TULU 2024 WITS

Icyang.Parod Keynote speech1: The practice of Indigenous Peoples' Rights more

Anna Pollock Founder of Conscious.Travel, British more Keynote speech 2: Responsible tourism, a model for Indigenous Peoples' Tourism

Anna Carr Head of Department/Associate Professor, Department Of Tourism, University Of Otago, New Zealand/Māori (Ngāpuhi (Mahurehure), Ngāti Ruanui and Ngaruahine (Okahu-Inuawai) more Forum topic 1：Tourism of Cultural Sustainability｜Moderator

Head of Department/Associate Professor, Department Of Tourism, University Of Otago, New Zealand
Anna has Scottish, Irish and Māori ancestry (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Ruanui and Ngaruahine). As Head of the Department of Tourism and founding co-director of the Centre for Recreation Research, University of Otago (Aotearoa New Zealand) Anna is active in academic leadership and post graduate teaching and supervision. She is passionate about the opportunities for mentoring youth and early career academics, growing the capacity of Indigenous tourism professionals, planners, researchers and scholars.
Anna was raised in Tongariro National Park before studying a Bachelor of Arts degree at Auckland University. On graduation she lived in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park for 10 years where her passion grew for interpreting cultural landscapes of significance to Māori. She pursued studies at the University of Otago with a PhD that critiqued the interpretation of cultural landscapes in the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and Te Wai Pounamu World Heritage Areas.
She has served as a board member for Te Ana Whakairo: Ngai Tahu Māori Rock Art Centre, the Southern Heritage Trust, the Otago Conservation Board and is currently on the editorial boards of Frontiers in Sustainable Tourism, Journal of Ecotourism, Journal of Heritage Tourism and Tourism in Marine Environments. Her research interests include conservation-centric tourism, community empowerment, identity and cultural landscapes, and the politics/policies of protected area visitor management. This has led to her working with communities and colleagues in Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, Scandinavia, Scotland, Samoa and Papua New Guinea. Anna has undertaken consultancies and externally funded research contracts for various organisaitons including the Department of Conservation, Sport NZ (SPARC), Mountain Safety Council NZ and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga. She is currently working with a team on Royal Society NZ Marsden-funded research exploring the intricacies of sociocultural values in invasive species management.

Song, Li-Ju Director of Economic Development Department, Council of Indigenous Peoples, Taiwan/Paiwan more Forum topic 1：Tourism of Cultural Sustainability｜Panelist

Song Li-Ju is the Director of the Economic Development Department at the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Council, having served for 21 years, dedicating to various aspects of Indigenous affairs. Before 1998, she worked in trade companies and the tourism industry, gaining extensive knowledge of domestic and international tourism affairs.
Since taking on the role of Director of the Economic Development Department at the CIP, she has further applied her expertise and experience, focusing on promoting the development of Indigenous tourism. This includes initiatives such as integrating traditional rituals and ceremonies with tribal tourism.

Experiences
        •2020.7-Present: Director, Economic Development Department
        •2019.3-2020.7: Deputy Director, Comprehensive Planning Department, (also concurrently serving as Chief of Office of Congressional Relations)
        •2016.6-2019.3: Director, Secretary Office
        •2015.3-2016.6: Senior Executive Officer, Economic Development Department
        •2007.11-2015.3: Section Chief, Social Welfare Department

Major achievements
        •Oversaw and promoted the "Forward-looking Project - 2.0 Plan of Promoting Indigenous Multi-industry Development" and the "4-year Plan of Indigenous Highlight Industries Enhancement."
        •Worked vigorously on the "COVID-19 Relief and Revitalization Measures," creating substantial revenue for indigenous businesses.
        •Pioneered the "Cloud Generation Industry Digital Transformation - Revolutionizing Indigenous Businesses" project, tailoring innovative research and development for indigenous enterprises, and designing a comprehensive service guidance system.
        •Actively lobbied legislative bodies to pass the third reading of the "Indigenous Peoples Basic Law", "Logging Ban Compensation for Lands Reserved for Indigenous Peoples Act", and other related major policies.
        •Plan and establish CIP's "social media" website.
        •Recipient of the Civil Service Excellence Awards by the Executive Yuan in 2011.

