Key Outcomes for Tourism
Session Nine
Indigenous Tourism Stories
John Morse discussed 'Walking to the Future' a recent Federal and Northern Territory Government funded report on tourism in Kakadu that he developed with the traditional owners. His vision for the project was for it to be of practical use, particularly to the traditional owners, who have been marginalised from the tourism industry. He described the 'white cloud of dust' syndrome that recurs often in government dealing with Indigenous issues, where government people arrive in communities, do some talking, and then drive off leaving people the same as before, but covered in a white dust of frustration; cynical and distrustful. The report was designed to be viewed as a living document, with at 10-year time frame. He related a conversation that he had had with Jacob Nayinggul which had given the report its name, wherein Jacob had said, 'The Aboriginal people have to start walking to the future now. Not in front of the whitefella, not behind the whitefella, side by side…not joined, but two peoples walking together'. The report is a result of partnership between the traditional owners, Parks Australia and the tourism industry. It is a solution to redressing the imbalance of Indigenous influence and the benefits received. A further goal for the report was to develop awareness of the culture present in Kakadu that is synonymous with the natural beauty that it is so celebrated for. The main principles of the report are: Kakadu is the home of the Bininj/Mungguy, and the need for appropriate respect, for privacy and culture; protection of the land is critical, and should not be compromised in the development of tourism; the future of the tourism industry in Kakadu shall be decided by the traditional owners, including the pace, the method, and the infrastructure; respect for law and tradition; and the travel industry needs security of tenure.
Mandy Muir shared the story of her vision and persistence in establishing a tourism company on her mother's land within Kakadu National Park. Inspired by a 'Stepping Stones' workshop, Mandy's family set to developing their own company, Murdudjurl. It currently has an arts centre on the homeland and is also in the process of setting up a joint venture safari. It works in partnership with park authorities concerning tourism in the area and issuing permits for people to visit the homeland. She related her people's experience of seeing the area of Kakadu undergo massive development after the park and mine were created, and having to adapt their traditional lifestyles to accommodate this. Witnessing the tourism industry develop from scratch, local people had to quickly learn about it. Mandy has been involved in tourism and hospitality for around 16 years. Among other jobs, she has run tours on her mother's country, using the knowledge that she acquired throughout her life. However, though a number of local people are employed within the tourism industry in Kakadu, many locals are increasingly unhappy with the amount of involvement they have had within the industry and the difficulties of the associations set up to receive mining royalties to effectively develop businesses. Despite initial reservations about opening her home to the public, Mandy felt compelled by the need to create an alternative income to mining royalties. Though assistance was available through organisations such as the Northern Land Council, she found that she had to be proactive and do much of the groundwork herself. Her mother, a member of the Kakadu Management Board, also campaigned at that level. They received assistance from Djabulugku, Gagudju, and Gundjeihmi Associations, which provide direction and support as well as funding through business development funds. The 'Stepping Stones' program also provided important help and support. Mandy strongly identified with Timmy's story of creating his own business and the struggles that he faced. She reiterated similar problems of having to persist for a long time in order to affect any progress and the pressure to comply with both white and traditional law. Being on an outstation, she experienced greater barriers than living in a 'main' area, especially the issuing of permits for visitors. Ultimately though, the whole experience was a 'pleasing struggle'. Mandy also brought with her a message from Jacob Nayinggul, who was unable to attend Garma. He wanted his concerns about the problems of weeds and erosion in the Kakadu area to be communicated, both issues that are being created and exacerbated by tourists.
Toni Wythes from World Expeditions spoke about the work of her organisation in offering sustainable environmental tourism. World Expeditions operate tours on the philosophy of providing value and depth of experience, achieved by maintaining limited numbers in the group and visiting areas with limited access. Keeping the tours exclusive also has environmental benefits. They aim to create opportunities for visitors to 'talk with (local people) … walk with them, listen to them, learn from them, and understand more about the Aboriginal way'. She stated World Expeditions' goal of Indigenous people in Australia ultimately taking over ownership of the business, with World Expeditions simply supplying the customers, a model successfully introduced in Nepal. World Expeditions currently work in partnership with Yolŋu, conducting tours in joint management with Dhimurru and Laynhapuy and supporting local businesses and communities in the tour areas. There were ups and downs in working in Indigenous tourism. Yet there were outstanding experiences that gave her 'a positive motivation and thoughts for the future'.