In 2008, Akwesasne leaders built their “Sharing the Spirit” imitative, which eventually paved the way for the formalized Akwesasne Cultural Tourism Strategic Action Plan. Today, implementation of the plan has led to a new tourism website, Akwesasne.travel, elevated tourism training for Akwesasne artisans, and increased awareness of Akwesasne culture and heritage. Join Penny Petters, Travel Industry Development Manager, Raeann Adams, Community Planner and Gail McDonald, Akwesasne Heritage Complex Project Developer, and the Native American Traveling College in discussing how the strategic plan was conceptualized and how it continues to guide Akwesasne’s tourism planning.

Join AIANTA in this webinar as we introduce you the nation’s first Native American MainStreet community: Zuni Pueblo MainStreet in Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico. Zuni Pueblo MainStreet was established in 2012 to implement new approaches and methods to encourage the revitalization of Zuni Pueblo’s local economy while continuing to preserve their unique traditional and historic events.

Join AIANTA in special webinar introducing AIANTA’s Visitor Outreach program and our plans to market to domestic and international travelers for 2022. Visitor Outreach Manager Maureen Chavez (Pueblo of Acoma) will lead the conversation on top overseas markets to Indian Country, top travel trade shows to attend next year, and how to prepare for the return of international visitors.

While travelers to Alaska are lured by the state’s sense of adventure, few are familiar with Alaska’s sweeping narrative from a Native lens. The cruise industry, which delivers more than one million visitors a year, has only recently started offering “Meet the Locals” type programs, providing passengers a deeper, more fulfilling experience.

Lewis and Clark were amazed by the dip net fishing by the tribes along the Columbia River. Today’s tribes (Yakama, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Nez Perce) continue this historic practice and have developed an exciting trail where visitors can see the continuation of this historic method of fishing. In addition to viewing the fishers, the public can purchase salmon directly from over-the-bank sales or enjoy it at Native owned restaurants. Learn how the tribes worked with their fishers, local communities and the state to create this culinary trail that shares the importance of salmon in their culture.

In 1988, the Poeh Cultural Center & Museum was established as a “gathering place” and a way to promote pueblo arts and culture. Owned and operated by the Pueblo of Pojoaque, the Poeh Cultural Center is a great example of how tribes have fused cultural arts and tourism into a successful enterprise. The Center’s business module includes a renowned museum, gallery, and gift shop, with an emphasis on art programs and classes that teach and sustain traditional arts.

A strategic approach to destination marketing includes bringing together partners under one collaborative umbrella to ensure a wider reach for all stakeholders. How can a tribe work collectively to promote tourism within their state or region?

Tuesday, July 27, 2021; 10 a.m. MDT

Powwows are held across the country, honoring songs, dance, art and culture with many adding races, traditional games and more. More than ever, they are drawing visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences from around the globe. 

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.

The National Endowment for the Arts’ Our Town program supports creative placemaking projects that strengthen communities, including cultural tourism strategies that center the narrative, vision, and goals of residents. In this session, hear from two newly-minted Our Town grantees whose innovative proposals promise to establish groundbreaking practices and models for the field.

Storytelling is told not only through our voices, but is also solidified in the designs, art, and intentions of our buildings and gathering spaces. Award-winning Native Hawaiian Architect Rob Iopa and Native Hawaiian entrepreneur Mālia Kaʻaihue will share their successes on working with national brands while still retaining the essence of the Native Hawaiian story. Learn how Native voices can be supported through the environment created and by honoring the people of the place.

Your website is your calling card to the world. Despite the popularity of social media, news articles, video, blog posts and all other online and traditional media, destination websites—and the search engine results that drive traffic—remain one of the top information sources for potential travelers. 

Join us as we welcome three Native women leaders in cultural tourism. Two guide major cultural centers and the third is working on opening a new center.

This webinar shares Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) resources available to small business and artist entrepreneurs.

Native arts are integral to tourism in Indian Country, as exhibitions, art markets and demonstrations can help drive sales and visitation.