Keisuke Okada Senior Counsellor, The Foundation for Ainu Culture, Japan/Ainu more Forum topic 1：Tourism of Cultural Sustainability｜Panelist

In 1970, I was born in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, where I was also raised.
My work at the Ainu Museum, the predecessor of National Ainu Museum starts from 1993, which involves in a wide range of cultural traditions, including rituals, traditional house construction, and traditional performing arts. Among my works, the inheritance of the making and performance of the traditional musical instrument “mukkuri” and its experiential programs is worth mentioning, which have delivered the fascination of mukkuri to many visitors. I have also engaged in the creation of educational programs/tour plans for the travel agencies and the public relations activities to communicate Ainu culture domestically and internationally.
From 2012, I started to work as the curator of Ainu crafts related exhibitions at museums and art galleries, and in charge of the overall related planning, including the research of all the Ainu craft collections in Japan.
Among these, “The World of Wood Carver, Fujito Takeki” held in 2019 featured contemporary artists and delivered the feeling of the world of Ainu craft tradition and creation, and the works filled with and full of the life and messages of their creators in this exhibition had given a major impact on my philosophy.
With the opening of the National Ainu Museum & Park (referred to as Upopoy) in 2020, I started to collaborate with Ainu communities in various places, including planning experiential programs and human resource development, and deliver the opportunities to empathize with traditional culture by shaping Upopoy the National Ainu Museum & Park into a place which delivers the current state of the performing arts, livelihoods, food culture, etc. that have been preserved and inherited until now, and as a place which can discover novel fascination.
As I myself am also fascinated by Ainu craftsmanship, I also involve in the replication of hunting tools and hold workshops and tours exploring the history and memories of the land.
I agree with the concept of “Responsible Tourism” (The visit of tourists and welcome of local residents are both done with mutual respect. The concept that the tourists also take responsibility for the impact they have on the local environment and culture, and help to improve the place they visited, as a tourist spot), and I believe that it is important to respect the local culture and environment and join the local community as a member. I believe that the realization of Sustainable Tourism is a step toward building a better future by taking responsibility for the places we visit or host.

McMichael Mutok Jr. Palau Registrar/ Historic Preservation Specialist, Palau Register of Historic Places, Bureau of Cultural and Historical Preservation, Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development, Palau National Government, Republic of Palau/Palauan more Forum topic 1: Tourism of Cultural Sustainability｜Panelist

McMichael Mutok Jr. is from the Republic of Palau located in the Micronesia region. He is originally from the state of Airai, which is located on the southernmost tip of Babeldaob. The state of Airai by its traditional name called “Belias” is blessed with rich cultural history including the oldest Bai (meeting house for chiefs) in Palau built over 200 years ago, along with many historic features and its irreplaceable tangible and intangible cultural heritage.

McMichael holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from the University of Guam in 2017 and currently employed as the Palau Registrar under the Bureau of Cultural and Historical Preservation of the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism, and Development. McMichael primary goal as a Palau Registrar is to preserve significant historic and cultural properties through the means provided by Palau national law called PNC Title 19. More specifically, McMichael work to assess and record the history and knowledge of the Palauan people as reflected in historic and culture districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects; to aid the national and state government in the preparations of comprehensive preservation; to assist in the preservation of tangible reminders of history; and to extend to all such properties a degree of protection by insuring compliance with procedures whenever and wherever the law applies.

McMichael works with state level government officials, traditional leaders and the community by awarding national grants projects to restore and rehabilitate their significant cultural and historical sites. The main purpose of his project is to educate and motivate the local community to realize the importance of the site and reminded them that these precious resources are theirs and should be maintained for many reasons: for present and future generations to use and enjoy; for education and research; for sustainable tourism, and for economic development.

