Introduction
Participating in a First Nations cultural tour can be a transformative experience. It offers the chance to learn from Indigenous knowledge systems, connect with country, and better understand the traditions and history of the world’s oldest continuous cultures.
But meaningful engagement requires more than showing up. It means listening, observing protocols, and approaching the experience with humility and respect.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to respectfully participate in a First Nations cultural tour, whether you’re visiting Country in Australia, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Canada, the U.S., or elsewhere.
Why Respect Matters
First Nations cultural tours are not just tourism—they are living expressions of culture, history, and identity. For many Indigenous communities, these experiences are also a way to reclaim narrative, support self-determination, and share truth-telling.
Respect is about acknowledging:
- Sovereignty and custodianship of land
- Sacred knowledge, stories, and sites
- Cultural protocols and practices
- Historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation
When you engage respectfully, you support not just cultural appreciation—but also economic empowerment and reconciliation.
1. Choose an Indigenous-Led Tour Provider
Respect begins with who you support. Whenever possible, book with a tour that is First Nations owned and operated, or clearly collaborates with Traditional Owners and local Elders.
Look for:
- Providers certified by Indigenous tourism organisations (e.g. Welcome to Country, Aboriginal Tourism Australia)
- Transparent language about community partnerships
- Reviews or recommendations from Indigenous community pages or advocacy groups
Why it matters: This ensures that your investment benefits the local community directly and that the tour is culturally safe and accurate.
2. Do Basic Research Before You Arrive
Show initiative by learning the basics about:

- The Traditional Custodians of the land you’ll visit
- Any significant sites, Dreaming stories, or historical context
- Language groups or place names, where available
Even a few minutes of pre-reading signals to your hosts that you’re engaged and respectful.
Tools:
- AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia
- Local Land Councils or cultural centres
- Tour provider websites and social media
3. Follow Cultural Protocols
Each community has its own cultural protocols. Your guide will usually outline them—but be prepared to:
- Ask permission before taking photos, especially of people or sacred sites
- Dress appropriately for outdoor, cultural, or ceremonial settings
- Avoid interrupting when Elders or guides are speaking
- Observe moments of silence when requested
If in doubt, ask respectfully. It’s better to clarify than to make assumptions.
4. Listen More Than You Speak
First Nations storytelling is often layered with meaning. Some knowledge may be shared publicly, while other stories are private or gender-specific. Listen without pressing for information that isn’t freely offered.
Practice:
- Active listening without judgment
- Sitting with discomfort or unfamiliar narratives
- Taking notes quietly (if permitted)
Remember: not every question needs to be asked—and not all answers are yours to receive.
5. Don’t Treat It Like a Performance
Cultural tours are not entertainment. They are opportunities for cultural exchange, not consumption.

Avoid:
- Comparing the experience to other cultural tours
- Seeking sensationalism or “exotic” elements
- Interrupting sacred moments for a photo op
Approach each activity—whether it’s a smoking ceremony, storytelling session, or walk on Country—with sincerity and attentiveness.
6. Support Local Art, Food, and Products
If your tour includes opportunities to purchase art, bush foods, or handmade goods, do so with intention. Ask about:
- The artist or maker’s name
- What the symbols or stories represent
- Where the proceeds go
Tip:
Choose authentic Indigenous products, not mass-produced souvenirs. Look for art centres or collectives that represent artists directly.
7. Acknowledge and Reflect After the Tour
After the experience:
- Reflect on what you learned and how it challenged or expanded your perspective
- Consider making a donation to a local initiative, land council, or community group
- Share your experience thoughtfully—give credit to guides and use respectful language
If you write a review or social post, avoid speaking on behalf of the community. Instead, share what you gained as a guest and learner.
8. Stay Connected and Keep Learning
One tour is a beginning, not a conclusion. Stay curious and commit to ongoing education and action.

Ways to continue:
- Attend local NAIDOC, Reconciliation Week, or cultural events
- Read books by First Nations authors
- Follow Indigenous organisations or media
- Support policies and businesses that promote First Nations equity
Conclusion
Participating in a First Nations cultural tour is a privilege—and a chance to connect more deeply with the land, history, and people who have shaped it for millennia. When approached with humility, preparation, and care, these experiences leave a lasting impact—not just on you, but on the communities who generously share their culture.
Respect is not a single action. It’s a way of showing up, listening, and continuing to learn.