Indigenous Values and Regenerative Tourism By Pauline Sheldon

This chapter investigates the contribution of indigenous wisdom to regenerative tourism. The unique cultural, environmental and spiritual knowledge inherent to indigenous communities creates a foundation for an understanding of regenerative tourism that goes beyond sustainable tourism. This chapter explains the importance of indigenous cultures and explores how their ancient value systems and worldviews provide a fuller understanding of regenerative tourism. Key values that create the indigenous worldview are discussed in the context of tourism. Seven in particular are highlighted as follows: viewing life holistically, ancestral and intergenerational knowledge, valuing community, holistic ways of knowing, sanctity of place, indigenous food systems and innate welcoming and hosting. Destinations where indigenous peoples’ values have shaped the touristic experience are discussed. This chapter ends with the challenges and opportunities of integrating the indigenous worldview with the modern worldview to make the paradigm shift to regenerative tourism.Read the chapter here.