Lin, Hsin-Jen Deputy Director General, Tourism Administration, M.O.T.C., Taiwan more Forum topic2: Tourism of Ecological Sustainability｜Moderator

Robert Taylor Chief Executive Officer of Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council, Australia/Nhanda more Forum topic 2: Tourism of Ecological Sustainability｜Panelist

Robert, a Nhanda man from the Yamaji Nation in Western Australia, has served for the past eight years as Chief Executive Officer for WAITOC (Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council).

Robert has taken the organisation from a marketing and advocacy Aboriginal tourism organisation and introduced business development as a further arm of the organisation, with the goal of building future business leaders and creating a strong and vibrant Aboriginal tourism sector for Western Australia.

His drive to ensure the nation and visitors understand the economic and social values of Aboriginal tourism has been rewarded through securing funding for Aboriginal tourism at the local, state, and federal government levels.

Rob offers over 36 years of experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. He has owned and managed hospitality, tourism, mining, sport and recreation and construction businesses. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, he has proved his capability of diversification, utilising his skills and knowledge to cross over industries to develop diverse income streams.

Robert became WAITOC's chief executive officer in 2015. He has successfully delivered the Aboriginal Tourism Development Program and growing 39 new Aboriginal businesses across Western Australia. These businesses have created 104 full-time equivalent jobs for urban, regional, and remote communities. He has increased funding to enhance member business outcomes by over 300% and has the drive to create opportunities for Aboriginal people at a state, national and international level.

Robert has successfully worked with national and state governments, not-for-profits and philanthropists, highlighting the importance of Aboriginal tourism and its value to Australia and Aboriginal communities. He has been a leading voice to the government, successfully advocating for $40 million dollars invested into Aboriginal Tourism nationwide from this work.

He has worked with the State Government of Western Australia to help develop JINA: Western Australian Aboriginal Tourism Action Plan 2021-2025, a $20 million dollar investment into Aboriginal Tourism for the state.

Robert continues to create new partnerships to improve cultural understanding and respect and create positive social outcomes for the Australian Aboriginal People and a strong, diversified, sustainable organisation model.

Robert can differentiate between key opportunities and create embedded processes to ensure outcomes are reached on time and within budget.

Lennart Pittja Founder of Sápmi Nature，Sweden/Sámi more Forum topic 2：Tourism of Ecological Sustainability｜Panelist

Lennart Pittja, an indigenous Sámi from the Swedish side of Sápmi was born and raised in a reindeer herding family in Unna Tjerusj Sámi community and considers reindeer to be the most beautiful animal on the planet.
Lennart has almost 30 years of experience in Sámi tourism.
Founder of Sápmi Nature where guests from all over the world come to experience the Sámi way of life in a small-scale and sustainable way. Sápmi Nature Camp is located outside Gällivare and Jokkmokk in Sjávnjá Nature Reserve, part of the UNESCO Laponia World Heritage Area.
Sápmi Nature Camp is featured on the list “21 places to stay if you care about the planet” by National Geographic and was featured by AFAR as “one of 27 best new hotels in the world” a few years ago.
Lennart has been awarded Best Swedish Ecotourism Company in Sweden twice, in 2004 and 2019, and was the candidate from Swedish Lapland to Stora Turismpriset 2019. Lennart Pittja was one of the project leaders for Visit Sápmi 2010 -2014, he has worked with Nature’s Best for the national nature-based tourism organization Naturturismföretagen where he’s also been on the board for a number of years. Currently, Lennart Pittja is part of board at Swedish Lapland Visitors Board.
Lennart Pittja has been sharing knowledge about Sámi tourism and indigenous values at conferences and meetings all over the world. In all parts of Sápmi (except the Kola Peninsula), in Europe, and in the world. In March 2023 he presented at World Indigenous Tourism Summit in Noongar Nation, Perth, Australia. Lennart is part of the Leadership Council of WINTA – World Indigenous Tourism Alliance.
Lennart has two grown-up daughters. Lennart is living in Gällivare, where you sometimes find him singing with his men's choir Berget. Photography, skiing, and fishing are other interests of his.

