{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"466. Indigenous Tourism and Community Impact at M\u00e9tis Crossing, with Juanita Marois","description":"On this episode of Destination on the Left, Juanita Marois, CEO of M\u00e9tis Crossing, shares her personal experience in developing a tourism destination tied to her roots as a M\u00e9tis Indigenous person from Canada. She shares in detail how the destination engages visitors by sharing what makes them special, including the experiences M\u00e9tis Crossing offers\u2014from paddling down the North Saskatchewan River in voyageur canoes to wandering historic buffalo habitats, indulging in Indigenous cuisine, and soon, relaxing at a uniquely M\u00e9tis-inspired wellness spa. We also talk about collaboration and how M\u00e9tis Crossing is making a positive impact for both visitors and local residents. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Juanita\u2019s personal journey as a M\u00e9tis woman influenced her path from consultant to CEO of M\u00e9tis Crossing Why community collaboration and inclusivity are central to the successful development of M\u00e9tis Crossing The creation of immersive, cultural, and seasonal experiences that engage visitors\u2019 heads, hearts, hands, and hunger How M\u00e9tis Crossing uses storytelling, land-based learning, and nature to educate visitors about M\u00e9tis history, Indigenous relationships to land, and sustainability Why collaboration is key in Indigenous tourism, and how M\u00e9tis Crossing works with other attractions to build itineraries How the philosophy of shared benefit guides partnerships with local government and other cultural destinations What the future holds for M\u00e9tis Crossing, including innovative projects like the Sage and Spruce Indigenous spa and expanded cultural experiences that honor both Indigenous and European M\u00e9tis heritage Elevating M\u00e9tis Crossing as a Destination Building M\u00e9tis Crossing as a premier Indigenous destination was no accident. By leading with culture and encompassing accommodation and culinary experiences, M\u00e9tis Crossing provides a one-of-a-kind, immersive journey. Visitors come not just for a vacation, but also to learn about the area\u2019s history and traditions. Signature experiences include \u201cPaddle into the Past\u201d, a river voyage retracing M\u00e9tis fur trade routes, and the Wildlife Park, where guests see buffalo up close and learn about historic buffalo hunts, essential to the M\u00e9tis nation\u2019s evolution. The destination engages travelers\u2019 head, heart, hands, and hunger, ensuring every visitor leaves with a deeper connection to M\u00e9tis culture and the Alberta landscape. Creativity and Collaboration Developing M\u00e9tis Crossing wasn\u2019t without obstacles. Juanita describes how collaboration became a creative solution and how she worked with local municipalities, the provincial government, and destination organizations to address regulatory hurdles and land-use challenges. By involving partners early and often, M\u00e9tis Crossing became a model for inclusive development, proving that transformational change happens when stakeholders unite around shared goals. Infrastructure, Innovation, and Meaningful Impact From its origins as a hay field and historic homesteads, M\u00e9tis Crossing now spans over 1,800 acres with restored buildings, a cultural gathering center, boutique lodge, skywatching domes, a wildlife park, and even a solar field. These fabulous offerings attract locals and visitors, and recent developments include the Sage and Spruce Indigenous spa, where both Indigenous and European wellness traditions are honored in pursuit of holistic well-being. One powerful impact is that M\u00e9tis Crossing is now the region\u2019s largest employer, revitalizing a once-declining rural area. Juanita\u2019s intentional approach ensures tourism benefits residents as much as visitors, creating economic opportunities and supporting cultural revitalization. Resources: Website: https:\/\/metiscrossing.com\/ LinkedIn Personal: https:\/\/metiscrossing.com\/ LinkedIn Business: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/m%C3%A9tis-crossing\/ Indigenous Tourism Alberta: https:\/\/indigenoustourismalberta.ca\/ Destination Indigenous: https:\/\/destinationindigenous.ca\/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o\u200bf. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes! ","author_name":"Destination On The Left","author_url":"http:\/\/destinationontheleft.libsyn.com\/podcast","html":"