AIANTA Webinar Series

AIANTA has teamed up with industry and federal partners to provide a series of webinars on resource development opportunities and other tourism related topics. Most webinars are designed to equip organizations with the information needed to find and apply for funding opportunities that support cultural heritage tourism development. Others provide needed information on challenges and obstacles facing the tourism industry.

All webinars are provided without charge. Join us for one or for the entire series. Sign up for the AIANTA newsletter to receive automatic webinar reminders.

Upcoming Webinars

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On-Demand Webinars

The Indigenous Film Industry & Tourism

The Indigenous Film Industry & Tourism

The Indigenous Film Industry & TourismOctober 15, 2024; 10 a.m. (Mountain) The webinar “The Indigenous Film Industry & Cultural Tourism” aims to explore the intricate connections between Indigenous cinema and the tourism industry. We discuss how Indigenous...

Fashion Tourism in Indian Country

Fashion Tourism in Indian Country

Fashion Tourism in Indian CountryJuly 2, 2024; 10 a.m. (Mountain) Fashion tourism in Indian Country represents a unique intersection of cultural heritage, creative expression and economic opportunity. It involves visitors traveling to Indigenous communities...

AIANTA/USFS NATIVE Act Request for Proposals for FY 2024

AIANTA/USFS NATIVE Act Request for Proposals for FY 2024

AIANTA/USFS NATIVE Act Request for Proposals for FY 2024June 10, 2024; 10 a.m. (Mountain) AIANTA and the U.S. Forest Service will host an informational webinar regarding the Request for Proposals for NATIVE Act Tribal Projects and Initiatives on or Adjacent to U.S....

NativeAmerica.Travel Reimagined

NativeAmerica.Travel Reimagined

NativeAmerica.Travel Reimagined: Your Free Resource to Promote Indigenous Destinations and ExperiencesApril 30, 2024; 10 a.m. (Mountain) Join us for an webinar on the re-launch of NativeAmerica.Travel! Discover how AIANTA members can maximize visibility, access...

Adventures Through Careers in the Outdoors

Adventures Through Careers in the Outdoors

Adventures Through Careers in the OutdoorsAdventures Through Careers in the Outdoors March 26, 2024; 10 a.m. (Mountain) Are you interested in sharing your Native cultural knowledge with the public? Are you passionate about the outdoors, conservation and learning new...

Introduction to Working With Mt. Rainier Concessions

Introduction to Working With Mt. Rainier Concessions

Introduction to Working With Mt. Rainier ConcessionsIntroduction to Working With Mt. Rainier Concessions January 30, 2024; 10 a.m. (Mountain) The National Park Service works with concessioners to offer goods and services to park visitors. The concessionaires operate...

Informational Webinar: AIANTA/USFS FY 2023 Request for Proposals

Informational Webinar: AIANTA/USFS FY 2023 Request for Proposals

Informational Webinar: AIANTA/USFS FY 2023 Request for Proposals Informational Webinar: AIANTA/USFS FY 2023 Request for Proposals June 29, 2023; 1 p.m. (Mountain) AIANTA and the U.S. Forest Service will host an informational webinar regarding the Request for Proposals...

Dark Skies Primer Webinar

Dark Skies Primer Webinar

Dark Skies Primer WebinarDark Skies Primer Webinar May 9, 2023; 10 a.m. (Mountain) In this webinar, Larry Burton, AIANTA BLM Partner Program Coordinator, will discuss how to start building a Dark Sky Program. You will learn the basics of night sky photography Dark sky...

Seed Savers and Food Sovereignty

Seed Savers and Food Sovereignty

Webinar: Seed Savers and Food Sovereignty   Webinar: Seed Savers and Food Sovereignty April 11, 2023; 10 a.m. (Mountain) In this webinar, we will hear about the value of seeds in our stories, our lives, and their contribution to food sovereignty. Andi's Podcast...

AIANTA Town Hall Series

AIANTA Town Hall Series

Town Hall: SMS Research Findings for Technical Assistance Needed in American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Tourism Organizations April 12, 2023; 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. (Mountain) On behalf of AIANTA, SMS Research conducted a study to identify where...

