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O me'a"kwa:
A Time for Recovery
(I’m going to travel over there, Northern Paiute)
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I’m thrilled by a recent report from the CDC that nearly one third of the American population have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This bodes well for the immediate future of tourism in the U.S. I’d also like to give a special shout out to our friends at the Blackfeet Nation for providing surplus vaccines to their northern neighbors and First Nations relatives in Canada.
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AITC Registration is Now Open! |
Now entering its 23rd year, the annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) is the only national conference dedicated to growing tourism in America’s indigenous communities. Every year the conference attracts more than 300 attendees, who attend for the networking opportunities, the high-level keynote sessions, and the informative breakout sessions led by some of the leading hospitality industry experts.
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The pairing of arts and culture with tourism can lead to economic development, while also contributing to community wellbeing.
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Ways to Leave No Trace When Visiting Indigenous Lands |
Outdoor sites have taken giant leaps in popularity this year as travelers look for ways to infuse a breath of fresh air into their adventures. The growth in visitation is a mixed blessing, as more travelers can mean increased stress on area infrastructure.
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Call for Graphic Designers |
AIANTA is seeking graphic designers for three different opportunities. Deadlines vary for each project. See which project is right for you.
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Planning for Change in Uncertain Times: Multiple Scenario Planning for Tribal Tourism
Written by: Susan Guyette Ph.D
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In uncertain times, tribal tourism planners need a framework that allows for quickly evaluating their programming and, if necessary, redirecting to adapt. Projecting several scenarios and their potential outcomes is one planning technique that can help improve the capacity of a tribe or an organization to shift direction when needed.
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Learn more about building your artist profile, honing your business skills and how to talk to your tribe, local gallery or museum to encourage them to offer more inclusion. Join the Business of Art Workshop presented by AIANTA during the 23rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference.
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Photo by Max McDonald. Courtesy of We Are The Seeds. |
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Photo Credit: navajotours.com |
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During the 23rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference, held in Fort McDowell, Arizona, area tribes will showcase three one-of-a-kind cultural tourism experiences in Arizona. Be sure to come early to AITC to learn more about Native culture and heritage in the Southwest.
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AIANTA Town Hall Series Second Session |
Join AIANTA in the second session of its interactive Town Hall series. During this forum, AIANTA will hold an open dialog about its consumer website, NativeAmerica.travel. Celebrating its sixth anniversary this year, NativeAmerica.travel is due for a major refresh. As AIANTA looks to redesign the site, we are seeking valuable community feedback on how the site can best reflect the engaging, dynamic Indigenous experiences available to domestic and international visitors.
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Case Studies in Tribal Agritourism |
The first guide of its kind, Case Studies in Tribal Agritourism was created to inspire Native American and indigenous farmers, ranchers and other food producers interested in expanding their agricultural operations to include visitor components.
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Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail |
In partnership with the National Park Service (NPS), AIANTA is chronicling the stories of the tribes located on or near the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail.
The three-year partnership will result in educational webinars, a print/online guidebook reflecting past and present-day tribal attractions at key spots along the trail, and a first-of-its kind map, that will translate key locations along the trail back in their original native locators.
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Experience Native America Along the Lewis & Clark Trail |
In partnership with the National Park Service, AIANTA is working with tribes adjacent to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to develop cultural heritage content and itineraries. The project is bringing together businesses, attractions, landmarks and other points of interest on and around the trail to help promote sustainable tourism.
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AIANTA's Webinar Series presents marketing tips, funding opportunities and other tips for creating and growing successful tribal tourism enterprises.
Save the Date
Tuesday, May 25, 2021; 10 a.m. MDT
Wednesday, May 26, 2021; 12-1:30 p.m. PST
Tuesday, June 8, 2021; 10 a.m. MDT
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On-Demand Webinars
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
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American Indian Tourism Conference |
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American Indian Tourism Conference
October 25-28, 2021
We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort
Fort McDowell (Scottsdale), Arizona
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Extend your visibility by sponsoring the 23rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference, the only national conference dedicated to travel and tourism in Indian Country.
A conference sponsorship helps AIANTA augment its hands-on programming at this annual gathering while providing you and/or your organization with increased exposure through our conference marketing.
