Can Indigenous-owned tourism companies lead the way in creating more sustainable, community-focused business models? What does it mean to reclaim Indigenous identity in a rapidly changing world?
Today’s guest is Dr. Alexis Bunten, a cultural anthropologist, author, and advocate for Indigenous rights, currently serving as Co-Director of the Indigeneity Program at Bioneers. With over 20 years of experience working with Indigenous organizations, she specializes in cultural tourism, sustainability, and cross-cultural communication. Alexis, who has both Alaskan Native and European roots, has been a trailblazer in developing innovative approaches to Indigenous economic development and environmental stewardship.

In this episode, we explore Alexis's extensive work in the tourism industry, where she advocates for Indigenous-led solutions that respect cultural traditions while fostering economic sustainability. We dive into her experiences as an Alaska Native working in tourism, the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities in balancing tradition with modernization, and the ways in which Indigenous science can offer alternative perspectives to Western approaches. Alexis also shares her journey of personal discovery, recounting how her multicultural background and "double consciousness" have informed her work and worldview. This conversation sheds light on the importance of reindigenization—reconnecting with one's ancestral culture—as a powerful tool for both personal growth and community resilience. From the challenges of defining Indigenous identity to the possibilities of building sustainable futures, Alexis’s insights provide valuable lessons for navigating modern complexities while staying rooted in tradition.