Malracemace Permanent Director of River Tracing Association, Taiwan/Rukai more Forum topic 2: Tourism of Ecological Sustainability｜Panelist

-Pingtung County Wutai Township Dawu Youth Development Association Project
-Pingtung County Wutai Township Dawu Community Development Association Project
-Coordinator, Pingtung County Wutai Township Dawu Culture and Health Station Project
-Industry Promotion Committee Member, Pingtung County Wutai Township Dawu Tribe Meeting Director General, Pingtung County Indigenous Industry Information Association

Dawu Tribe currently engages in promoting tourism, where young and middle-aged people of tribal integrate the unique tribal beauty and tribal culture with river tracing sports through design, planning, and execution. The tribe systematically integrates the resources to promote the tribe to Taiwan through legitimate and long-term management, which increases the national publicity of Dawu, as well as the promotion of traditional culture, availability of river tracing sports, and the overall revenue of the tribe.

Frank Antoine Moccasin Trails, Canada/Bonaparte First Nations more Forum topic 3：Guided Tours with Local Perspectives｜Moderator

Frank Antoine is a strong leader and convincing advocate for community-based Indigenous tourism in British Columbia, Canada and hails from the Bonaparte community which is part of the Shuswap Nation of the Interior Salish.
He is the co-founder of Moccasin Trails, a cultural tourism company based in Kamloops, BC. Frank worked at QuaaoutLodge & Spa at Talking Rock Golf Resort for more than a decade and was vital in the development and marketing of authentic Indigenous cultural tourism programs and projects in the Skwlaxcommunity. His professional work experiences and cultural practices have given him a platform to work on many levels within the tourism industry.
He said that: “Wanting to grow Indigenous tourism is to learn how to trust and how to share the culture in a respectful business model. If done right, tourism is a rewarding way to learn and share our culture in a positive way with the next generation, and our guests who want to experience our traditional practices.” In the meantime, he is a strong cultural ambassador and proud to share the traditional knowledge he carries.
Frank has sat on a variety of tourism boards, including the Adams River Salmon Society, Shuswap Trail Alliance, Hat Creek Society, McAbee Group, Indigenous Tourism BC, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, as well as the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. Frank has been a sought-after presenter who is well-versed in a multitude of Indigenous topics including his own inspiring journey, relationship / partnership building, authentic Indigenous tourism development and Indigenous empowerment.

Ivan Anthony S. Henares Assistant Professor, Asian Institute of Tourism, University of the Philippines Diliman, Philippines more Forum topic 3: Guided Tours with Local Perspectives｜Panelist

Ivan Anthony Henares, PhD is a tourism educator, cultural policy researcher, and advocate for heritage conservation in the Philippines. He is Assistant Professor at the Asian Institute of Tourism of the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

At present, he is also Secretary General of the ICOMOS International Cultural Tourism Committee (ICTC), Chairperson of the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS), Philippine Committee President of the International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial Heritage (TICCIH Philippines), Board Member of the Southeast Asian Cultural Heritage Alliance (SEACHA) and, International Correspondent (Philippines) to the Asian Network for Industrial Heritage (ANIH). He was named one of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) in the field of Heritage Conservation in 2012, and an Asia 21 Young Leader in 2008.

Dr. Henares received his PhD in Hospitality and Tourism Management and Graduate Certificate in Environmental Policy from Purdue University (2017-2018 Fulbright-CHED Scholar). He completed his elementary and secondary education at the Ateneo de Manila University, and his Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Master of Business Administration and Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning degrees all at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.

Johani Mamid Managing Director of Mabu Buru Tours, Australia/Karajarri, Nyul Nyul, Bardi, Yawuru more Forum topic 3: Guided Tours with Local Perspectives｜Panelist

Johani is a proud Karajarri, Nyul Nyul, Bardi, and Yawuru man. Embodying a deep commitment to fostering reconciliation and preserving indigenous culture. As the pioneering spirit behind Mabu Buru Tours, he wears the hats of Founder, Managing Director, and Aboriginal Tour Guide with a profound dedication to bridging cultural gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. His passion for reconciliation shines through his efforts to facilitate a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal traditions and perspectives.

