EQUALITY
THE REST OF THE GOLD RUSH STORY
BARKERVILLE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
Travel can build understanding for underrepresented communities and ways of life. By engaging with places focused on inclusive storytelling, like Barkerville Historic Town & Park in British Columbia, travelers contribute to meaningful reconciliation efforts.
What's
changing
Destinations with a history of colonization are seeking to integrate diverse perspectives into their narratives, striving for a more accurate and inclusive portrayal of the historical and cultural paths that shaped them. This shift is part of broader truth telling to recognize and honor the contributions and experiences of previously marginalized communities.
What's already
possible
In British Columbia's Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, storytelling is a tool for reconciliation, helping Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities find healing and common ground. At Barkerville Historic Town & Park, a living history museum in a historic gold rush town, this approach has recently been integrated into regular programming after a 50-year absence. By incorporating Indigenous storytelling and interpretation, the heritage site is making history more inclusive and ensuring that all perspectives are represented and respected.
Seizing
the opportunity
In 2019, Barkerville began incorporating First Nations perspectives into its storytelling, largely due to the efforts of Cheryl Chapman (Sunrise When the Salmon Come) from the Xatśūll First Nation, who spent 26 years advocating for the shift. For five seasons, as visitors have explored the 135 restored buildings, Chapman has shared stories of her family’s deep connection to the region. Alongside Mike Retasket of the St'uxwtéws First Nation, she tells guests about the impacts of the gold rush on Indigenous communities and the vital support Indigenous groups provided to settlers.
Standout
tactic
Barkerville Historic Town & Park continues to be transparent about its work to portray an accurate and inclusive portrait of British Columbia before, during and after the gold rush. More improvements are needed and Barkerville is actively re-examining its values and considering the role it plays in reconciliation.
How
it helps
Indigenous content can now be found throughout Barkerville, and programming includes daily ceremonies to acknowledge the original inhabitants of the area. An annual, one-day Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration gained such popularity it was extended into a second day in 2023.
Diving
deeper
How can historic sites ensure that Indigenous ceremonies, celebrations and performances are perceived as authentic cultural expressions rather than performances staged for tourism?
Increasing
impact
Cheryl Chapman said that confronting uncomfortable history directly, rather than shying away from hard truths, is the first step for historic sites to reevaluate one-sided portrayals of the past. She also advised that building collaborative relationships between historic sites and communities takes time, and establishing trust is essential for creating a more inclusive and accurate narrative.
Traveling
better
Travel is inherently carbon intensive. Whether you are taking a mini-break or an annual vacation, consider ways to minimize your impact by staying longer in one place, reconsidering how you travel to the destination, and supporting businesses that are working to make their community and the world a better place.
