Director's Corner: Thank You from AIANTA
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During my first seven months at AIANTA, I’ve had the chance to meet with industry stakeholders on a travel schedule that has taken me around the world.
Throughout my travels, I have met numerous tourism industry professionals telling me the same thing--their clients are anxiously seeking out new, unique and authentic experiences.
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Indian Country Tourism Trends for 2020
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While no two Native American experiences are ever totally alike, we at AIANTA are noticing some commonalities throughout the country that may just prove to be defining themes for the coming year–and beyond.
Whether you’re looking to take your first visit to Indian Country next year or your 100th, here are a few ideas that might help assist you in your travel planning…
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Indian Country Tourism Fundraising Webinar Series
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Save the date for AIANTA's new Indian Country Tourism Funding webinar program.
This monthly series explores private and public sources that can potentially provide funding to Tribes looking for support with their tourism projects.
The first webinar, Grant Writing 101, features AIANTA's Gail Chehak who distributes AIANTA's twice-monthly Funding Opportunities bulletins. Also speaking is Anne Ketz, CEO of the 106 Group, who is currently working with Akwesasne to develop a culturally-authentic tourism program.
Grant Writing 101
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Mountain
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Register Now for
Go International
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In 2018, nearly five percent of the 40 million overseas visitors to the United States reported visiting an American Indian community (VAIC).
Native American visitor destinations not incorporating overseas marketing in their business plans risk missing out on a lucrative customer segment.
Why Attend Go International?
Designed to help tribal tourism businesses find success in the international marketplace, Go International features expert speakers and hands-on presentations that will guide tribal enterprises in conceptualizing and developing their tourism product(s) and promoting them to international travelers.
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There's Still Time to
Shop Native
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If you're still looking for unique holiday gifts we've compiled a few ideas from some of our favorite online shops at Tribally owned museums and cultural centers around the country.
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We look forward to seeing you at the 22nd annual American Indian Tourism Conference, the only national conference dedicated to travel and tourism in Indian Country.
AITC 2020, scheduled for September 14-17, 2020, will be hosted by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation at the scenic We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort.
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Share Your Expertise at AITC
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AIANTA is now accepting requests from potential speakers for next year's American Indian Tourism Conference.
If you're interested in sharing your experiences or expertise, please complete our 2020 AITC Call for Speakers form.
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Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is Now Hiring
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The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is seeking a Cultural Resources Program Manager in its Omaha office.
This position is located in Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, in the Resource Stewardship Division and serves as a member of multiple interdisciplinary teams of resource professionals and/or is independently responsible for a variety of comprehensive cultural resources projects and studies.
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Real ID is Coming--Really
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On October 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will officially begin enforcing the REAL ID Act of 2005 at airports.
At that time, all Americans will be required to present REAL ID-compliant identification to go through security.
Currently, an estimated 182 million Americans (72%) either have a standard driver’s license or are unsure whether their ID is REAL ID-compliant,
Help ensure your family and friends are #REALIDready with the following toolkit and information sheets, develop by the U.S. Travel Association in partnership with DHS and TSA.
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January 10-14, 2020
Omaha, Nebraska (Eastern)
Jan. 27-28, 2020
Host: AIANTA
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Jan. 27-39, 2920
Portland, Oregon (Pacific)
February 10-13, 2020
Washington, DC (Eastern)
February 18-20, 2020
Columbia, South Carolina (Eastern)
February 23-25, 2020
Cheyenne, Wyoming (Plains)
February 29-March 3, 2020
Rome, Italy (International)
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The name, “Coeur d’Alene” given to the Tribe by French traders and trappers means “Heart of the Awl” and refers to the sharpness of the trading skills exhibited by tribal members. In the ancient tribal language, they call themselves, “Schitsu’umsh,” meaning “The Discovered People” or “Those Who Are Found Here.”
The Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort is a destination for relaxation, gaming and recreation. The luxurious rooms feature a cozy, rustic feel with picturesque views with an award-winning golf course, full-service spa and more. RV access is available year around. Dining options offer regional staples including Northwest Elk, Nisqually salmon and fresh huckleberries, among an abundance of other seasonal offerings.
Guided tours to the Cataldo Mission are just one of many experiences available through the Coeur d’ Alene Casino’s Cultural Tourism program. The oldest building in Idaho, the Mission sits on a state park and the site's living history exhibit tells the story of when Jesuit missionaries met the Coeur d’Alene people in the 1840s.
The Tribe also holds several annual cultural events, Julyamsh pow wow and the stickgame tournaments.