Beyond his role in tourism, Johani has also established the Mabu Buru Foundation, a testament to his visionary approach in transforming Mabu Buru Tours into a social enterprise. This initiative reflects his resolve to combat the challenges threatening Aboriginal lore and culture, particularly in the West Kimberley Region. The Foundation is devoted to creating and implementing culturally relevant programs aimed at preserving and strengthening Aboriginal traditions, with Mabu Buru Tours committing a significant portion of its profits to support these endeavours.

In Western Australia, Johani's is the only individual that keeps his own small collection of saltwater crocodiles. His diverse experience extends from his role as a Crocodile Wrangler, to his Indigenous entrepreneurial ventures, including iSupply Australia. iSupply serves as a platform to enhance economic opportunities for Aboriginal product and service providers, reinforcing Johani's commitment to cultural preservation through economic empowerment.

His leadership and advocacy extend to significant positions within the community, including his role as an elected Director of the Western Australia Indigenous Tourism Operator Council (WAITOC) and his work as a Cultural Research Practitioner with the Kimberley Aboriginal Lore and Culture Centre (KALACC). His election in 2023 as a Local Government Representative for the Shire District of Broome showcases his dedication to public service and advocacy on behalf of his community.

Johani's overarching goal is to cultivate a spiritual and physical connection to the land among all people, promoting a widespread understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture. His endeavours across various platforms serve as conduits for his vision of unity and reconciliation, aiming to enrich the Australian collective consciousness and foster a global appreciation for the depth and richness of Aboriginal heritage.

Ma, Chung-Yuan Company Director, Gao Shan Forest Center, Taiwan/Bunun more Forum topic 3：Guided Tours with Local Perspectives｜Panelist

Ma, Chung-Yuan who is from the tribe of Fengbin Township, Hualien County, has served in the military for more than 20 years. He takes promoting local tribal industries as his vocation after retiring. In addition to operating Gao Shan Forest Center Co., Ltd, he has also committed to experience and the design of placemaking. Mr. Ma is the chairperson of Jiqi (Kaluluwan) village and shanhai theater’s convenor. He is one of the initiators of Bin Bin Ecotourism Alliance, connecting local industry and plowing the area of Hualien& Taitung. He keeps creating local revitalization and making remarkable achievements of public charity business. Due to his efforts, he has even been rewarded as a national honorary veteran role model.
In 2017, the Gao Shan Forest Center was established, combining natural ecology and Indigenous culture to promote spiritual growth through forest experiences, with a sustainable perspective towards local revitalization.
Based on the cultural knowledge system generated by the long-term interdependence between Indigenous Peoples and natural systems, it is expected to have cross-regional influence through local practices in the Gao Shan Forest Center. We expect to find a sustainable tourism model which is built on Nature-Based and Spiritual Healing through ecology, culture and adventure experiences.
We consider ourselves as a bridge between the land and travelers, as well as a bridge between the Coast Bunun culture and other ethnic cultures. Through innovative experiences and products, we allow travelers to return to the mountains and forests, and also to themselves. Not only do they understand local culture and connect with the land, but they also understand the wisdom of Taiwan's Indigenous Peoples.
Eventually, look forward to bestowing a gentility status of tribe Tours which is based on culture, environment and the Core-Value of people. As discussed above we can gradually develop a strong local cycle mechanism which achieving Mutually Beneficial and rooting Sustainable Development.

Richard Butler Emeritus Professor of Tourism at the Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland more Forum topic 4：Sharing Economic Benefits of Tourism Promotion｜Moderator

