Nominees must be destinations; (including cultural/interpretive centers, museums or historical villages.)

• They must demonstrate a measurable economic impact (i.e. attendance numbers) on the local, regional or state level; data should be included in the application to highlight successful marketing results.
• Nominees must encompass the following: excellent customer service, visitor-friendly destination, authentic cultural heritage experience(s), amenities for visitors, recreation/activities and active marketing efforts and collaboration.
• Must demonstrate cultural heritage programming throughout the visitor season, through lectures, exhibitions, performances, etc.
• Must have interpretive exhibits or signage that educate visitors about the tribe and its cultural heritage.
• Must enhance the visitor experience to the area and/or be incorporated as part of local tourism marketing program, promotion or itinerary.
• Must demonstrate commitment to authenticity, preservation and sustaining the cultural heritage of the tribe or tribes, including a statement in its mission statement, strategic plan or similar.

Nominee must provide a cultural heritage experience; they can be an annual festival or event (one-time events are excluded).

• Must demonstrate authentic arts, crafts, food, dance, performance, demonstrations, that are representative of tribe or tribes; application forms and other contracts must require tribal arts & crafts standards, etc.
• Must enhance the visitor experience to the area and/or be incorporated as part of local tourism marketing program, promotion or itinerary.
• Must demonstrate feedback/reviews from the public for the event, i.e. surveys, online ratings, etc.

OR, nominees can be an individual or group performance or demonstration.

• Must be an enrolled tribal member of a federally or state recognized tribe, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian with proof of identification.
• Must demonstrate an authentic performance, dance, art, traditional storytelling, song or interpretation.
• Must be recognized by peers, arts organizations or booking entities as a professional, i.e. resume, biography and/or awards received.

Nominees can be a business or organization with a commitment to creating and providing a culture of service.

• Must demonstrate customer service throughout its business practices, i.e. customer service statement and policy. Must provide customer service training on a continuous basis.
• Must recognize employees for excellent customer service, i.e. bonus, award, etc.
• Must demonstrate a strong, charitable commitment to the community in which it operate through collaborative efforts, i.e. letters or memoranda of understanding.

OR, nominee can be an individual or tribal member who has provided consistent, excellent customer service during their tenure of employment.

• Must be recognized by their customer in going “above and beyond” their duties to assist them. (Such as reviews on Trip Advisor, Travelocity, Yelp, etc.) Must have been recognized by their employer for their service, i.e. Employee of the Month.

Nominee may be an active professional or volunteer devoted to sustainable tribal tourism development.