Video: Embrace the Buffalo - The Power of Indigenous Tourism

This story is told through the eyes of two Indigenous tourism operators, Joseph Urie (Storyteller - Métis Crossing) and Jeanette Many Guns (Many Guns Ranch and Adventures).

It celebrates the sharing of cultures and stories between Indigenous Peoples and travellers from around the world and reinforces the value of Indigenous-led tourism.

Indigenous tourism can foster thriving communities, create a platform to share cultures, inspire a deeper connection to the land, and create economic sovereignty. It provides a platform to share cultures and languages with the world and can foster a mutual respect and understanding of the land that we share.

Storyteller and owner/operator Joe Urie has said, "This short film speaks to the importance of the Buffalo. To the loss of it, and to the joy being felt upon its return. It also speaks of the new gift it has brought with it.

Through this emotional narrative, this film reinforces the value of Indigenous-led tourism and the role it can play in the return of the Buffalo, which is essential to the re-emergence of cultures. Restoring cultures is paramount in helping to re-establish the social and economic sustainability amongst Indigenous Nations that has been lacking since the Buffalo disappeared.

The opportunity to help our Indigenous partners share this story, reinforces Travel Alberta's commitment to supporting and amplifying First Nations, Métis and Inuit tourism operators."

In the tourism market, there is a strong demand for authentic Indigenous tourism experiences. One in two Albertans are looking for an Indigenous tourism experience, and so are one in three international travellers.

Travel Alberta is committed to growing Indigenous-led tourism through our partnership with Indigenous Tourism Alberta and by supporting local Indigenous operators.

Learn more about Indigenous Tourism in Alberta

ABOUT MÉTIS CROSSING

Métis Crossing is Alberta's first major Métis cultural destination. The historical Métis settlement has a 40-room boutique lodge, a 688-acre wildlife park and bison regeneration program, a Cultural Gathering Centre, local performers and artisans, a café and dining hall serving authentic Indigenous cuisine, and boutique Sky Watching Dome accommodations offering a night under the expansive night sky.

Métis Crossing plays a critical role within the Métis community to provide jobs, facilitate intergenerational cultural sharing, and build pride.

Learn more about Métis Crossing

ABOUT MANY GUNS RANCH

Surrounded by the beautiful badlands located on the Siksika Nation, the Many Guns Ranch is owned and operated by Blackfoot historian Jeanette Many Guns.

Many Guns Ranch is owned and operated by Blackfoot historian Jeanette Many Guns. When you visit, you'll be immersed in Blackfoot worldviews - listen to the language where it was intended for use (on the land) and experience the foods of the people.

Learn more about Many Guns Ranch

MEET THE INDIGENOUS TRAINEES THAT WORKED ON THE PROJECT

This project was a proud collaboration between Travel Alberta and many community members from a diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

In addition to the Indigenous storytellers and crew members who played a pivotal role in bringing this story to life, we were thrilled to welcome two talented Indigenous trainees to our project team for this video. Their unique perspectives and cultural connection to the themes of the story brought fresh and authentic voices to this work.

Dakona (Kona) Rabbit

Dakona (Kona) Rabbit is from Goodstoney First Nations and is a former film student at Morley High School and Chinook College. He is currently enrolled in the film writing program at SAIT.

According to Dakona, “I want to tell stories about the way that I grew up on the reserves. My dream is to write a feature film." His experience includes VFX for Disney's Prey and art department for the feature film, Rent a Groom. "My experience so far on this project has been great. It's all about making connections in this industry."

Gerald Little Light

Gerald Little Light is from Siksika Nation and is a graduate of the film program at Old Sun College.Gerald is passionate about film making across many genres, including short films, comedy, and horror.

I learn better on the job and through hands-on experience like this. I want to work on movie sets, and I want to build my experience to work with more production companies. I’ve enjoyed working with a range of people, including Native Peoples.

CREDITS

Story by Joseph Urie

Adapted & directed by Jesse McRae Foster

Featuring: Joseph Urie - Jasper Tour Company and Métis Crossing

Jeanette Many Guns - Many Guns Ranch and Adventures

Blackfoot translation & voice over: Lavina Many Guns

Producers: Krista Ouellette and Nik Chung – Park Productions

Director of photography & editor: Danny Gariepy

Key grips: Daniel Tillotson and Cody Wells

Trainees: Dakona Rabbit and Gerald Little Light

Sound design: 6 Degrees Music & Sound

A special thanks to Métis Crossing and the Peoples of Siksika Nation.