More than ever, organizations expect sustainable options when choosing an incentive program to celebrate their top performers. In fact, research from the IRF Social Responsibility and Sustainability Report revealed that approximately 80 per cent of planners felt pressure from clients to provide more sustainable options in meetings, events and incentive travel venues and transportation. 

Protecting the environment and strengthening local economies are two aspects of sustainability — but it doesn’t stop there. Another powerful way to deliver on these expectations is to offer experiences that immerse incentive winners in local cultures. This helps teams gain a deeper understanding of diverse ways of life and can expand their worldview. But most of all, it sustains local cultures by empowering them to share their beliefs and traditions with people from around the world. 

Canada is home to 1.8 million Indigenous Peoples and more than 600 different communities. From a ceremonial song by Elders, to authentic dishes steeped in tradition, here are five meaningful ways to incorporate Indigenous cultures in your next incentive program.  

1. Offer a one-of-a-kind experience  

If you want to motivate your employees, it’s hard to compete with the prospect of a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can’t easily be found. Few rewards compare to witnessing the elusive northern lights set the night sky ablaze in a mesmerizing dance of vivid reds, blues and greens.

For example, the Northwest Territories is home to Aurora Village — an Indigenous-owned resort that offers a highly unique aurora viewing experience. As high achievers gaze up at the sky from their teepees, which are equipped with warm wood stoves and fur-lined sofas, they’ll listen to traditional stories from Elders. They’ll also enjoy a gourmet feast featuring authentic Indigenous dishes like northern lake fish chowder and slow roasted smoked buffalo prime rib. They can then embark on a guided tour with an aurora hunter to find the best location to view this spectacular natural phenomenon. 

2. Inspire with a guest speaker or cultural performer  

Another way to enrich your incentive is by giving winners the chance to learn about Indigenous traditions from a local speaker or cultural performer. These experiences offer an authentic glimpse into the Indigenous way of life, while supporting reconciliation and cultural sustainability. 

Through her company, Warrior Women, Matricia Bauer shares the Cree culture and traditions in a variety of ways, such singing, drumming, storytelling and fireside chats. Many museums and cultural facilities also offer performances that shine a light on diverse cultures — like the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. A first of its kind centre in Canada, it shares the traditional cultures of both the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation through traditional dances, drum songs and more.  

3. Celebrate your team with a cultural workshop

Organizations can also integrate local cultures into incentive programs through educational workshops. For example, Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations, a boutique hotel just outside of Québec City, immerses guests in First Nations experiences like a traditional jewelry workshop. Guided by an Indigenous artisan, your team will learn the steps in preparing a necklace with wooden beads and leather lace, while learning about the symbolism of various materials. 

4. Learn about a traditional practice

Give your team the chance to understand the culture and history of a destination through an entirely new perspective. As one option, head out on an Indigenous-led medicine walk in Banff with Mahikan Trails. Your incentive group will discover the traditions of using flora to make medicines and salves from a knowledgeable guide while walking through the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. 

5. Indulge in an authentic feast

Food is an excellent way to acquaint your team with the culture of a place. Increasingly, organizations are rewarding top performers with a culinary experience that gives a taste of authentic Indigenous dishes.

On Lennox Island, off the coast of Prince Edward Island, incentive groups can learn the Mi'kmaq traditional method of preparing Bannock and clams. After building a fire, they’ll prepare Bannock, a type of bread, under red-hot embers buried in the sand. While it cooks, they’ll enjoy fresh clams as they listen to stories that highlight the Mi’kmaq culture.

An inspiring reward

Today’s incentive travellers want to forge deeper connections with local cultures and take part in authentic experiences when celebrating their achievements. By infusing local cultures into the agenda, organizations can leave a lasting impression on their teams, while helping cultures thrive.