Experience Oklahoma’s Native American Culture During the American Indian Tourism Conference
When attendees gather in Oklahoma this summer at the only national conference on tribal tourism in the U.S., they will also have the opportunity to explore some of Oklahoma’s most notable tribal tourism destinations.
Three Mobile Workshops will be offered the morning of Monday, September 16, 2019, before the start of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association’s (AIANTA) 21st annual American Indian Tourism Conference at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa.
Available only to AITC delegates, the programs will visit the heart of the Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Country and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Mobile Workshop #1: Cherokee Nation History Tour
Monday, September 16, 2019
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; $60
Explore the storied history of the Cherokee People, in the company of an experienced Cherokee tour guide, and witness the perseverance of a people who rebuilt and flourished following the forced removal, known as the Trail of Tears.
The tour will visit the Cherokee Nation Capital city of Tahlequah, Oklahoma’s oldest incorporated town, and includes a stop at the new Cherokee National History Museum, which opened earlier this summer.
Mobile Workshop #2: Chickasaw Cultural Center
Monday, September 16, 2019
7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; $60
Visit the world-class Chickasaw Cultural Center, one of the largest tribal cultural centers in the United States, and form a close connection with the Chickasaw culture. Don’t miss the First Encounter Documentary, which portrays the actions taken by the Chickasaw that proved to be the catalyst for the dwindling of Hernando de Soto’s mission for gold and riches in America during the late 1530s and early 40s.
During the tour, you’ll also visit nationally recognized Bedré Fine Chocolate, the only tribally owned chocolatier in the country.
Mobile Workshop #3: Muscogee (Creek) Nation History Tour
Monday, September 16, 2019
8:00 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; $60
Immerse yourself in the culture, language, and history of the Muscogee people.
Visitors will be transported back in time to hear how the Muscogee people created Tulsa and built the 1867 Historic capitol of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Tour the newly restored 1878 Council House and view the thriving culture that is grounded in tradition but adopts modern day principles. Visitors will have multiple interactive opportunities including basket making, cultural demonstration and touring present-day visitor attractions.
Explore Tulsa Excursion
Sunday, September 15, 2019
10 a.m.-6 p.m. $10
In addition to the two mobile workshops, AITC participants may also purchase an Explore Tulsa Pass for $10, which includes roundtrip shuttle transportation between the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino & Tulsa all day long on Sunday, September 15, 2019.
Register Now
Click here to register for the American Indian Tourism Conference and be sure to select your preferred Mobile Workshop option.
About AIANTA
For more than two decades, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has served as the national center for providing tourism and recreational travel technical assistance, training and capacity building to American Indian nations. AIANTA is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit association of Native American tribes and tribal businesses and was incorporated in 2002 to advance Indian Country tourism. AIANTA’s mission is to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indian and Alaska Native tourism that honors traditions and values.
Images courtesy of Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw County, Muscogee (Creek) Nation and Visit Tulsa.