There are many reasons to get accredited through The Original Original Accreditation Program. One key benefit of this program is that it provides consumers with peace of mind that they support an authentic Indigenous business. Another benefit, as experienced by Dave Smith, co-founder and storyteller of First Nations Storytellers in Saint John, NB, is an increase in business and recognition within the travel trade sector.
“As the first The Original Original accredited business in our region, we’ve been fortunate to leverage this unique position for enhanced exposure and marketing initiatives with regional and provincial destination marketing organizations. This distinction also lends a coveted seal of approval, meeting one of the criteria sought after by travel trade clients and facilitating our successful negotiation of our first partnership with a prominent North American tour operator for 2024.”
– Dave Smith
First Nations Storytellers provides authentic Indigenous experiences within the Greater Saint John area, aiming to foster and deepen the guests’ appreciation and knowledge of Indigenous culture. Guests can choose from a variety of experiences. For example, guests can take a 90-minute guided stroll along the harbour and Wolastoq, meaning ”beautiful river,”, while discovering the local history of the Wolastoqiyik and Mi’kmaq peoples. Another option is a 60-minute walking tour that retraces the steps of Samuel de Champlain when he arrived in Saint John’s harbour and was met by the Indigenous people of the village of Ouigoudy. Guests learn how their expertise and knowledge of the land proved invaluable to the new visitors and would ultimately allow the creation of Canada’s first incorporated city.
For those who prefer the water, the company also has kayaking and canoe adventures. In partnership with Go Fundy Events, First Nations Storytellers offer a three-hour kayaking trip starting in the South Bay region of the Wolastoq (Saint John River). This tour follows the shoreline and includes a beach bonfire, bannock and a smoked sturgeon platter. Another option for guests is a 90-minute journey on a majestic 26-foot Voyageur canoe. In partnership with Osprey Adventures, this tour includes information about the history of the Indigenous people and area while navigating Hampton’s beautiful waterways. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls, waterway adventures, classroom-style discussions, or snowshoeing, First Nations Storytellers has an experience for everyone.
Partnerships are important to the growth of the company. In their first year and a half of opening, they introduced 10 exciting new experiences in the region. These initiatives involved creating partnerships with various organizations and businesses, allowing them to offer a diverse array of choices for guests, students and residents. Looking ahead to 2024, First Nations Storytellers plan to expand their offerings with evening and overnight experiences.
“This accreditation underscores our unwavering commitment to our company’s mission, vision, and core values, which remain integral to our team.”
– Dave Smith
First Nations Storytellers operate on the unceded-ancestral lands of the Wolastoqiyik, Peskotomuhkati and Mi’kmaq, respectively known as Wolastokuk, Peskotomuhkatik and Mi’kmaki.
For more information about The Original Original Accreditation Program and how you can be accredited, visit here.