This is How We Gather
This is How We Gather
Every September, AIANTA produces the American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC), a gathering of tribal enterprises, Native-owned businesses and tourism professionals from around the country.

“Dreams gather quickly like Spring crows, and they scatter.”
~Simon Ortiz (Pueblo of Acoma), Poet
Woven Stone (Sun Tracks)
We queried our tribal partners and other language experts and asked how they say “Gathering” in their Native languages.
(Thanks to all who participated, and as always, it’s never too late to submit your own additions.)
‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Language)
Formal gathering, like a conference | ʻaha | |
Informal gathering, or to gather | hui | |
Gathering in celebration | hoʻolauleʻa |
Seneca Language, Seneca Nation, Salamanca, New York
They go about gathering | hadi:es (haw-dee-ays) |
Tlingit, Alaska
We are gathered together; refers to people assembling, congregating, gathering together, etc. for some form of meeting | woosh kaanáx̱ wutuda.aadí |
Note: The words and phrases in this post were provided by members of the tribes listed. Spellings and translations may vary. Some words may be missing accents or symbols due to limited characters on a keyboard.
We’re happy to add your language and/or hear corrections and suggestions on spellings and translations, so feel free to contact us at info@aianta.org.
Year of Indigenous Languages
Learn more about the year of Indigenous Languages and view more posts in AIANTA’s Native Greetings series here.
Photo credits: Top image: Male dancers (c) Oneida Nation; Snow Mountain Pow Wow (c) Las Vegas Paiute Tribe.
A Warm Thank You to Our Partners
Bureau of Indian Affairs
Native American Agriculture Fund
Bureau of Land Management
National Park Service
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
NativeAmerica.Travel
Education & Training
Technical assistance and training is the heartbeat of our work at AIANTA. We provide general and tailored technical assistance, training and education in a variety of ways.
International Outreach
AIANTA plays a critical role in supporting the National Travel and Tourism Strategy to bring more visitors to the United States, especially in our participation at trade shows internationally and domestically, to promote tourism in Indian Country.
Membership
Through AIANTA membership, tribes, the tourism industry and other partners form a dynamic network of shared experiences, resources and support.