Indigenous culture tourism: 11 ancient cultures you can still interact with today

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This was published 6 years ago

Indigenous culture tourism: 11 ancient cultures you can still interact with today

By Ute Junker
The traditional ancestral houses of the Torajan people, Tana Toraja Regency in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

The traditional ancestral houses of the Torajan people, Tana Toraja Regency in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Travel is often a quest for the new. A new city to explore, a new taste to discover, a new panorama to gaze at. Sometimes, however, it is the old, even the ancient, not the new, that lures us. Not so long ago, that usually meant visiting stone monuments left behind by a long-vanished civilisation.

Increasingly, however, we are seeking something much more exciting – encounters with ancient cultures that have somehow managed to survive in the modern world.

"Tribal tourism", as it has been dubbed, is on the rise. From Papua New Guinea to Morocco, Kenya to Indonesia, tourists are increasingly drawn to the idea of visiting First Nations peoples, cultures whose way of life is entirely different from our own.

Lemo - an old burial site in Tana Toraja. Galleries of tau-tau guard the graves in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Lemo - an old burial site in Tana Toraja. Galleries of tau-tau guard the graves in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

Done ethically, tribal tourism can be a huge boost to First Nations, helping them to maintain their culture while bringing important economic benefits. Done badly, it can be a disaster.

Take the Jarawa people of the Andaman Islands off India, who had little contact with the outside world until the late 1990s. In the decades since, outsiders have introduced alcohol and marijuana, stolen the animals on which the Jarawa rely for survival, and inadvertently caused two outbreaks of measles, a disease which can be fatal among First Nations.

Since 2011, following reports of "human safaris" in Jarawa territory, with locals being forced to dance in exchange for food, Survival International has been leading a tourist boycott of the Andaman Islands.

"A way of life isn't a commodity," says Sophie Grigi, a senior co-ordinator at Survival International, cautioning that tribal tourism should be undertaken with "caution and respect". "Entering a new region comes with real responsibilities," agrees Sue Badyari, chief executive of World Expeditions.

"As part of our risk management planning, we carefully evaluate our likely impacts and strategies for minimising those impacts, which are then carefully monitored."

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Among the company's popular tours are various itineraries that visit Mongolian nomads. The trips are planned with, and guided by, Tim Cope, who gained a strong understanding of local cultures during three years travelling on the Eurasian steppes.

"The nomads agree to come with us, never for any more than two weeks in any given year, and continue to exist in their ordinary lifestyle. We do not create any dependency," Badyari says.

Intrepid Travel takes a similar approach. For its newly launched Siberian itinerary, which includes a visit with the nomadic Yamal people, Intrepid worked closely with the Yamal.

"Where we are visiting ethnic minorities, we look to work with indigenous-owned businesses," says Tara Kennaway, Intrepid's regional product manager. "If these are not yet in existence, we will try to work with individuals who are keen to learn more about working in tourism. This could be drivers, interpreters, locals who might cook for us, or guide us on walks."

Kennaway says that responsible travel is about respecting an authentic lifestyle, rather than putting on performances.

"We show an interest in the simple things: daily routine, everyday foods, where people shop, how families and friends spend their time, rather than elements of culture that might be "put on" for tourists like performances or costumes. We want locals to know that their everyday life and culture is important and has value."

If you are ready for an authentic First Nations experience, try one of these trips.

Credit: Shutterstock

THE PLACE: Peru

THE PEOPLE

High in the Andes Mountains, Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, is home to the Uros people, who famously live on floating islands and whose women are known for favouring jaunty bowler hats. Although some of the Uros now live on the shore, they have embraced tourism as a means of maintaining their traditional way of life.

THE EXPERIENCE

Like the idea of sleeping on a floating island? Then book a stay at Uros Khantati, run by a local couple, Kristina and Victor. During your stay there are plenty of cultural activities to try, from learning handicrafts and traditional songs to harvesting the totora reeds that are the Uros' favourite building material. Be aware that the temperatures on the lake are cool: there is a reason the locals wear all those layers.

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ultrapop.org/uroskhantati/

THE PLACE: Papua New Guinea

THE PEOPLE

Australians often forget that one of the world's largest collection of tribal cultures sits right on our doorstep. No fewer than 700 separate languages are spoken in Papua New Guinea, each representing a distinctive tribal grouping with its own dances and music, costumes and art.

THE EXPERIENCE

Tufi Resort, just a short flight from Port Moresby, is beloved both by divers – the coral reefs are simply spectacular – and those seeking some R&R after tackling the Kokoda Track. However, this boutique resort is also a great place to soak up the local culture.Activities allow you to meet villagers and participate in traditional practices from fishing and processing trees for tapa cloth to colourful tribal ceremonies. You can even spend a night in one of the villages.

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From $A145 a person a night, including all meals, tufidive.com

THE PLACE: Mongolia

THE PEOPLE

Between 25 and 40 per cent of Mongolia's population still follow traditional nomadic lifestyles, although they often co-opt modern technology to make their lives more comfortable. You may see portable solar panels sitting beside traditional ger tents, or see herds being rounded up with motorbikes rather than horses.