Go International Preview: Marketing the Mission of your Business

Go International Preview: Marketing the Mission of your Business

Webinar: Go International Preview: Marketing the Mission of your Business  Webinar: Go International Preview: Marketing the Mission of your Business March 14, 2023; 10 a.m. (Mountain) AIANTA presents the Go International Preview Webinar with a segment on...

Healthy One Bite at a Time with Native Food & Plants

Healthy One Bite at a Time with Native Food & Plants

Webinar: Healthy One Bite at a Time with Native Food & Plants Healthy One Bite at a Time with Native Food & Plants February 21, 2023; 10 a.m. (Mountain)   Join us as we learn from three leading Native Food experts: Tiana Suazo, Executive Director of the Red...

Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards: The 2022 Winners and Their Tourism Initiatives

Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards: The 2022 Winners and Their Tourism Initiatives

February 14, 2023; 10 a.m. (Mountain)

Join AIANTA in this webinar as we introduce the 2022-2023 Excellence in Tourism Industry Award Winners from Best Cultural Heritage Experience, Excellence in Customer Service, Tribal Destination of the Year, and Industry Professional of the Year. You will hear from the winners and their tourism initiatives that helped them win these awards.

Hidden Treasures: Amazing Collections and Resources at the Indian Arts and Crafts Board Museums

Hidden Treasures: Amazing Collections and Resources at the Indian Arts and Crafts Board Museums

In this session, we will reintroduce the Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB) and learn about their regional museums and some of their programs which can be replicated elsewhere, including art directories, promoting local art and history, and learn about the invaluable resources available. As it says on the Department of the Interior website, “The Interior Museum Program looks after one of the largest and most important museum collections in the world.”

Webinar: Funding Opportunities to Conserve and Restore Tribal Forestland

Webinar: Funding Opportunities to Conserve and Restore Tribal Forestland

A conversation with the USDA Forest Service and special guests about how the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, Landscape Scale Restoration, and Recreation Economy for Rural Communities can be used as tools to conserve and restore forestland and cultural resources and in turn support Tribal tourism and recreation efforts.

Town Hall: Sharing Stories: Native American Artists and the Creative Economy

Town Hall: Sharing Stories: Native American Artists and the Creative Economy

Native American arts, including visual arts, music, theatre, dance, literature and beyond, are among the most promising ways to expand tourism and the economic success of rural and urban Native communities. Historically underestimated, Native Artists play a pivotal role in building economies, generating tourism assets and simultaneously preserving cultural heritage.

FY 2022 Webinars (On-Demand)

NativeAmerica.travel Training

NativeAmerica.travel Training

Learn how to submit your visitor attractions on AIANTA’s NativeAmerica.travel destination website. Take advantage of this marketing tool which connects tribes directly to domestic and international travelers, and invites visitors to explore Indian Country.

Globalize Your Website

Globalize Your Website

Drive more international visitors and buyers to your website – learn some simple, low-cost techniques to increase visibility in overseas markets. Specifically geared to tribal tourism firms, this event will help refresh your digital strategy.

Working With the International Trade

Working With the International Trade

Through this webinar presented by Brand USA, attendees will learn the importance of international marketing and how to work with the international travel trade.

New Market Tax Credits – Creating Economic Health and Prosperity

New Market Tax Credits – Creating Economic Health and Prosperity

Many tribal communities find themselves isolated and underdeveloped, unable to build and support a local economy that can provide the needed jobs and services for economic prosperity. New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) is a tool that can help tribal communities develop the key community projects that lack the needed capital to move forward. This webinar will introduce the use of NMTC for your project and unlock the possibilities of growth and expansion for job development and the expansion of key goods and services in tribal communities.

Collecting and Understanding Tourism Data

Collecting and Understanding Tourism Data

Within the competitive hospitality industry, investing time and resources in collecting accurate visitor data can help significantly improve the customer experience by aligning programming with traveler expectations. Equally importantly, collecting tourism data can help ensure community expectations align within the larger tourism infrastructure and tourism data can also help justify marketing efforts with tribal leadership and local and national elected officials. In this webinar, Daniel Nāho’opi’i (Kanaka Maoli, Native Hawaiian) tourism data expert and former Director of Tourism Research for the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, discusses why quantifiable tourism data should be a part of any visitor marketing plan.

