Audience(s): Tribes, non-tribal government partners, NGO partners
Tribal Stewardship Policy priorities: Collaboration, Access, Durable Agreements, Caring for the Land, Strengthening Tribal Partnerships, Navigating State Agencies
Objectives: This toolkit entry offers an introduction to regenerative, ecological, and cultural tourism and provides examples of how these models can be used to advance tribal stewardship. We introduce opportunities to engage with California Natural Resources Agency to find opportunities for tribal stewardship and tribally-led regenerative tourism.
This toolkit entry was developed to support the implementation of California Natural Resources Agency’s Tribal Stewardship Policy and Toolkit. The webinar and associated tools are intended to increase the capacity of tribes, state agencies, and non-tribal entities to advance tribal stewardship, including tribal access, collaboration, and ancestral land return according to the CNRA Tribal Stewardship Policy.
This toolkit entry offers an introduction to regenerative, ecological, and cultural tourism and provides examples of how these models can be used to advance tribal stewardship. We introduce opportunities to engage with California Natural Resources Agency to find opportunities for tribal stewardship and tribally-led regenerative tourism.
This toolkit entry includes case studies for those seeking to learn about models of tribal regenerative tourism and tools that may be useful for those implementing regenerative tourism initiatives.
“Regenerative tourism” can be loosely defined as tourism efforts that leave destinations better than they were found. Models of regenerative tourism led by tribes can advance tribal stewardship over ancestral lands and may center on promoting ecological and cultural connectedness, improving biodiversity, and investing in tribal workforces. Check out the Case Studies section of this page for some examples.
- Chah-pekw O' Ket'-toh (Stone Lagoon Visitor Center) | Read about the Joint Powers Authority agreement between the Yurok Tribe and California State Parks to establish the first tribally operated visitor center within the California State Park System.
- Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana | Read about the Hui Maka’ainana o Makana, an organization of lineal descendants of Hā‘ena to transform a state park and tourist hotspot in Kauai into a regenerative tourism experience.
- Case Study: The Transformation of Hā‘ena State Park | Check out this in-depth case study to understand the tools that “Hui” used to transform the state park.
- Three Affiliated Tribes Nat’l Park | Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) Nation’s 2,000-acre park will provide outdoor experiences for Tribal members, tourists, and visitors.
- Frog Bay Tribal National Park | Read about the first tribal national park in the United States, which is operated by Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The Tribe uses the park model to protect important Boreal landscape and preserve cultural uses.
- California State Parks’ Reexamining Our Past Initiative | The Public Historian | University of California Press | This article describes California State Parks’ efforts to implement the California for All initiative by engaging with California Native American tribes to ensure tribal histories and presence are reflected in state parks.
- Sue-meg State Park | This was the first park renamed under the Reexamining Our Past Initiative, in partnership with the Yurok Tribe
- Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel | Learn more about the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel
- Ewiinally Traditional Ecological Knowledge Center | Check out Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel’s newly announced Traditional Ecological Knowledge Center, located in the Tribe’s ancestral homelands.
- Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians[AS3] | Learn more about the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
- Agua Caliente Cultural Museum | Explore the culture and history of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians through their tribally governed museum
- Tahquitz Canyon and Indian Canyons | Explore these pages to learn about Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians’ efforts to advance cultural and eco-tourism in their homelands and to plan a visit!
- Indian Canyons Junior Ranger Program | Check out this program bringing kids to the canyons for free, to explore and connect with the history of the area.
Tools
- Find Tribal Tourism near you!
- Trails Handbook | A helpful resource for park professionals seeking to develop a comprehensive trail management program
- Roads and Trails Program | This resource provides technical assistance to trail and open space managers for parks planning, development, funding, and management throughout California
- State Parks MOU Program | Through MOUs, California Native American tribes can enter into agreements with California State Parks that could support regenerative tourism and stewardship efforts.
- Outdoor for All Initiative | Learn more about California’s efforts to ensure all Californians have access to recreational opportunities, and enjoy and protect the cultural, historic, and natural resources in the state.
- Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program | Learn more about how California Natural Resources Agency partners with California Native American tribes to advance multi-benefit nature-based solutions for their communities.
