Building on Success

September 21, 2014

These northern projects contribute to tourism success achieved through the years.

• The West Baffin co-op plans open a new 10,000-square-foot facility called the Kenojuak Cultural Centre and Print Shop by 2016. The co-op first launched its Cape Dorset studio in 1959 and it is among the oldest professional printmaking studios in the country. The new facility will serve as an artist studio as well as a heritage centre, where the co-op plans to finally display its permanent collection. But the new centre and print shop has yet to secure the estimated $7.5 million that’s required to complete its construction, but support has been pledged from Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., which has committed $1 million towards the new centre, and the federal and territorial governments.
• Cultural programming delivered this summer in the Western Arctic Regional Visitors Centre in the NWT. This summer’s project has confirmed the potential for Aboriginal and culturally-based tourism product in the Beaufort Delta Region. Traditional activities and programs highlighted the potential for Aboriginal and cultural tourism and this year a Park Interpreter and Event Planner was employed to deliver programming. From June 19 to August 28 a variety of events allowed residents and tourists to participate in cultural activities including traditional storytelling, cooking, demonstrations of Arctic sports and northern games, jigging, Inuvialuit drumming and dancing, plant walks, berry picking, carving, beading, printmaking and ookpik making. Celebrations were hosted in each territorial park and traditionally prepared foods including fish, reindeer and bannock were a noted highlight.
• The Carcross Tagish First Nation has developed a wold class system of bike trails on Montana Mountain. With stunning alpine vistas stretching in every direction, Montana Mountain is the Yukon at its best in the summer:  wild, rugged, and yours to explore without lineups or crowds. Montana Mountain boasts about 40 kilometers of single track trails designed for hiking and biking, and more are in the works.
• In Greenland whale watching ranks as one of its ‘top 5’ tourist activities. It can be enjoyed from the streets or even from your hotel room. During the late summer and early autumn whales swim close to the coast and are sometimes seen in the harbours. But of course the best way to spot these huge mammals is at sea. Whale-watching tours are offered in several towns in Greenland. Greenland’s travel website is very informative and makes it easy for potential visitors to see what’s great about Greenland.
• Alaska is a shopping mecca for tourists. From coastal towns like Skagway or the main metropolitan center Anchorage, Alaska is a great place to buy souvenirs, clothes, camping supplies or food. Alaska gets 1 million visitors per year, mainly from cruise ships or by air.

Commentary

Tourism is a growing sector of the economy. Communities take different approaches to attracting tourist dollars.

Sources

• a)http://www.nunatsiaqonline.ca/stories/article/65674a_new_space_for_nunavuts_oldest_artists_studio/



• b)http://www.montanamountain.ca/



• c)http://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/news/aboriginal-tourism-beaufort-delta-parks-popular-visitors-and-residents-alike