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Read M
ore
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Reimagining the Rural West: Cultural Heritage and Tourism
As travelers increasingly seek out authentic and singular experiences, tourism presents an opportunity for rural destinations to expose visitors to their rich culture and history. This panel explored how western tribes and communities are developing cultural heritage tourism and capitalizing on their unique local offerings to drive sustainable economic growth. Panelists: Melvin Juanico, Operations Manager, Sky City Cultural Center & Haak’u Museum; Angelisa Murray, Owner and Guide, Heritage Inspirations; Sherry Rupert, Executive Director, American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association. //
Western Governors' Association
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AIANTA Members in the News
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New Executive Director has big plans for the Alaska Native Heritage Center
As tourism continues to be a major source of revenue for the state, the role the Heritage Center provides through cultural education plays a significant role.
“It’s a fact that tourists who have these indigenous experiences are staying longer and spending more money than those who do not,” Edenshaw said. //
Anchorage Press
Suquamish Tribe celebrates 150th Anniversary of the founding of Seattle
“Many think of Chief Seattle, the namesake of the Emerald City, but often forget his people, the Suquamish Tribe of the Port Madison Indian Reservation. Our people lived and thrived in seasonal fishing villages along Elliot Bay and at the Suquamish village at present Pioneer Square, which was an important part of Chief Seattle’s domain,” said Leonard Forsman, Chairman for the Suquamish Tribe. //
Kitsap Daily News
Alabama honors Native American tribes it exiled
As part of the state’s bicentennial events, [Alabama Gov. Kay] Ivey swapped flags with tribal leaders and praised the role of 19 federally recognized tribes in shaping Alabama. Many of those tribes were exiled from the state during the Trail of Tears. //
Montgomery Advertiser
How Housing Becomes a Home: Why Cultural Supports Matter
...what makes it unique is that “it’s also designed to reestablish and strengthen the cultural identity of young American Indians through classes such as beading and drum-making, a sweat lodge and a medicine garden with traditional tobacco, sage, cedar and sweetgrass.” //
Non-Profit Quarterly
Movement promotes traditional foods as way to improve health, preserve culture on Wind River Reservation
The project, Restoring Shoshone Ancestral Foods, is just one of several on the Wind River Reservation — and part of a larger food sovereignty movement in Indian Country — that aims to increase awareness of traditional Indigenous foods or culturally appropriate, healthier and more sustainable food systems. Advocates say the movement can help reverse generations of negative health trends, partly due to a dramatic shift to the non-traditional diet that was imposed on tribal nations, while also protecting Indigenous cultural knowledge. //
Casper Star Tribune
Local gingerbread contest showcases Pueblo cultures
“We want to emphasize that Pueblo architecture, that Pueblo influence, as well as the historical heritage that’s part of New Mexico," said Jon Ghahate, IPCC Museum Cultural Educator. //
KRQE.com
Has your tribe or tribal tourism enterprise been featured in the news?
Please let us know
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IBS Software Americas, Inc.
IBS Software is a leading global provider of new generation IT solutions to the Travel, Transportation and Logistics industries. IBS’ Hospitality group offers a range of products and services that manage multi-channel distribution and revenue maximization for hotels and resorts, as well as tour operators and destination activity providers. IBS delivers solutions that help travel suppliers maximize efficiency, improve revenue, manage growth and reduce costs. iCommerce – IBS’ fully integrated and intelligent hospitality solution – has helped transform hospitality businesses around the world. Differentiation between various elements of the travel ecosystem is key to success; tour operators require several market-leading capabilities to make their mark. The IBS next-generation travel/tour management solution is designed to manage the current & emerging needs of travel operators, enabling differentiation and enhancing your relevance as a meaningful distribution channel.
www.ibsplc.com
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AIANTA Membership
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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AIANTA Membership
A gift to AIANTA helps increase the technical support available to Native American-led tourism programs while also fostering a greater awareness of Indian Country destinations, activities and events.
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Mark your calendars for these upcoming events
Go International
Jan. 27-28, 2020
Location: Albuquerque, N.M.
American Indian Tourism Conference
Sept. 14-17, 2020
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Host: We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort/Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
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Image credits:
Alaska (c) Mario Fulmer; Rendering of the Agua Caliente Cultural Center (c) Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians; Indian Summer Fest // (c) Indian Summer Fest; Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque // (c) Hotel Andaluz Albuquerque; Canoe Pottery (c) /Catawba Cultural Preservation Project; We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort (c) Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation; Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail; Coeur d'Alene Tribe.
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