Blackfoots prepare tourism plan

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An invitation to "explore the ancient universe of the Blackfoot Empire" is the theme of a new Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan prepared by the Sikooh-kotoki Friendship Society in Lethbridge, Alta. The 75-page document is the result of almost two years of study and effort, but creators of the plan say the real work is just beginning.

"Right now, there's a tremendous amount of interest in Aboriginal culture by non-Natives," says Stan Knowlton, co-ordinator of the 14-member committee that prepared the plan. "Up till now, though, Aboriginal people have had little opportunity for input into the tourism industry in this area. We want to change that."

Knowlton says a 1987 draft tourism action plan prepared by the City of Lethbridge reported that developing and interpreting the Indian heritage and settlement history of the area was their number three priority. The

construction of a Native Interpretive Centre was sited as a strong possibility for a year-round tourism attraction.

Unfortunately, the project died before it was really born, but Knowlton says it's not because resources aren't available.

"We have a wealth of assets that could be used to provide jobs for Aboriginal people, and improve the economy of the whole area."

Creating an Aboriginal Tourism Association, restoring ancient Blackfoot heritage sites, developing a corps of Blackfoot tourism ambassadors and producing videos, stage plays and documentaries about the Blackfoot culture are among the objectives in the plan. But Knowlton has a greater aim in mind -- a global renewal of spirituality, cultural awareness and environmental concern.