Expanding Global Awareness of Native Tourism With EXIM Bank

Expanding Global Awareness of Native Tourism With EXIM Bank

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, join the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), U.S. Commercial Service and the Export-Import Bank of the US (EXIM) and the La Jolla Adventure Park, for a panel discussion covering resources available to Native businesses looking to expand their tourism offerings to a global reach. Additionally, the panel will present case studies of success and challenges during the pandemic and provide ideas of other support tools available for hospitality industry businesses.

FY 2021 Webinars (On-Demand)

Planning for Cultural Tourism

Planning for Cultural Tourism

In 2008, Akwesasne leaders built their “Sharing the Spirit” imitative, which eventually paved the way for the formalized Akwesasne Cultural Tourism Strategic Action Plan. Today, implementation of the plan has led to a new tourism website, Akwesasne.travel, elevated tourism training for Akwesasne artisans, and increased awareness of Akwesasne culture and heritage. Join Penny Petters, Travel Industry Development Manager, Raeann Adams, Community Planner and Gail McDonald, Akwesasne Heritage Complex Project Developer, and the Native American Traveling College in discussing how the strategic plan was conceptualized and how it continues to guide Akwesasne’s tourism planning.

Building a MainStreet Community in Indian Country

Building a MainStreet Community in Indian Country

Join AIANTA in this webinar as we introduce you the nation’s first Native American MainStreet community: Zuni Pueblo MainStreet in Zuni Pueblo, New Mexico. Zuni Pueblo MainStreet was established in 2012 to implement new approaches and methods to encourage the revitalization of Zuni Pueblo’s local economy while continuing to preserve their unique traditional and historic events.

Exploring AIANTA Visitor Outreach Program

Exploring AIANTA Visitor Outreach Program

Join AIANTA in special webinar introducing AIANTA’s Visitor Outreach program and our plans to market to domestic and international travelers for 2022. Visitor Outreach Manager Maureen Chavez (Pueblo of Acoma) will lead the conversation on top overseas markets to Indian Country, top travel trade shows to attend next year, and how to prepare for the return of international visitors.

Enriching Alaska Tourism Through First People’s Voices

Enriching Alaska Tourism Through First People’s Voices

While travelers to Alaska are lured by the state’s sense of adventure, few are familiar with Alaska’s sweeping narrative from a Native lens. The cruise industry, which delivers more than one million visitors a year, has only recently started offering “Meet the Locals” type programs, providing passengers a deeper, more fulfilling experience.

Columbia River Salmon Historic and Culinary Trails

Columbia River Salmon Historic and Culinary Trails

Lewis and Clark were amazed by the dip net fishing by the tribes along the Columbia River. Today’s tribes (Yakama, Umatilla, Warm Springs and Nez Perce) continue this historic practice and have developed an exciting trail where visitors can see the continuation of this historic method of fishing. In addition to viewing the fishers, the public can purchase salmon directly from over-the-bank sales or enjoy it at Native owned restaurants. Learn how the tribes worked with their fishers, local communities and the state to create this culinary trail that shares the importance of salmon in their culture.

Poeh Cultural Center: Supporting Tribal Arts and Tourism

Poeh Cultural Center: Supporting Tribal Arts and Tourism

In 1988, the Poeh Cultural Center & Museum was established as a “gathering place” and a way to promote pueblo arts and culture. Owned and operated by the Pueblo of Pojoaque, the Poeh Cultural Center is a great example of how tribes have fused cultural arts and tourism into a successful enterprise. The Center’s business module includes a renowned museum, gallery, and gift shop, with an emphasis on art programs and classes that teach and sustain traditional arts.

Developing Regional Alliances for Cooperative Marketing

Developing Regional Alliances for Cooperative Marketing

A strategic approach to destination marketing includes bringing together partners under one collaborative umbrella to ensure a wider reach for all stakeholders. How can a tribe work collectively to promote tourism within their state or region?

Powwows and Cultural Tourism

Powwows and Cultural Tourism

Tuesday, July 27, 2021; 10 a.m. MDT

Powwows are held across the country, honoring songs, dance, art and culture with many adding races, traditional games and more. More than ever, they are drawing visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences from around the globe. 

The Excitement of Indian Relay Horse Racing

The Excitement of Indian Relay Horse Racing

As one of America’s oldest known sporting competitions, Indian Relay dates back more than 400 years to when the horse was first re-introduced to the native cultures of the Americas.

