From the mountainous wilds of Alaska and British Columbia to the sprawling deserts of New Mexico and Utah, North America’s most wow-worthy landscapes depart travellers in complete awe. However meet the normal homeowners of those lands and also you’ll quickly achieve a better appreciation for the historical past, traditions and non secular connections which have formed these particular locations.
Listed here are a number of the finest methods to expertise indigenous tradition with Intrepid within the United States and Canada.
1. Expertise Monument Valley with a Navajo information in Utah, USA
Monument Valley rocks. And never simply due to the literal sandstone monoliths and mesas that make this cinematic panorama a silver display screen common (assume Forrest Gump, Again to the Future Half 3, Nationwide Lampoon’s Trip and numerous westerns).
The valley is a part of the huge Navajo Nation reservation, spanning Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. On our Vegas to LA: Grand National Parks and Utah Parks Circuit journeys you’ll hop in a jeep to discover the valley with a Navajo information, who’ll present you the best formations and share insights into why this outstanding desertscape is sacred to Navajo communities. Throughout the latter, you’ll even get to remain in a single day in a hogan, a conventional Navajo dwelling crafted from timber and clad in ochre colored mud.
2. Find out about Squamish and Lil’wat cultures in British Columbia, Canada
Kick off your Grand Canadian Rockies journey with a masterclass in native First Nations tradition. You’ll try the towering totem poles at Stanley Park in Vancouver, earlier than travelling to Whistler, the place you’ll swing by the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
Indigenous cultural ambassadors will welcome you with conventional music, share their private tales with you and reveal the which means and historical past behind a number of the centre’s most eye-catching shows. Afterwards, you’ll dig into conventional First Nations delicacies with a contemporary twist – similar to salmon chowder and venison chilli – on the onsite café.
3. Immerse your self in residing historical past in Alaska, USA
On the outskirts of Anchorage, dotted across the shores of a small, serene lake, lies Alaska Native Heritage Middle, which affords essentially the most complete introduction to the entire state’s First Nations cultures, together with these of the Athabascan, Haida and Yup’ik peoples.
Intrepid travellers on Best of Alaska will be a part of a tour of the immersive residing museum, listening to instantly from native indigenous individuals and studying about 10,000 years of historical past via mediums similar to dance, movie, artwork and interactive exhibitions. Don’t miss a stroll across the grounds, the place you’ll uncover six completely different village websites that assist convey to life the normal structure and livelihoods of First Nations communities.
4. Get a style of native tribal heritage within the Pacific Northwest, USA
Intrepid travellers heading south on the Portland to San Francisco Discovery could have the possibility to share a really particular meal in Heat Springs, Oregon.
Local Native American woman Brigette Mcconville and the Confederated Tribes of Heat Springs run a river-to-table expertise that celebrates all issues salmon. You’ll hear all concerning the essential function this fish has performed in tribal historical past and inter-tribe relations and achieve an understanding of conventional fishing and cooking methods whereas sampling a number of the most interesting native produce.
5. Go to a UNESCO-listed Native American pueblo in New Mexico, USA
Prepared to find over 1000 years of Native American historical past? New Mexico affords a number of the finest indigenous experiences within the US.
On our New Mexico Discovery journey, you’ll tour the UNESCO-listed Taos pueblo with an indigenous information, who’ll train you concerning the 150-strong group’s well-preserved conventional adobe structure and historic cultural heritage.
The Intrepid Basis – supporting indigenous communities in Canada
Our not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, not too long ago welcomed a brand new associate: Water First, who work with indigenous communities throughout Canada to safeguard and enhance entry to secure, clear water and practice the subsequent era of First Nations water scientists.
Intrepid helps the essential work of Water First and different companions by making a donation to the inspiration on behalf of each traveller who books a multi-day Intrepid journey with us.
Try Intrepid’s vary of small group adventures across North America and begin planning your subsequent journey.
