AIANTA: The Rupert Report

The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO

June 21, 2021

Spending some time with Master Artist Virgil Marchand, Colville at his shop where he designs and fabricates his spectacular metal sculptures.

AIANTA Highlights for the Coming Week

Update from Lewis & Clark Outreach Trip

We have wrapped up the second leg of our trip along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. We had an amazing time visiting our friends in Idaho and Montana last week and Washington and Oregon the week before, and are so excited about the energy and optimism for future partnerships throughout the region.

See Some Photos from Our Trip

The Excitement of Indian Relay Horse Racing

Tuesday, June 22, 2021; 10 a.m. MDT

As one of America’s oldest-known sporting competitions, Indian Relay dates back more than 400 years to when the horse was first re-introduced to the native cultures of the Americas. This exciting extreme sport is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, with tribal nations throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota and beyond hosting relay teams in competitive events around the country. Learn how major sporting events can help boost local economies.

Visit AIANTA at RES

July 19-21, 2021

We’re heading to RES and are thrilled to be sharing all the exciting new tourism projects in Indian Country and how AIANTA can work with you to help you grow your own cultural heritage tourism programming. If you’d like to make an appointment, just hit reply to this email and we’ll contact you about setting up a time to meet.

Make an Appointment

Excellence in Tourism Industry Professional Awards

Deadline: July 31, 2021

As our 23rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) is approaching, so is the deadline to submit your applications for the Excellence in Tourism Industry Professional Awards. The awards honor four categories: Tribal Destination of the Year, Best Cultural Heritage Experience, Excellence in Customer Service, Industry Professional Award. Any AIANTA member in good standing can be nominated for an award. Apply before it's too late!

Learn More

Thanks to our AITC Sponsors

We would like to extend a warm thank you to Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation, We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, Caesar's Entertainment, Arizona Office of Tourism and all our sponsors who have pledged their support of the American Indian Tourism Conference.

There is still time to join the conference as a sponsor. As the first in-person gathering in nearly two years of the Indigenous hospitality industry, this conference promises to be a lively reunion and energizing idea-sharing platform, and our sponsors will receive high-level recognition before, during and after the event.

Come reimagine, re-emerge and reunite at our AITC 2021.

Learn More