Richard Butler (PhD, Glasgow) is a geographer, with degrees from the Universities of Nottingahm(B.A.) and Glasgow (PhD). He is currently Emeritus Professor at Strathclyde University, Glasgow, He taught at the University of Western Ontario in Canada (1967-97) where he was chair of the department of Geography and was President of the Ontario Research Council on Leisure. He moved to, the University of Surrey (1997-2005) as Deputy Head (Research) at the School of Management Studies for the Service Sector. He then took a part-time position as Professor of International Tourism at the University of Strathclyde (2005-15. During that period he has supervised over 30 PhD students and 80 masters students, been external examiner for around fifty PhD candidates and acted as reviewer for major granting agencies in eight countries and candidates for promotion at many universities. He has held visiting positions at universities in Italy, the Netherlands and Hong Kong, and presented lectures and keynote speeches at over thirty countries. He has acted as consultant to government agencies and the private sector in Canada, the UK, and Spain. He has published many journal articles and book chapters, as well as 28 books on tourism, the last being a Handbook on Tourism and Indigenous Peoples, the third book on this topic that he has co-edited. His principal research interests are the development of tourist destinations (particularly the Tourism Area Life Cycle model of 1980) and the resultant impacts of tourism, particularly in island and peripheral areas, sustainable development, and indigenous tourism. He is a founding member and former president of the International Academy for the Study of Tourism, and in 2016 he was awarded the UNWTO Ulysses medal “for excellence in the creation and dissemination of knowledge”.

Jean - Philippe Le Moigne Agent Latin America & the Caribbean of World Indigenous Tourism Alliance, Chile more Forum topic 4：Sharing Economic Benefits of Tourism Promotion｜Panelist

JP Le Moigne is Forestry Engineer with Diplomas and specializations in Sustainable Tourism and Rural Development, Ecotourism, Recreation, Public Use in Protected Areas, and Indigenous Tourism. He also owns a Master Degree in Management and Development of Tourism in Territories.
Jean-Philippe is a proactive professional with close to 20 years of experience committed to sustainable development, responsible tourism, and conservation of cultural and natural heritage. He has worked on various projects related to his expertise in different countries. The most important are those related to the development of Indigenous Tourism in Latin America and The Caribbean linked to Grassroots organizations in Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, and Dominica Island, to name some. He has also been involved in projects linked to Ecotourism development in Protected Areas in Asia, and Indigenous tourism research.
In addition, Jean-Philippe is linked to the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) supporting them in some international projects, and is the Agent for Latin America and The Caribbean of the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA).

Rakeipoho Taiaroa CEO Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board, New Zealand / Ngati Tuwharetoa more Forum topic4: Sharing Economic Benefits of Tourism Promotion｜Panelist

Yang, Shi-Yun Chairman of Chiayi County Alishan Township Shanmei (Saviki) Community Development Association, Taiwan/Tsou more Forum topic 4：Sharing Economic Benefits of Tourism Promotion｜Panelist

Chairman of Chiayi County Alishan Township Shanmei (Saviki) Community Guaranteed Liability Cooperative
Director of Tanayiku Natural Ecological Park
Member of Chiayi County Alishan Township Long-Term Care Promotion Committee
Unit (A) Case Manager of Chiayi Christian Hospital's Long Term Care Community Integrated Service
Project Manager of Double Bliss Welfare and Charity Foundation's Community Programs
Secretary of Shanmei (Saviki) Tribal Council
Secretary General of Shanmei (Saviki) Community Development Association (8th, 9th terms)
Assistant of Alishan Township Nursery School

I'm a COU ethnicity person who grew up in the tribe since I was a child. My family was not wealthy in farming in the early days, so after graduating from high school, I started to work away from home. I have worked in Chiayi Christian Hospital and Alishan Township Nursery School. After the Typhoon Morakot disaster, I joined the post-disaster reconstruction program and started to work for the Shanmei (Saviki) Community Development Association (5 years) and the Double Bliss Welfare and Charity Foundation (3 years). Later, I was transferred to Chiayi Christian Hospital as a unit (A) long-term care case manager (3 years) and completed my college education. Finally, I took over the chairmanship of the Shanmei (Saviki) Community Development Association until now.
The development of the Shanmei (Saviki) community has gone through both tourism popularity and challenges, and the elders brought us along for the journey when we were young. The elders, putting efforts into community building, became the best example for us to follow. They have passed down the culture, ecology, and tourism industries, connected us to the land, and taught us how to love our tribe by practicing what they preach.
Because of my Christian belief and sense of identity with my tribe, I have been concerned about different aspects of the community and actively participated in community affairs.