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Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction |
AITC concludes with an evening gala, the 10th annual “Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction,” hosted by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
As the only organization dedicated to advancing indigenous tourism across the United States, AIANTA recognizes the best of Indian Country travel and tourism at its annual Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards (formerly known as the Enough Good People Industry Awards) ceremony.
Winners of these prestigious awards have made a significant impact on tribal tourism, have helped AIANTA achieve its mission, foster a greater understanding of and appreciation for authentic culture, history, heritage and/or the arts, and showcase the best of Indian Country travel and tourism.
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Donate to the Silent Auction |
The silent auction portion of the event raises 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.
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Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Museum & Research Center |
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The award-winning Pequot Museum, located in an ancient cedar forest minutes away from Foxwoods Resort Casino, is the largest Native American museum in the world. With life-size exhibits, dramatic films, and touch-screen computer programs put the excitement of the past as close as your fingertips.
Observe daily life in a recreated 16th-century Pequot village, pre-and post-European contact. Walk among the trees, wigwams, and people who are cooking, talking, weaving, and working. Hear natural sounds and smell the aromas of the woodlands and campfires. Then, learn about the contemporary Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation through photographs, artifacts, maps, and a topographical model of the reservation.
You can also check out Mashantucket history at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center.
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AIANTA in the News
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to Hear Testimony on Covid-19 Impact on the Native Tourism Economies
Sherry L. Rupert, the CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) will testify on the vital economic importance of the tourism industry to Native American communities.
Here's What's Going On In Indian Country
Register now for the Family Travel Xpo, coming June 1
Educational breakout sessions will feature speakers from leading organizations and associations including Family Travel Association (FTA), Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), and National Parks Service.
Indian Country tourism enterprises anticipate tourism increase for 2021
Indian Country tourism enterprises are upbeat about their tourism prospects for 2021 according to the State of Indian Country Tourism, an annual survey released by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA).
American Indian Alaska Native Tourism announces Visitor Outreach Department
The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) announced the formation of its second new department in 2021 – the new Visitor Outreach department.
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AIANTA Members in the News
Arizona Office of Tourism
The Oregonian; May 7, 2021
Civil Eats; May 6, 2021
Navajo Times; May 6, 2021
the planet D; May 6, 2021
The Claremore Daily Progress; May 5, 2021
Travel Weekly; April 17, 2021
The Points Guy; April 18, 2021
Film Daily; April 23, 2021
The New Yorker; April 12, 2021
Has your Tribe or tribal tourism enterprise been featured in the news?
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Welcome New AIANTA Members
Fawn Cottrell, Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council EDA (Individual-Midwest Region)
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Join AIANTA Now
AIANTA members are well-informed and play a key role in supporting sustainable and authentic tribal tourism that benefits not only member tribes, but all tribes. With your help, we’ll continue to make sure that the right national decision makers hear your voice—and all our voices—so our people can thrive and grow.
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Shop AIANTA at Amazon.com
AIANTA has joined the AmazonSmile charitable giving program. After you designate AIANTA as your preferred charitable organization through AmazonSmile, Amazon will contribute .5 percent of all purchases to help support AIANTA programming.
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Mark Your Calendars For These Upcoming Events
23rd Annual American Indian Tourism Conference
Dates: October 25-28, 2021
Location: We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, Fort McDowell, Arizona
AIANTA Town Hall Series: Travelers to Indian Country & NativeAmerica.travel
June 30, 2021, 1 p.m. (MDT/New Mexico)
www.aianta.org/aianta-town-hall-series
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Funding Opportunities
Secretary Haaland Announces $150 Million to Create Public Parks, Expand Recreation Opportunities in Urban Areas Funding applications are now being accepted in Grants.gov through September 24. States may apply for the grants, whether on behalf of themselves or eligible urban jurisdictions.
Sign up for AIANTA newsletters (or update your subscription) now to receive our monthly Funding Opportunities notices.
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Thank You to our 2021 AITC Sponsors |
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Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation |
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Arizona Office of Tourism |
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Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort |
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Oneida Nation
of Wisconsin
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NativeAmerica.Travel Facebook |
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Check out our brand new YouTube page. While you're there please subscribe!
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