Indigenous communities from around the planet are defining common values in their tourism programs that attract visitors seeking authentic, transformational experiences. The Maori of New Zealand, Aborigines of Australia, Maasai of Kenya, American Indians of the United States, and First Nations People of Canada communicate a set of ancient beliefs in the intricate connection between humans and the natural world. These beliefs carry a deep and powerful message that can capture the hearts and lift the souls of people who have long forgotten the teachings of their forebears.

Luther Standing Bear of the Lakota Nation expressed the beliefs of his people as follows: “From Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, there came a great unifying life force that flowed in and through all things — the flowers of the plains, blowing winds, rocks, trees, birds, animals — and was the same force that had been breathed into the first man. Thus all things were kindred, and were brought together by the same Great Mystery.”