THE EXPERIENCE

World Expeditions' 18-day Mounted Nomads of Western Mongolia itinerary is led by Australian adventurer Tim Cope, a man whose intimate knowledge of Mongolia has been recognised by a Peace Medal awarded by the Mongolian government. The itinerary includes three days trekking with nomads and their animals, as well as the opportunity to attend the annual Golden Eagle Festival, one of the biggest festivities in the Mongolian calendar. Expect to see ceremonies and dance performances as well as competitions among the eagles and their hunters.

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From $A7940 a person, worldexpeditions.com/au

Credit: iStock

THE PLACE: Canada

THE PEOPLE

Canada's First Nations are as diverse as the country, with the landscapes in which they lived shaping their material and spiritual worlds. The tribes of the Haudenosaunee, who lived in the fertile south, formed farming communities and ran their communities as democracies.

THE EXPERIENCE

Just half an hour from the heart of Quebec City, North America's grandest colonial city, the Hotel-Musee Premieres-Nations celebrates the area's indigenous cultures. Run by the Wendat tribe of the Haudenosaunee people, the striking hotel includes an on-site museum which explores all aspects of the Huron-Wendat culture and a restaurant showcasing indigenous ingredients. The hotel offers cultural encounters such as a storytelling session in the longhouse exploring local myths and legends. Staff can also arrange visits to local heritage sites.

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From $A184 a person twin share for the Myths and Legends package, which includes breakfast, a three-course dinner and a storytelling session. See tourismewendake.ca/en

Credit: iStock

THE PLACE: Indonesia

THE PEOPLE

The colourful customs of the Toraja people set them apart from the rest of the inhabitants of Sulawesi. Their villages feature instantly recognisable wooden houses, colourfully decorated and topped by roofs that sweep upwards at either end, and equally ornate rice barns. However, it is their elaborate funerary and burial practices for which the Toraja are best known.

THE EXPERIENCE

Backyard Travel's five-day Journey to Far Lands lets you learn more about this fascinating culture. Whether you are trekking through villages, visiting markets or enjoying lunch in a traditional wooden house, there are plenty of opportunities to interact with locals. You will also get to explore the Torajan way of death with visits to traditional burial sites, including the striking "death balconies".

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From $US665 a person, backyardtravel.com/tours/journey-far-lands-toraja-sulawesi

Berber people in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

Berber people in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco.Credit: iStock

THE PLACE: Morocco

THE PEOPLE

Many people have conquered parts of North Africa over the years, from the Romans to the Arabs to the French, but the Berber people have been farming and trading in North Africa for thousands of years. For the mountain tribes, isolated amid the high peaks, life is still governed by traditional rhythms, with interactions taking place at the village well and at the weekly souks.

THE EXPERIENCE

Earth Cultures' nine-day High Atlas Berber Imlil trek takes you away from the usual Atlas Mountains tourist trails. Instead, you will follow ancient paths that wend their way from village to village, travelling through juniper forests and hazelnut groves. Accompanied by a Berber guide, and with a choice between camping out or sleeping in Berber guesthouses, the trek offers plenty of opportunities to interact with locals and learn more about their culture and cuisine. Best time to travel is during spring, when the winter snows melt to be replaced by swaths of wildflowers.

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From £949, see earth-cultures.co.uk

Credit: Alamy

THE PLACE: Ecuador

THE PEOPLE

An estimated 400 tribes live along South America's Amazon River, and many of their cultures are under threat. That makes the story of the Cofan people and their Fundacion Sobrevivencia Cofan (FSC) organisation particularly inspiring. Founded in 1999, and led by members of the Cofan nation, the FSC is dedicated to protecting Cofan territory and culture, using a range of tools including a successful eco-tourism program.

THE EXPERIENCE

The Cofan see themselves as part of the life of the forest; travelling with them deep into the Ecuadorian jungle lets you see this mighty forest from their perspective. That includes experiencing village life, sleeping in thatched roof huts, travelling down river in canoes and eating foods from the forest. Along the way you will learn more about this complex eco-system, encountering animals ranging from turtles to river dolphins, and perhaps even try your hand at piranha fishing. MORE Tours can be made to order, although a minimum five-day itinerary is recommended. From $US135 a person a day. See cofan.org/ecotours/

THE PLACE: Siberia

THE PEOPLE

The Nenets people of Siberia are among the last nomadic people on earth. They cover more than a thousand kilometres each year, moving with their vast herds of reindeers from northern summer pastures to winter pastures just below the Arctic Circle. Thriving in a hostile environment where temperatures can sink below 50 degrees, the Nenets have a robust culture which includes worshipping deities represented by dolls that are carried on sacred sedges.

THE EXPERIENCE

Intrepid Travel's new 15 day Footsteps of Russia's Reindeer Herders traverses the Siberian tundra and includes several days spent with the Nenets and their reindeer. Visit traditional camps where conical tents are made of reindeer hide, and learn more about how these hardy people survive in such harsh conditions.

