Honoring Indigenous Communities While Traveling

Before traveling somewhere new, it’s important to research any native land that you’ll be visiting. Understanding who inhabited the land and the meaning it holds is the best way to respect Indigenous communities during your travels.

What is native land? Native land refers to any land that was once inhabited by Indigenous people. Many Indigenous communities still have ancestral, cultural and social ties to their native land as well as its natural resources.

Native Land in America

Here are ten public lands in the United States that have strong Native American ties:

Devils Tower National Monument

• Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming

• Effigy Mounds National Monument, Iowa

• Everglades National Park, Florida

• Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Washington

• Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, Montana & North Dakota

• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

• Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

• Crow Canyon Petroglyphs, New Mexico

• Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

• Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, North Dakota

Native Land in Australia

Here are the top eight indigenous travel destinations and attractions in Australia:

Uluru

• The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland

• The Garma Festival, Northern Territory

• Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory

• Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory

• The Laura Dance Festival, Cape York

• Purnululu National Park, Western Australia

• Dreamtime at the G, Melbourne, Victoria

• Great Sandy National Park, Queensland

• Wide Open Space Festival, Alice Springs, Northern Territory

First Languages Australia has compiled an interactive map of Australia’s first languages that reflects the names and groupings that each community favors.

How to Show Your Respect

While you’re out exploring, keep in mind that the native land still holds meaning to Indigenous communities in the area. Be respectful to other visitors as well as any wildlife and plants that you may encounter.

While familiarizing yourself with the local Indigenous culture, it's important to have a good understanding of their basic dos and don'ts. While packing for your trip, ask yourself if your appearance may be disrespectful to members of the local community.

Remember, learning about Indigenous communities and acting appropriately is the best way to show your respect.