Authenticity, Authority and Authoring: A Contextual Lens for the Management of

Aboriginal Cultural Tourism in British Columbia

Bruce Whyte,PhD Researcher,

Leeds Metropolitan UniversityRTC 2011, Edmonton AB

2

In this Presentation

• Toward Managing Authenticity• Linking Authenticity, Authority and Authoring• Challenges and Opportunities

Cover photo: A cast-bronze Salish spindle whorl marks Victoria’s Inner Harbour in a political statement of identity and authority as proud as the nearby flags or dome of the Provincial Legislature.Photo by Judith Cook, BC Heritage Branch.

3

The Importance of Being Authentic

• Financial benefits– Market & product-preference trends– Unique Selling Proposition– Higher-paying, ‘better’ jobs

• Non-financial benefits– Identity & social cohesion– Language and culture revival– Wellness

4

Toward Managing Authenticity

• Business management Tools - AtBC Standards/ Heritage Tourism Alliance standards

• Cultural Management Tools – Cultural stewardship via community centres and provincial FPHLCC

5

3 Related Concepts, 3 Points Along a Continuum?

Authenticity, Authority and Authoring

Authenticity•Ability to reflect

‘real’ culture*•Expression of

Awareness

Authority•Ability to

regulate use of culture

•Expression of Respect

Authoring•Ability to

regulate development

•Expression of Power

* Defining authenticity is a complex topic in its own right.

The Butchart GardensNational Historic Site of Canada

Authenticity: Taking the Main Stage

Photo images courtesy The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC.

6

Authenticity: Taking the Main Stage

Tsartlip Chief Tom Sampson and grand-daughter (left) welcome the Klahowya Village to Butchart’s Garden last August, (below) Kwakwaka’wakw dancers on-stage, and poster promoting the trial visitor experience.

7

8

Authority: Signs of Lekwungen

Creation, bronze casting and site preparation for Signs of Lekwungen First Nation ‘territory’ in Victoria

Photos by Richard Linzey and Judith Cook, BC Heritage Branch; City of Victoria.

9

Authority: Signs of Lekwungen

Signs of Lekwungen prominently positioned in front of City Hall, overlooking the harbour, and in front of the Provincial Legislature.

Photos by Judith Cook, BC Heritage Branch (right) and author.

10

Authoring: Clayoquot-Barkley Sounds

Photo images courtesy Clayoquot businesses – Tourism Tofino, Westerly News, Jamies’ Whalewatching, Canadian Princess Resorts

The popularity of Long Beach means locals are swamped by visitors, leading to back-lash as indicated in 1980s poster.

11

Authoring: The Power of Placenames• Historically rights held

by FNs• Explorers in 1700s• Settlers in late 1800s• Logging, fishing and

mining in early-mid 1900s

• Tourism rise in late 1900s

• Return to FN asserting rights in 2000s

Identification Evaluation

Designation

Signification

Model of process of ‘authoring’, after B.P. White. White’s PhD thesis in Clayoquot Sound shows how shifts in power meant various parties had the right to name (author) places and their meanings over time.

12

Authoring: Clayoquot-Barkley Sounds

AtBC CEO Keith Henry and Nuu-chah-nulth chiefs (left) pray for success at launch of a new project to build a local cultural tourism plan to derive more local benefit from cultural assets such as petroglyphs on cliff face near young biologist (right).

13

How do FNs apply these 3 ‘As’?

Authenticity at Butchart’s

Authority in Victoria

Authoring in Clayoquot Sound

Challenges•Limited capacity, political clout in smaller communities•Globalization•Gentrification and dominance of major industry

Opportunities•Democratic movements – eg. Arab Spring of 2011•Recognition of local and aboriginal rights to self-government•The Creative Economy – the ‘next big thing’

14

A good place to LIVEIs a good place to VISIT.- Dr. Brian White, Royal Roads University