Volume 6 | May 2019
What's New at AIANTA
Capturing a Slice of the Recreation Economy
AIANTA, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Rural Development, is offering an exclusive webinar to Native American Tribes and Tribal entities looking to grow their outdoor infrastructure



Indian Country Expresses Strong Optimism for Tourism
Some 75% of respondents believe tourism will increase greatly or somewhat in the coming year, according to the inaugural State of Indian Country Tourism survey.




How do You Say Mother?
With Mother’s Day on the horizon, we queried our tribes and other language experts on how to address female family members in their Native languages.




Register Now for the Annual American Indian Tourism Conference
Registration is now open for the 2019 American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC), which will be hosted by Cherokee Nation September 16-19, 2019 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa in Catoosa, Oklahoma.

The conference, organized by AIANTA, is the only national conference in the U.S. dedicated to travel and tourism in Indian Country


More News
Experience Oklahoma’s Native American Culture during the American Indian Tourism Conference
When attendees gather in Oklahoma this summer at AITC, they will also have the opportunity to explore some of Oklahoma’s most notable tribal tourism destinations. // Read More

AIANTA Code of Ethics Pledge
AIANTA asks all members to sign our Code of Ethics Pledge. // Read More

Tribal Opportunities
Enough Good People Awards
Every year, AIANTA recognizes the best of Indian Country travel and tourism with the Enough Good People awards.

Awarded in three categories (Destination of the Year, Best Cultural Heritage Experience and Excellence in Customer Service), these awardees represent tourism entities that foster a greater understanding and appreciation of authentic culture, history, heritage and/or the arts.

The nomination deadline is Friday, July 19, 2019.


Join AIANTA at IPW
Due to a last-minute cancellation, AIANTA has one booth space available at IPW 2019 in Anaheim, California.

Ask about special scholarship pricing.

Contact us now if you are interested in joining AIANTA at this premiere international travel show.



How Colorado Tourism Can Help Support Your Attendance at AITC
The Colorado Tourism Office sponsors select annual rural tourism conferences to bolster tourism development efforts in rural Colorado and to support education and training opportunities for tourism partners across the state.

Colorado-based attendees may submit a 2019 Destination Development Grant & Funding Opportunities Application (Rural Professional Development Scholarships) to help underwrite attendance at AIANTA's American Indian Tourism Conference.


Discover Native America
Sqelixr-Aqlsmaknik (The People's Center)
Sqelixr-Aqlsmaknik (The People's Center) showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai Tribes.

The traditions and culture of the tribes have been passed down orally from generation to generation since time began. Explore the artifacts and exhibits, and hear the stories of the people in their own voices.

Guests may also participate in cultural activities such as pow-wows and other events reflecting the Tribes' culture and heritage.

Through education, The People's Center hopes to dispel myths and stereotyping of Native Americans and create better understanding between all peoples. The facility is owned and operated by the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes and is located in Pablo, Montana on the Flathead Indian Reservation. // Read More


In the News
AIANTA In the News
George Washington University to collaborate with Indigenous communities to create 'Guide to Indigenous Washington, DC'
In developing the resource, the center will partner with the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and work with historians, tribal organizations that are headquartered in Washington, D.C., and the Maryland and Virginia Indigenous communities. // Indian Country Today

AIANTA Welcomes Sherry L. Rupert as Executive Director
The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), the nation’s leading national Native tourism organization, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sherry L. Rupert as the new executive director. // Native News Online, eTurbo News

Registration Now Open for 2019 American Indian Tourism Conference
e conference, scheduled for September 16-19, 2019 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, is organized by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and hosted by Cherokee Nation. // Native News Online


AIANTA Members in the News
Two Tribal Libraries Earn top Museum & Library Award
The Barona Band Mission Indians Cultural Center and Museum (Lakeside, California), and the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Library (Sequim, Washington) have received the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The award, bestowed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, is the nation’s highest honor for institutions that make significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. // Institute of Museum and Library Sciences

Bringing Prey-go-neesh Home
After a century, the condor may soon return to Yurok land. "In a very real way, in bringing the condor back to Yurok territory, we're not only physically restoring our world, we are culturally and spiritually restoring our world," says Tianna Williams-Claussen, a tribal member and wildlife biologist who has been working on the recovery project since its inception more than a decade ago. // North Coast Journal of Politics, People & Art

