Indigenous Communities Strengthen Cultural Tourism Through Knowledge Exchange in Bakkie
On April 20, representatives from Powakka, Pierre Kondre, and Casipora participated in a peer-to-peer learning exchange to Bakkie as part of the Sustainable Forest Livelihoods (SFL) Programme, funded by the European Union and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and implemented by WWF-Guianas. The visit focused on building practical knowledge and skills for the development, management, and promotion of an Indigenous museum in Powakka.
The journey to Bakkie takes approximately two and a half hours, combining road and boat travel. The journey itself offered participants not only a physical transition into a unique cultural landscape, but also an opportunity to reflect on the potential of community-driven tourism initiatives in remote areas.
Upon arrival, the group received a warm welcome before taking part in a guided tour of the Bakkie Museum, a well-established example of how cultural heritage can be transformed into a meaningful visitor experience. The tour provided valuable insights into how stories, traditions, and local knowledge can be preserved and presented in a way that is both authentic and economically sustainable.
Participants learned that creating a successful museum does not require extensive infrastructure, but rather a strong and compelling story, supported by accurate information and engaging visuals. The importance of structure and accountability was also emphasized, particularly the need to clearly define roles and ensure fair compensation for work—highlighting that long-term sustainability goes beyond volunteer efforts.
What particularly stood out during the visit was the museum’s ability to present history in a highly accessible and engaging way. Through clear storytelling and carefully preserved historical artefacts unique to the plantation of Bakkie, the museum creates an experience that feels both educational and personal. These authentic elements contribute significantly to the museum’s distinct identity and demonstrate how cultural heritage can be shared in a meaningful and memorable manner. Participants also recognized these as important lessons and valuable points of inspiration for Powakka in the development of its own museum initiative.
Maintaining quality emerged as another key lesson. Continuous upkeep of the space, combined with well-trained guides who can confidently and accurately share community stories, plays a critical role in shaping the overall visitor experience. In addition, building strong partnerships with those involved in promoting and selling tours was identified as essential for success.
At the same time, participants reflected on the importance of working within their capacity by focusing on manageable activities and strategic investments that enhance the experience, rather than overextending resources. Central to all discussions was the recognition that Indigenous knowledge must remain at the heart of these initiatives, guiding both the narrative and the visitor journey.
By learning directly from the experiences in Bakkie, participating communities are better equipped to shape their own cultural tourism initiatives, which should be grounded in authenticity, strengthened by collaboration, and driven by a shared vision of sustainable livelihoods for future generations.
