Nominate a destination that embodies the essence of Indigenous culture, offering a rich and authentic experience for travelers. This award recognizes the commitment to preserving and promoting cultural heritage through tourism.

Criteria for nominees:

• Demonstrates measurable economic impact (attendance numbers, marketing success).
• Provides excellent customer service and a visitor-friendly environment.
• Offers authentic cultural heritage experiences with amenities, recreation, and active marketing efforts.
• Demonstrates cultural heritage programming throughout the visitor season (lectures, exhibitions, performances).
• Includes interpretive exhibits or signage educating visitors about the tribe and its cultural heritage.
• Enhances the visitor experience and is incorporated into local tourism marketing programs.
• Demonstrates commitment to authenticity, preservation, and sustainability of cultural heritage in its mission or strategic plan.

Highlight and celebrate initiatives or experiences that contribute to the preservation and sharing of Indigenous cultural heritage. This award honors those who have created immersive and meaningful experiences for visitors.

Criteria for nominees:

• Demonstrates measurable economic impact (attendance numbers, marketing success).
• Provides excellent customer service and a visitor-friendly environment.
• Offers an authentic cultural heritage experience, which can be an annual festival or event (one-time events are excluded).
• Features authentic tribal arts, crafts, food, dance, performances, and demonstrations adhering to the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990.
• Demonstrates collaboration with the local community.
• Incorporates feedback/reviews from the public (surveys, online ratings, etc.).
• Enhances the visitor experience and is incorporated into local tourism marketing programs.
• Demonstrates commitment to authenticity, preservation, and sustainability of cultural heritage in its mission or strategic plan.

*Award winner must be a current AIANTA member.

Recognize individuals or organizations that consistently go above and beyond in delivering impeccable customer service within the Indigenous tourism sector. This category celebrates those who make visitors’ journeys memorable through exceptional hospitality.

Criteria for nominees:

• Provides excellent customer service and a visitor-friendly environment.
• Can be an individual, business, or organization committed to a culture of service.
• Demonstrates customer service training and policies within its business practices.
• Recognizes employees for excellent customer service (e.g., awards, bonuses).
• Demonstrates charitable commitment to the community through collaborative efforts.
• Fosters an inclusive environment for all individuals (e.g., hearing impaired, vision impaired, wheelchair accessible).
• Has been recognized by customers for exceptional service (TripAdvisor, Yelp, etc.).
• Has been recognized by their employer for outstanding service (e.g., Employee of the Month).

*Award winner must be a current AIANTA member.

Acknowledge and applaud an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and expertise in advancing the mission of AIANTA. This award recognizes professionals who have played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indigenous tourism.

Criteria for nominees:

• Must be devoted to the development of Indigenous tourism, including but not limited to sustainable tourism, economic growth for Native Nations and communities, notable leadership for progress in the industry, etc.
• Can be an individual, partner, or volunteer who has consistently assisted AIANTA or Native Nations and communities in achieving tourism goals.
• Demonstrates a significant impact in Indigenous tourism and has helped AIANTA fulfill its mission.
• Has contributed new ideas, networks, or initiatives to advance AIANTA’s goals.

*Award winner must be a current AIANTA member.

The Best Indigenous Culinary Tourism Experience Award is presented to the tourism business or organization that delivers an authentic guest experience showcasing Indigenous food and beverage. Wherever possible, please support your answers with statistical information and evidence to show the impact of the experience.

The Indigenous Futures Award recognizes up to three Indigenous individuals, 30 years of age and younger, working in the tourism industry and their contribution to the development of a vibrant and professional tourism industry. Individuals can only receive the award once. Nominations are accepted from any party except the nominee. Nominations must include tribal/Native Nations affiliation.

The Indigenous Artisan of the Year Award celebrates artists who not only excel in their craft but also serve as cultural ambassadors, strengthening Indigenous tourism and ensuring traditions endure for future generations. Their art furthers AIANTA’s mission to support tourism that honors traditions and values. Special emphasis is placed on artists who create public art, contribute to their community or who carry on traditional art forms.

Criteria for nominees:

• Uses their art to preserve and revitalize artistic traditions in their community through knowledge sharing, mentoring, teaching, apprenticeships or other educational programs. (30%)
• Creates public art that strengthens Indigenous identity, history or storytelling, fostering a deep connection to place. (30%)
• Engages and collaborates with their community, ensuring cultural traditions and customs are respected and that the art reflects community values and voices. (20%)
• Epitomizes artistic excellence by crafting high-quality, meaningful work showcased in museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks, elevating community identity and understanding of Indigenous cultures and/or histories. (20%)
• Nominations must include 2-3 images of the artisan’s art
• Nominations must include Tribal/Native Nations affiliation

The Best Indigenous Musical Experience award is presented to the business or organization that delivers an authentic guest experience showcasing Indigenous music, performance and cultural heritage. This can be an event, a musical experience, a traditional dance group, a musician or a musical group that has significantly contributed to cultural heritage tourism through music.

Criteria for nominees:

• Supports the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous traditional music by ensuring its continuity through classes, mentorship, or educational programs. (30%)
• Presents traditional Indigenous music, instruments, songs, or dance with cultural authenticity and respect. (30%)
• Integrates traditional and contemporary styles while honoring and preserving cultural heritage. (20%)
• Engages diverse audiences and fosters greater awareness and appreciation of Indigenous music and culture. (20%)
• Reaches diverse audiences and increases awareness of Indigenous music and culture. (20%)
• Nominations must include a video of nominated musical experience.
• Nominations must include tribal/Native Nations affiliation, with at least 60% of the group being Indigenous and/or the solo artist is Indigenous.

The Industry Partner of the Year Award is presented to a current AIANTA partner business or organization that exemplifies industry best practices in all aspects of its operations and fosters an inclusive environment that amplifies Indigenous voices. The award is selected by the AIANTA CEO.