Date of Award

8-17-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

"Since before settling on the shores of Teslin Lake, the Inland Tlingit people have fished its waters. Today the people of Teslin also cast their nets along the Alaska Highway to lure tourists off the busy corridor. For small communities along the route, travelers represent both challenges and opportunities. Especially in First Nations communities decisions regarding tourism such as what products to develop, what services to provide, and how much access to allow carry much weight. This research constitutes a case study examining cultural tourism as a means of sustainable economic development for the community of Teslin, Yukon. It describes the broad landscape of tourism, given the history and culture of the Inland Tlingit people who comprise the majority of the community's population. Additionally it explores major events in Yukon history that have contributed to the current tourism landscape, as well as the impacts of land claims settlement, the Umbrella Final Agreement, and development of First Nations governments on tourism, culture, and heritage. This research reveals the gravity of sharing culture through tourism. The findings also suggest that within specific boundaries, Teslin residents perceive benefits from the presence of tourists in their community and often personally enjoy interacting with them"--Leaf iii

Handle

http://hdl.handle.net/11122/12703

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