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AIANTA Updates

Testing the Waters

I hope this newsletter finds you all healthy, happy and (hopefully) planning some much-needed summer travels.

It’s been a year since I first started talking about “cautious optimism” with respect to the visitor industry starting to re-open to travelers. Now, a year later, travel still hasn’t returned to its pre-pandemic levels.

Lewis & Clark Outreach Program

In partnership with the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, AIANTA hosted two workshops showcasing how tribes can grow their cultural tourism efforts.

On the Road Again

As you read this newsletter, I’m enjoying my first business travel in 15 months. For this trip, I’m traveling with Bruce Rettig, AIANTA’s Tribal Content Developer and Lorraine Gala Lewis, AIANTA’s Data & Outreach Specialist, and will also be joined, virtually, by Dan Wiley, the Senior Manager, Integrated Resources Stewardship of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. We’re meeting with tribes and Native-owned hospitality businesses located along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail in Idaho and Montana.

German Travelers Ready to Return to the U.S.

Nearly mid-way through 2021 it seems that the historically epochal events of 2020 are finally coming to an end. Millions (approximately 408) have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the virus that nearly ground global tourism to a halt in 2020.

AIANTA Launches Tourism Marketing Workshop for Tribes Along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has introduced the first in a series of free tourism marketing workshops developed specifically for tribes located along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. The first workshop will take place at the Wildhorse Casino and Resort in Pendleton, Oregon, on June 10, 2021 at 8 a.m. (PDT).

Culture Bearers Otis Halfmoon and Allen Pinkham, Sr. to Share Tribal Perspectives of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Culture Bearers Otis Halfmoon and Allen Pinkham, Sr. to Share Tribal Perspectives of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Otis Halfmoon Nez Perce, retired National Park Service interpreter, and Allen Pinkham, Sr., former chairman of the Nez Perce Tribe will...

Call for Graphic Designer: 100-page Guidebook

AIANTA is seeking a graphic designer to design an original, 100-page Cultural Heritage Tourism Guidebook (CHTG),

Call for Graphic Designer–Annual Report

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association is seeking a graphic designer to design an original, 8-page AIANTA Annual Report, which will showcase AIANTA’s successful programming for Fiscal Year 2019-2020.

A Time for Recovery

O me'a"kwa: A Time for Recovery(I'm going to travel over there, Northern Paiute)Ha muh (how are you?), I hope this newsletter finds you healthy, happy and eagerly planning for the future. I’m thrilled by a recent report from the CDC that nearly one third of the...

How to Leave No Trace When Visiting Indigenous Lands

How to Leave No Trace When Visiting Indigenous LandsMonument Valley Tribal ParkPhoto Credit: National Park ServiceLocated in the Navajo Nation on the border of Arizona and Utah, Monument Valley Tribal Park, boasting sandstone masterpieces framed by the clouds, is one...

Artisans & Tourism

Artisans & TourismWritten by: Jacqueline Robledo, Content & Social Media Coordinator, AIANTAThere are many different motivations for travelers when choosing their next vacation destination. Some travel for food, some culture or landscape and some for art. ...

Rupert to Testify at Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Report to Testify on Economic Importance of Tribal Tourism at Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Oversight HearingRupert, who heads the national association dedicated to advancing tourism in tribal communities, will submit testimony on the vital...

AITC Registration Open

Registration Now Open for 23rd Annual American Indian Tourism ConferenceAITC, scheduled for October 25-28 at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, is organized by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and will be held at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.FOR...

Voices Along the Lewis & Clark Trail

More than 200 years ago, Captain Merriweather Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark set out on a three-year journey to map the western portion of the United States and to expand trade with Indian tribes along the route.

Planning for Change in Uncertain Times: Multiple Scenario Planning for Tribal Tourism

Planning for Change in Uncertain Times: Multiple Scenario Planning for Tribal TourismSusan Guyette Ph.DIn uncertain times, tribal tourism planners need a framework that allows for quickly evaluating their programming and, if necessary, redirecting to adapt. Projecting...

AIANTA Releases Ground-Breaking Tribal Agritourism Educational Handbook

Case Studies in Tribal Agritourism was created to serve as an inspiration for Native American and indigenous farmers, ranchers and other food producers interested in expanding their agricultural operations to include visitor components.

Indian Country Anticipates Increase in Tourism for 2021

Indian Country Tourism Anticipates Tourism Increase for 2021Nearly 70% of respondents believe tourism to Indian Country will increase somewhat or greatly in the coming year, according to AIANTA’s State of Indian Country Tourism survey.FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE...

AIANTA to Develop Travel Guide Along Anza Trail

AIANTA to Develop Travel Guide, Indigenous Place Names Map Chronicling Tribal Stories Along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic TrailIn an agreement with the National Park Service, AIANTA is developing a travel guide and Indigenous place names map of the...

AIANTA Announces New Visitor Outreach Department

Former Visit Albuquerque employee Maureen Chavez heads the new department which is charged with expanding awareness of indigenous destinations and experiences.

The Comeback Trail

“Before the pandemic, indigenous tourism in North America was an economic engine that helped tribes share and preserve cultures. Stakeholders say it’s more important than ever that tourism picks up where it left off.”