Princess Opens 50th Alaska Season with New Land & Ship Features
A number of new shore excursions in Juneau, Ketchikan, and Icy Strait Point will be available for guests to truly connect with the local nature, culture and adventures only found in Alaska, including: … Seafood Feast & Tribal Dance Show (Icy Strait Point); Tree Top Adventure Park & Zipline (Icy Strait Point); Adventure Park & ZipRider Combo (Icy Strait Point); Wilderness Hike & Kayak Adventure (Icy Strait Point); Discovering the Birds of Hoonah (Icy Strait Point). // Insider Travel Report

Native Americans keep ‘Heritage’ in Jazz Fest with weaving, palmetto huts, storytelling and food
“But it’s not really just ‘Jazz Fest,’ ” said Janie Luster, a traditional artist at the festival and a member of the United Houma Nation. “It’s the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival,” she said, emphasizing the word “heritage.” And although they might not receive primary credit in the history books, Luster made the case that celebrating New Orleans’ heritage without including its indigenous population would be incomplete. // The Advocate

Red Lake Nation wins national economic development award
NAFOA awarded the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians of Minnesota and their economic development organization, Ogaakaaning Enterprises, with the 2019 Small Deal of the Year Award for their Red Lake Trading Post Grocery Store Project. // The Bemidji Pioneer

Experience Native American Culture this summer in Wind River country
First, Wyoming’s largest powwow—the 60th Eastern Shoshone Indian Days—will take place June 21-23... Also, join the Northern Arapaho tribe at one of their powwows this summer. The Ethete Celebration is July 26-28, and the 65th Northern Arapaho powwow is August 30 – September 1. // The Buckrail

Hualapai Tribe raises fees for Colorado River rafters
River runners embarking on trips down the Colorado River along the Grand Canyon’s western side will need to hand over more cash this year, after the Hualapai Tribal Council approved a $100-per-person fee. // Grand Canyon News






Has your tribal or tribal tourism enterprise been featured in the news? Please let us know.
Membership
New AIANTA Members
Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians
Nestled in the foothills alongside the east fork of the Russian River, Coyote Valley was one of several valleys running along the river’s many branches. After years of struggle, the Coyote Valley Rancheria was established. The Coyote Valley Casinos will open their newest casino in 2019. Hotel, gaming, live entertainment, 101 Taps and several restaurants including a fine dining Steakhouse are just a few reasons to stop by. The Coyote Valley Gas Station and Convenience Store features a casino and drive-thru smoke shop. The gas station has plenty of room for RVs, boats and busses. A great time to visit is during “The Coyote Valley Big Time Celebration”. This is an annual event which takes place every July. It features Native Dancers, Stick Game Tournament, Arts and Crafts, several Vendors, and The Traditional Salmon Feed. www.coyotevalleytribe.org
Rhode Island Indian Council, Inc.
The Rhode Island Indian Council (RIIC) is an urban Indian center housed in The Algonquin House which was constructed in 1894 and is included in the national register of historic places. RIIC is a non-profit agency that promotes the social, economic, and cultural well-being of all tribal communities in southern New England. In July, RIIC sponsors of the Annual Rhode Island Indian Council Pow Wow at the Warwick City Park in Warwick, Rhode Island. RIIC was recently awarded an Indian Health Services, first tear – referral services, contract for the New York Metropolitan area. www.rhodeislandindiancouncil.org
Join AIANTA Now
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.

Support AIANTA
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.


Save the Date
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events

American Indian Tourism Conference
Sept. 16-19, 2019
Location: Tulsa, Okla.

Cultural Heritage Certificate Program
(with the George Washington University)
Sept. 30 - Nov. 17, 2019
Location: Online program

Go International
Jan. 27-28, 2020
Location: Albuquerque, N.M.



Image credits:

Featured: Pine Ridge, South Dakota (c) Pine Ridge Chamber of Commerce.
Others: Knoll Lake, Coconino National Forest (c) USDA; Indian Summer Festival; Mother and baby, Native American Tourism of Wisconsin; Powwow, Indian Summer Festival; Canyon of the Ancients National Monument, Colorado Tourism; Sqelixr-Aqlsmaknik, The People's Center.