Tourists' expectations unrealistic

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The romance of the old west brings thousands of tourists to the Calgary Stampede every year. The attraction is an imaginary reminiscing of the old days of adventure, colonization and brute strength of the fearless pioneers that settled the west. Overseas tourists anticipate exploration of this young country where civilization is imaged as igloos, traplines and log cabins.

The ultimate attraction is 'real Indians.' Overseas baggage includes an ignorance of the realities of Canada's Indian population. Their expectations include bare chested warriors, tipi housing and beaded dresses. Their knowledge of today's Indian people is restricted to history textbooks and a perpetuated imagery of uncivilized savagery of yesteryear.

The Indian Village on the Stampede Grounds temporarily appeases these curious tourists. They touch and look at the displayed Indians in the village. They observe the traditional dance as a form of entertainment and clap when Elders say their prayer. Their observations are of the Indians of the past and the romance of tradition has become a tourist attraction.

The Canadian Indians are not the only Indigenous people who are victims of cultural depreciation. The Maoris of New Zealand and the Aborigines of Australia have also become tourist attractions. Most knowledge of Native life is of our past. This information is still circulating in schools, creating unreal images. We are viewed internationally as uneducated and uncivilized. Perhaps it's easier to deal with yesterday's images than today's problems.

The paternal process of assimilation has taken on some interesting twists. The direct methods of material favor wasn't successful so methods are becoming more subtle. Making us tourist attractions for the international crowd may do more harm than good.