TRU students gain hands-on Indigenous tourism experience in Haida Gwaii

A group of Bachelor of Tourism Management students from Thompson Rivers University recently took learning beyond the classroom during a 12-day field school in Haida Gwaii focused on Indigenous-led tourism, reconciliation and community engagement.

The immersive experience gave students the opportunity to learn directly from Haida guides, Elders and knowledge keepers through cultural experiences, community visits and conversations that highlighted the importance of relationship-building in tourism. Students also had the rare opportunity to assist with preparations for a memorial potlatch, gaining firsthand insight into the role of trust, respect and reciprocity in Indigenous communities.

The field school reflects a growing emphasis on experiential learning in Canadian tourism education, preparing students to build more meaningful and culturally informed careers in the industry.

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