Part of the fun of travelling is mixing with the locals, but there are some places where things are done rather differently. Across the world, there are pockets of indigenous cultures that have survived mass migrations from elsewhere, and some of them are willing to give a taste of their lifestyle to visitors. Whether it’s Shamanism workshops in Peru or Aboriginal art, there’s always the chance to try something a little different…
New Zealand
Visitors to the Tamaki Maori Village near Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island get the full Maori treatment. They’re met with a ferocious challenge by a Maori warrior to ensure that they come in peace. After everyone’s friends, there are weaponry displays, chants and welcome songs before a feast from the hangi (a traditional earth oven). Alternatively, cultural performances, Maori-guided tours and audio-visual presentations in the meeting house are all available at historic Waitangi at the top of the North Island.
South America
Indigenous experiences are available all over the South American continent, and while the Inca Trail in Peru is the obvious candidate, an even more intriguing possibility awaits in Iquitos. Accessible only by air or boat, workshops are held here that allow travellers to learn the secrets of Shamanism. Blue Morpho Tours run trips heavy on rituals and medicinal plants.
Alternatively, Sacred Earth Travel offers the chance to get to know the Mapuche people of Chile over four days. This includes joining in dances and local games, eating traditional meals, language lessons and being taught indigenous weaving techniques.
Canada
The icy polar region of Nunavut is dominated by the native Inuit people, and is by far the best place to get an indigenous experience. The first stop should be the Nattinak Centre in Pond Inlet, where it’s possible to get lessons in the Inuktitut language from Inuit tutors. For top class local art, Cape Dorset hosts the studios and gallery of the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative, while sculptors often set to work outside their houses. In the Nunavut capital, Iqualit, the highlight is the waterfront, where locals skin seals and build unusual boats.
Australia
Uluru – formerly known as Ayers Rock – is owned by the Anangu people and the best way to get to grips with its cultural significance is with an Anangu guide. At the Top End of the Northern Territory, there are also the Kakadu National Park – home to ancient rock art and sites vital to the Aboriginal Dreamtime stories – and the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Reserve. The latter is a vast indigenous-owned region, and travellers need special permission to enter. The Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Cooinda and the Injalak Arts Centre at Gunbalanya are the best places to discover the world’s oldest human culture.
United States
There are various Native American attractions throughout the states, some more tacky than others. Oklahoma is the best state for the real deal. Indian City USA has recreated tribal huts and tepees, and also hosts dance performances from a variety of indigenous groups. Meanwhile the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah conducts tours that involve tuition in using blow guns amongst other traditional skills. Alternatively there is Window Rock in Arizona. The home of the Navajo, the Annual Navajo Nation Fair in September has Indian rodeos and major powwows.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley.