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From $A3795 a person, see intrepidtravel.com/au/

THE PLACE: Kenya

THE PEOPLE

Around half a million Maasai live in eastern Africa, with the majority still following a pastoralist lifestyle. They are known for their distinctive dress, including beaded necklaces and colourful shuka cloth, often red, but also checked, striped or blue. Traditional villages consist of huts erected in a circle and surrounded by a thorny fence.

THE EXPERIENCE

Karen Blixen Camp is on the Mara North Conservancy, a partnership between 12 safari camps and more than 800 Maasai landowners. In addition to paying lease fees, Karen Blixen Camp supports a range of Maasai educational and health facilities. In between wildlife safaris, guests have the opportunity to meet the locals, including visits to schools and Maasai markets.

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Three days at Karen Blixen Camp start from $A1870 a person, see benchafrica.com.au

Credit: iStock

THE PLACE: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

THE PEOPLE

This pretty colonial city in Brazil's north was the port of entry for the millions of Africans shipped here as slaves. Their lasting legacy is Salvador's unique Afro-Caribbean culture, which continues to shape every aspect of daily life. You will see it in the food, considered the best in Brazil, in the music, in the distinctive costumes and in the dark skins of the locals. Most famously, it is evident in the local religion, candomble, which mixes beliefs of the Yoruba people of Africa with Catholicism.

THE EXPERIENCE

The Classic Safari Company offers a private half-day African Heritage tour that gives you insights into Salvador's unique cultural practices, as well as taking in key sights such as the central Pelourinho area, named after the stocks that once stood here, for public floggings of slaves. Your guide will point out details you might otherwise miss, including the offerings to the gods that people leave on the streets.

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From $US77 a person, see classicsafaricompany.com.au

AUSTRALIA'S BEST INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES

ULURU, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Whether you take the ranger-led Mala Walk at Uluru or sign up for some of the myriad Indigenous activities at Ayers Rock Resort – which range from dancer performances to bush tucker tours – Uluru is a great place to learn more Australia's original inhabitants. See parksaustralia.gov.au; ayersrockresort.com.au

CAIRNS, QUEENSLAND

Tjapukai Cultural Centre offers plenty of ways to explore Indigenous history and culture. Try using a spear and boomerang, watch the Dreamtime Creation Story of the Djabugay, or take part in a night-time corroboree. See tjapukai.com.au

LOMBADINA, WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Experience life with a coastal community at Lombadina on the Dampier Peninsula north of Broome. Go mud-crabbing and hunting for bush tucker, enjoy snorkelling and swimming, or try your luck with a fishing line. See lombadina.com

ARNHEM LAND, NORTHERN TERRITORY

Held every August, the Garma Festival brings together Indigenous people, politicians, academics, business leaders and ordinary Australians. There are art exhibitions, traditional activities and panel discussions, culminating in singing and dancing at the nightly bunngul. See yyf.com.au

MOSSMAN GORGE, QUEENSLAND

A Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk lets you see the rainforest through Indigenous eyes. Accompanied by a Ngadiku guide, the experience – which starts with a smoking ceremony – includes visits to sacred sites and retellings of local legends. See mossmangorge.com.au

DOS AND DON'TS WHEN INTERACTING WITH FIRST NATIONS

DO your research. There is a lot of information available about First Nations that are being exploited, such as the Jarawa of the Andaman islands or the people of the Omo Valley. Do a quick internet search to check that your dream destination isn't part of the problem.

DO choose the right operator. Companies with a commitment to responsible tourism will include this information prominently on their websites.

DON'T be afraid to ask questions. Ask your tour company how they arrange their tours, and what's in it for the locals.

DO learn a few words of the local language. It's a demonstration of respect, if nothing else.

DO have the right attitude. Look on it as a cultural encounter, rather than just another photo opportunity.

Canadian Museum of Civilizations.

Canadian Museum of Civilizations.Credit: Alamy

FIVE MUSEUMS THAT SHOWCASE TRIBAL CULTURE

GATINEAU, CANADA

Designed by a Native Canadian architect, the Canadian Museum of History is the country's most popular museum and gives pride of place to the First Nations. From the impressive collection of totem poles in the Grand Hall to the First People's Hall containing more than 2000 exhibits, this collection is an eye-opener. See historymuseum.ca

NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA

Architect Renzo Piano's striking design made the Tjibaou Cultural Centre famous around the world. It remains the best institution devoted to Kanak culture and also celebrates other Pacific cultures. See adck.nc

WASHINGTON D.C, US

The extensive collections at the National Museum of the American Indian represent not just North American tribes, but more than 1200 indigenous cultures across the Americas. See nmai.si.edu

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, the country's national museum, celebrates the stories of the Maori, and includes more than 30,000 Maori cultural treasures in its collection. See tepapa.govt.nz

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Learn more about the many cultures that lived in what is today Mexico, from the Zapotec to the Maya, at the National Museum of Anthropology. The 24-tonne Aztec sun stone is a highlight. See mna.inah.gob.mx

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