Voices Along the Lewis & Clark Trail

Voices Along the Lewis & Clark Trail

More than 200 years ago, Captain Merriweather Lewis and Second Lieutenant William Clark set out on a three-year journey to map the western portion of the United States and to expand trade with Indian tribes along the route.

Cultural Tourism as Creative Placemaking: How Indian Country Projects are Advancing the Field

Cultural Tourism as Creative Placemaking: How Indian Country Projects are Advancing the Field

The National Endowment for the Arts’ Our Town program supports creative placemaking projects that strengthen communities, including cultural tourism strategies that center the narrative, vision, and goals of residents. In this session, hear from two newly-minted Our Town grantees whose innovative proposals promise to establish groundbreaking practices and models for the field.

Authentic Storytelling Through Architecture & Design – Hawai’i Style

Authentic Storytelling Through Architecture & Design – Hawai’i Style

Storytelling is told not only through our voices, but is also solidified in the designs, art, and intentions of our buildings and gathering spaces. Award-winning Native Hawaiian Architect Rob Iopa and Native Hawaiian entrepreneur Mālia Kaʻaihue will share their successes on working with national brands while still retaining the essence of the Native Hawaiian story. Learn how Native voices can be supported through the environment created and by honoring the people of the place.

Building a Better Tourism Website

Building a Better Tourism Website

Your website is your calling card to the world. Despite the popularity of social media, news articles, video, blog posts and all other online and traditional media, destination websites—and the search engine results that drive traffic—remain one of the top information sources for potential travelers. 

Native Chefs Explore Food Sovereignty

Native Chefs Explore Food Sovereignty

Learn from Native chefs, Vincent Medina (Chochenyo Ohlone), and Louis Trevino (Rumsen Ohlone), who co-own the mak-‘amham/Café Ohlone in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay area.

FY 2020 Webinars (On-Demand)

The Power of Place

The Power of Place

AIANTA welcomes celebrated architect Johnpaul Jones (Oklahoma Choctaw/Cherokee), who discusses his approach to Native American planning and design centered around the Four Worlds.

October 6, 2020

How Geotourism is Shaping Awareness of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

Join AIANTA in partnership with the National Park Service and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail for this one-hour webinar on how geotourism can benefit tribal tourism development initiatives.

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Join AIANTA in partnership with the National Park Service and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail for a one-hour webinar on how geotourism can benefit tribal tourism development initiatives.

This webinar will explore the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail’s Geotourism Plan and its inclusion of tribes. Guest speakers will dive into the history of tribal tourism along the trail and showcase how cultural sites are attracting visitors. Inspired by the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial and the Circle of Tribal advisors, tribal leaders have partnered with local tourism industry leaders. The Confluence Project, which uses indigenous voices to connect the history, ecology and living cultures along the Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, will illustrate the success of these efforts.

Panelists/Speakers

Bruce Rettig (host) is a writer/photographer for AIANTA and is working on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail project. He is an award-winning author who has worked with many tribal communities and organizations, including Nevada’s Indian Territory.

Dan Wiley is the Senior Manager, Integrated Resources Stewardship for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, National Park Service;

Ann McCormack is the Economic & Community Development Planner for the Nez Perce Tribe. She was involved with the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration from 2003-2006.

Colin Fogarty is the Executive Director of Confluence. He works to protect cultural, natural and recreational resources of the Trail.

August 7, 2020

Managing Community & Visitor Expectations in the Times of COVID-19

During this one-hour webinar, AIANTA will moderate a panel discussing steps that destinations and businesses can take to plan for reopening, while maintaining the safety of their communities.
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Native communities have faced tremendous challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As tribes plan to reopen to visitors, it is important that their destinations and tourism businesses take into account shifting trends and operational requirements for consumer travel. Locals and travelers are eager to get out of the house, but their travel choices will be shaped by their perceptions of health and safety.

During this one-hour webinar, AIANTA will moderate a panel discussing steps that destinations and businesses can take to plan for reopening, while maintaining the safety of their communities.

