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Benefits to Yukon Communities
Yukon First Nation ownership in this enterprise provides First Nations and their citizens with the opportunity to be hosts within their traditional territories. In sharing their histories and cultures, on their own terms and in their own way, they discover a powerful means to affirm their ancient traditions and values. This success provides both an example and practical experience for First Nations communities to draw upon as they explore involvement in other business ventures, big or small.
The Great River Journey is a small business and the number of direct jobs in each community are limited but these are good jobs. Great River Journey creates a variety of quality, permanent full-time and regular seasonal positions. In addition to positions for guides, cooks, lodge staff, boat pilots and other skilled workers, there are opportunities in management.
The types of jobs created appeal to the interests and core competencies of Yukoners. These jobs are of particular interest to aboriginal people, are located within their traditional lands, and provide advancement opportunities though training and certification. The development and transferability of skills can bring substantial community benefits.
Spin-off Businesses
The Great River Journey creates opportunities for First Nations and other Yukoners to develop new spin-off tourism businesses. Some of these service guests of Great River Journey directly. For example, the Great River Journey relies on hiking, fishing, boat tours and a variety of specialty tours to provide guests with active, true northern experiences. Initially, these are being developed and operated “in house,” but independent local owners/operators are better positioned to offer these products over the long run. The lodge facilities are prime venues for the sale of arts and crafts.
Best Practices
The Great River Journey has developed and follows best practices for the protection of the environment and special places within traditional lands. From its commitment to small group sizes, to the use of cutting-edge technologies to generate power and handle waste, the Great River Journey has become another excellent model for sustainable economic development in tourism as well as other industries.
Direct Spending
The Great River Journey utilized local knowledge, services and suppliers to the greatest extent possible during the design and construction phases of the project. The same principle applies now that the business is fully operational and facilities require ongoing maintenance. For example, local businesses and craftspeople supply furniture, artwork and other functional necessities for overnight facilities. For years to come, the Great River Journey will also generate regular spending, including in some First Nations communities, on consumable goods ranging from food to gasoline.
Tourism Growth
The Great River Journey is a very unique high-end product that does not compete with established Yukon tourism businesses. There is nothing like it in the Yukon or North America. It is a new product which opens the way into target markets and sales channels that are not currently serviced by local operators. The success of the Great River Journey will develop travel industry awareness and sales channels that can benefit other Yukon tourism operators.
Charitable Initiatives
As well as providing economic and social development opportunities to Yukon, Great River Journey has been a supporter of the following charities:
Canadian Cancer Society
Merry Go Round Children’s Foundation
Pacific Salmon Foundation
Yukon Hospital Foundation
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