. He has worked in tourism management for many years at the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay and Haida Gwaii Museum and is currently Chair of the Council of Haida Nation Tourism Committee and the Culture and Language Committee. He has made a significant contribution to his community through his participation and personal investment in this research.