The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association Seeks New Board Members for Board of Directors
AIANTA is looking to fill seven vacant leadership positions for its board of directors across the regions of Alaska, central California, central plains, Hawaii, midwest, rocky mountain and southeast
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (July 2, 2025) – The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), the only national organization dedicated to advancing Indigenous tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States, is seeking qualified candidates for seven open leadership positions on its Board of Directors. With representation from throughout Native Nations and communities, the AIANTA Board of Directors guides the organization’s work towards the association’s mission: to “define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indigenous tourism that honors traditions and values.”
“We are seeking active, engaged Indigenous leaders to join the AIANTA Board of Directors,” said Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe), AIANTA CEO. “Native Nations and communities rely on AIANTA to support their economic growth through cultural tourism programming. We welcome Indigenous hospitality professionals and others with expertise in accounting, legal matters, technology, and fundraising who can build partnerships and programs while advocating for Indigenous tourism at local, regional, and national levels.”
AIANTA is currently seeking representatives from the following regions:
- Alaska (minus Southeast Alaska, which is its own region) – 3-year term
- Central California – 3-year term
- Central Plains – 1-year term
- Hawaii – 3-year term
- Midwest – 3-year term
- Rocky Mountain – 3-year term
- Southeast – 3-year term
If selected to fill open vacancies, new Board members will fill these vacancies until that term expires. Board members can then run for election at the following American Indigenous Tourism Conference (AITC) for a full three-year term.
To view the map breakdown for AIANTA regions, visit the AIANTA Board of Directors page HERE on our website at the bottom of the page.
All applications are due to AIANTA by Friday, September 5, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. MT. The application can be completed online HERE.
About AIANTA:
For more than 26 years, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has served as the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural heritage tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States. Established by tribes for tribes to address inequities in the tourism system, AIANTA is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit governed by an all-Native board of directors and serves as a united voice for the $11.6 billion Native hospitality sector. AIANTA’s successful legislative work led to the industry-changing Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE Act) funding in 2018, as Indian Country Tourism was recognized through federal appropriations via NATIVE Act implementation. AIANTA’s mission is to define, introduce, grow, and sustain Indigenous tourism that honors traditions and values. Native Nations and communities who are looking to start or expand their cultural tourism footprint can find resources at www.aianta.org and visitors interested in learning more about Indigenous culture can visit www.nativeamerica.travel
Media Contact:
Liz Slobodian, APR
Liz@shipwrightcommunications.com