AITC Mobile Workshops 

At the Annual American Indian Tourism Conference, we showcase Native tourism experiences around the area. This year, at the 23rd Annual AITC held in Fort McDowell, Arizona, we will provide guests with three one-of-a-kind cultural tourism experiences in Arizona to choose from. Explore the descriptions below and register for one of our mobile workshops today!

Fort McDowell Experience – M1
Depart: 8:00 a.m.  | Return: 3:45 p.m.
Price: $75
Capacity: 30

Visit Fort McDowell Enterprises and experience the Yavapai Nation. Learn how the Tribe established its citrus orchards and pecan fields and how Fort McDowell integrated agritourism into its farming enterprise. While on site, you will enjoy a farm-to-table experience and see how orchards can be a photographer’s dream. You will also tour the Yavapai Nation Cultural Center and Museum and learn how the Tribe converted the once church, into a facility that houses the most intricate Yavapai baskets. You will also visit Fort McDowell Adventures and experience a distinctive adventure activity in the midst of the scenic Sonoran Desert. Options include a tour of Rosa’s Ranch, a visit to the horseback riding/stalls, or a Segway or Green Zebra excursion. The mobile workshop also includes a lunch at the We-Ko-Pa Saguaro Grill and tour of the We-Ko-Pa’s award-winning golf courses. Finally, you will visit the RV Park before returning to the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort.

Verde Valley / Montezuma Castle – M2
Depart: 8:00 a.m.  | Return: 5:00 p.m.
Price: $75
Capacity: 30

Experience the history of the Yavapai Nation and its three bands of Yavapai Tribes; tour the site of the creation story of the Yavapai people (People of the Sun) and learn how they came up from the underworld on the very first corn plant through a giant hole–Montezuma Well. Explore the lush greenery to the freshwater spring where the Yavapai utilize the water for blessings

Tour the visitor’s center and the Montezuma Castle, one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in America. You will also learn how the ruin was constructed and how the Sinagua people survived, while also viewing the 45-50 rooms situated within the cliff. Enjoy lunch at the Yavapai Apache Nation Cultural Center before returning to We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort.

Antelope Canyon Tour – M3 (Sponsored by Navajo Nation Parks & Rec)
Depart: 7:30 a.m.  | Return: 6:30 p.m.
Price: $250
Capacity: 9

Depart We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort en route to the Scottsdale airport, where you will board a small plane to Page, Arizona. After the flight over Marble Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, participants will visit Antelope Slot Canyon for a guided tour of colorful sandstone walls & features. Enjoy lunch at the Antelope Marina followed by a 20-minute helicopter ride to Tower Butte where you will enjoy spending time on the Butte. Depart back to Scottsdale for your return to the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort by 6:30 p.m.

Good walking shoes, no sandals recommended as tour is in a sandy area. A light jacket is recommended. Snacks will also be provided.

Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation oversees all Navajo Tribal Parks on the Navajo Nation Reservation. The Navajo Nation is comprised of essentially private lands; therefore, all non-Navajo travelers and visitors must abide by and comply with the laws, regulations, and policies promulgated by the Navajo Nation Government, including those governing Navajo Tribal Parks, Monuments, and recreation areas. As you visit the Navajo Tribal Parks, we ask that you keep our Mother Earth clean and place all debris and trash in the trash receptacles. Their Mission is to protect, preserve and manage tribal parks, monuments and recreation areas for the perpetual enjoyment and benefit of the Navajo Nation – the spectacular landscapes, buttes, canyons, clean air, diversity of plants and wildlife, and areas of beauty and solitude.

*This workshop may not return in time for the opening reception scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m.