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: October 25; 8:00 a.m.
Return: 3:45 p.m.
Price: $75
Capacity: 30

Fort McDowell Adventures Trail Ride // © Fort McDowell Adventures

Experience the Yavapai Nation with Fort McDowell Enterprises and learn how the Tribe established its citrus orchards and pecan fields and how Fort McDowell integrated agritourism into its farming enterprise. During the mobile workshop, participants will enjoy a farm-to-table experience and also see how these orchards are a photographer’s dream. The program also includes a tour of the Yavapai Nation Cultural Center and Museum and an adventure into the scenic Sonoran Desert with Fort McDowell Adventures. Choices include a tour of Rosa’s Ranch, a visit to the horseback riding stalls or a Segway or Green Zebra excursion. The mobile workshop concludes with lunch at the We-Ko-Pa Saguaro Grill and tours of the We-Ko-Pa’s RV Park and the Tribes award-winning golf courses.

Verde Valley / Montezuma Castle – M2
Depart: October 25; 8:00 a.m.
Return: 5:00 p.m.
Price: $75
Capacity: 30

Montezuma’s Castle // © National Park Service

Learn the history of the Yavapai people (People of the Sun) on this exploration of the site of the Yavapai creation story, the Montezuma Well, where the people came up from the underworld on the very first corn plant through a giant hole in the ground

Explore the lush greenery that leads to the freshwater spring that supplies the water the Yavapai use for sacred blessings, and tour the visitor’s center and the Montezuma Castle: one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in America, where you will learn how the ruin was constructed and how the Sinagua (Without Water) people survived under harsh conditions.)

Before returning to We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort, enjoy lunch at the Yavapai Apache Nation Cultural Center. .

Antelope Canyon Tour – M3 (Sponsored by Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation)
Depart: October 25; 7:30 a.m.
Return: 6:30 p.m.
Price: $250
Capacity: 9

Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours

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. Enjoy lunch at the Antelope Marina followed by a 20-minute helicopter ride to Tower Butte where you will enjoy some time on the Butte.

About Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation
Navajo Nation Parks & Recreation oversees all Navajo Tribal Parks on the Navajo Nation Reservation, including the internationally renowned Antelope Canyon. As privately managed and operated lands, 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. Navajo Parks And Recreation 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.

*Note: Good walking shoes and a light jacket recommended on this tour. Snacks will be provided. Additionally, this workshop may not return in time for the AITC opening reception scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m.