AIANTA: The Rupert Report

The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO

May 10, 2021

AIANTA staff celebrate Sherry L. Rupert's two year anniversary as AIANTA CEO

AIANTA Highlights for the Coming Week

Authentic Storytelling Through Architecture & Design: Hawai'i Style

May 11, 2021; 2-3:30 p.m. MDT

We're so excited to welcome award-winning Native Hawaiian Architect Rob Iopa and Native Hawaiian entrepreneur Mālia Kaʻaihue, who will be sharing their successes in retaining the essence of the Native Hawaiian story while working with national brands. Our Pacific Region Board Member Hiʻilani Shibata, Lead Cultural Trainer of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) will be moderating. Register now

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Oversight Hearing

May 12, 2021

I have been invited to testify on the vital economic importance of the tourism industry to Native American communities before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on May 12, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. EDT. If you’d like to view the hearing, please visit www.indian.senate.gov/hearings

AITC 2021 Registration Open!

October 25-28, 2021

Registration is now open for the 23^rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC), which will be hosted by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, October 25-28, 2021 at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell (Scottsdale), Arizona. AITC is the only national conference dedicated to growing tourism in America’s indigenous communities. Register for AITC

AITC Silent Auction

This silent auction raises direct funding support for AIANTA’s Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship Program benefiting Native students pursuing post-secondary degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management and other tourism-related fields. The ongoing success of this Scholarship Fundraising event is largely due to the generosity of our Native communities, partners and donors like you. We would be honored if you would consider donating an item to our Silent Auction. Donate now

Celebrating Two Years with AIANTA

This week I am celebrating two years leading this wonderful organization. It has been challenging, especially in the last year, but so very rewarding. Since joining AIANTA as CEO, I have spearheaded several initiatives, including the organization's groundbreaking new Tribal Agritourism program and overseeing AIANTA's first-ever virtual American Indian Tourism Conference, which drew a record number of registrants in 2020. I am excited for our new partnerships and the boundless opportunities of cultural tourism.

Please visit our Facebook page to see our great team on my anniversary. View Facebook post