The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO | June 5, 2023

AIANTA Board Members and senior leadership at the first strategic planning meeting in the new AIANTA offices!

AIANTA Highlights for the Coming Week

AITC Registration is Now Open

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) is scheduled for October 2-5, 2023, at the Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, Oklahoma. The AITC is the only national conference dedicated to growing travel and tourism in America's indigenous communities. The conference attracts more than 300 attendees annually, who attend networking opportunities, high-level keynote sessions and informative breakout sessions led by leading hospitality industry experts.

The AITC is perfect for tribal leaders, tribal entrepreneurs and staff working in tourism, museums, fish and wildlife, parks and recreation, camping and RV Parks, planning and economic development, workforce development, cultural preservation, transportation, hotels and casinos, arts programs, gift shops and youth programs. It also provides value to tour operators, travel agents and media interested in learning more about Indian Country Tourism. Artisans and Exhibitors interested in networking with these partners should secure an exhibitor booth to share their art, products and services.

Our 25^th Anniversary theme, “We are Still Here!” speaks to the journey that the nation’s 574 federally-recognized Tribes and Native Hawaiians have endured on the lands and waters they and their ancestors have called home for thousands of years. Much like these Tribes, AIANTA has persevered and met the challenges head on, emerging yet stronger and more determined than ever to ensure that our people and our stories are heard around the globe. AIANTA, started with an idea, that our communities could be part of one of the largest industries in the world and 25 years later, We are Still Here, setting the table for the next 25 years and beyond!

Catch AIANTA at NCAI Mid Year 2023

Exciting news! I am thrilled to announce our attendance at the NCAI Mid Year Convention & Marketplace on June 4-8, 2023! NCAI Mid Year Convention & Marketplace will be held at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota. You can find us at Booth #305. See you there!

Living and Creating in an Inspirational Setting: Artist Residency Programs

Tuesday, June 13, 2023 10:00am (Mountain)

In this webinar, you will hear from Native artists, galleries and cultural centers who will share their experiences with Native Artist residencies in different models around the country. Residency programs can help expose participating artists to new audiences, promote cultural literacy with visitors, and enrich each artist by providing resources, space and time for them to grow as professional artists and do new work. An artist's immersive experience may be used to invite artists to reflect new ways to see National Parks or Wildlife areas, or it may be an opportunity for several artists at once to inspire one another in collective studios, or for emerging artists to develop new work and have an opportunity to stay, work and display or perform new works in gallery or theater settings. Join us to find out how to go on your next art adventure, or imagine how tribal communities can support artist residencies as part of their cultural programs. 

Bok Abaiya - Practiced Hands and the Arts of Choctaw Basketry Exhibit Is Coming Soon To The Choctaw Cultural Center

July 24, 2023 - March 30, 2024

The "Bok Abaiya - Practiced Hands and the Arts of Choctaw Basketry" exhibit at the Choctaw Cultural Center provides a unique and enlightening opportunity for visitors to explore the intricate, centuries-old art of Choctaw basketry. This exhibit not only showcases breathtaking examples of this traditional craft, but also delves into its history and significance within Choctaw culture. From the selection of materials to their preparation, the weaving process, and the finishing touches, the exhibit provides a detailed look at the skills and techniques involved in creating these stunning baskets. Visitors may even have the chance to see modern-day Choctaw basket weavers at work, gaining a deeper appreciation of the dedication and patience required to produce these beautiful works of art.

 I encourage you all to take advantage of this unique opportunity by inviting your loved ones to visit the new exhibit at the Choctaw Cultural Center. You won't regret it!

"Killers of the Flower Moon" Paving The Way For Native Americans in Mainstream Media

Image by David M. Benett

Killers of the Flower Moon, a non-fiction book by David Grann, is now on the big screen as a cinematic masterpiece, directed by the one and only Martin Scorsese. The original story is of the Osage Indian murders that took place in Oklahoma during the 1920s and how it led to the birth of the FBI. For too long, Native Americans have been relegated to stereotypes and caricatures in popular culture. But with Killers of the Flower Moon, Native Americans are finally getting their due recognition as complex individuals with rich histories and cultures. In all that AIANTA strives to accomplish we work to promote the authentic and real stories of American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Hawaiian Natives.