Panelists:

Melvin Juanico, Operations Manager, Sky City Cultural Center & Haak’u Museum 

Seleni Matus, Executive Director, the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies and instructor of Tourism Resilience for the Cultural Heritage Tourism Professional Certificate Program

Talia Salem, Principal of The Urban Nomad and instructor of Tourism Marketing for the Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism

July 14, 2020

Ways the USFS and the USDA Support Cultural Heritage Tourism

More than just hiking and fishing, the “Recreation Economy” encompasses a diverse series of activities, which can provide a tremendous economic boost to tribal tourism programs. During this webinar, US Forest Service and USDA Rural Development staff highlight “Recreation Economy” opportunities and also detail resources Tribes can use to create jobs, improve the economy and grow their recreation and tourism programs.
June 30, 2020

Marketing Partnerships: Marketing to Re-emerging Travel

Join AIANTA in partnership with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail for this one-hour webinar. Learn how to restart and reimagine your cultural tourism product and also learn more about tourism marketing opportunities for your tourism enterprise and/or destination.
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As the world begins to travel again after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides, tribes must look strategically at the partnerships and tools available to bring visitors to explore tribal nations and their role in history and today.

Join AIANTA in partnership with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail for this one-hour webinar. Learn how to restart and reimagine your cultural tourism product and also learn more about tourism marketing opportunities for your tourism enterprise and/or destination.

June 2, 2020

Exploring Economic Development Administration (EDA) Funding Opportunities

To lead the federal economic development agenda EDA partners with Tribal Governments & Tribal Non-Profits and encourages its partners around the country to develop new ideas and creative approaches to address rapidly evolving economic conditions.  As the only federal government agency focused exclusively on economic development, EDA facilitates regional economic development efforts in underserved communities across the nation.​
May 5, 2020

National Endowment for the Humanities Understanding the Focus and Approach for Funding Support from the NEH

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) offers grant funding to projects that are grounded in humanities fields, such as history, art history, anthropology, religious studies, or other disciplines focused on the study of human culture. This session provides an overview of NEH grant programs to help you identify which grants are most appropriate for your organization or community needs. application process
April 22, 2020

Tourism Marketing Resources for Tribes along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

In partnership with the National Park Service, AIANTA will work with tribes adjacent to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail to develop cultural heritage content and itineraries for the Trail’s new travel website LewisandClark.travel, as well as NativeAmerica.travel. The project will bring together businesses, attractions, landmarks and other points of interest on and around the trail to help promote sustainable tourism. Join the AIANTA, the National Park Service and Solimar International for this one-hour webinar to learn how to participate on these powerful marketing websites available at no charge.
April 17, 2020

CARES Act of 2020: Business Support Programs for the Cultural/Tribal Tourism Sector

Ms. Thomas will provide a critical and timely overview and assessment of the recently passed CARES Act of 2020 including the Small Business Administration’s new “Paycheck Protection Program” loan program and key tax benefits. Ms. Thomas will also provide insight into the Title V Stabilization Fund, an $8 billion set aside for Tribal governments through the Department of Treasury. These programs have the potential to provide needed resources to tribal enterprises and businesses across sectors, including the hard hit tourism sector.
April 7, 2020

Administration for Native Americans: Project Planning and Development for Cultural Heritage Tourism

Cultural tourism not only creates and grows new businesses and jobs, it can also help to strengthen and preserve local traditions, customs, language, and culture. Learn how an ANA Social and Economic Development Strategies (SEDS) grant, designed to reduce or eliminate community problems and achieve community goals, can help your Tribe thrive through Cultural Heritage Tourism.
March 3, 2020

Grant Programs and Fellowships at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Tips for Submitting a Competitive Application

Program staff from the Arts Endowment will introduce a range of grant opportunities and the National Heritage Fellowship program, including an overview of the programs, examples of successful projects, and things to consider when submitting an application or nomination. Program staff from the Arts Endowment will introduce a range of grant opportunities and the National Heritage Fellowship program. Staff will feature an overview of each program, examples of successful projects and things to consider when submitting an application or nomination.
February 18, 2020

REAL ID: Are You Travel Ready?

Many Americans are unaware that they will soon need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license (or an acceptable alternative identification, such as a federally recognized, tribal-issued photo ID) to fly on any domestic flight. According to a Fall 2019 survey by the U.S. Travel Association, 57% of Americans are unaware they will need to replace their ID to access domestic flights.

This webinar, conducted by Steve Yonkers, Director of the REAL ID Program, US Department of Homeland Security, will present the latest information on the REAL ID program and how you can help your Tribal members be prepared to have compliant IDs when they travel.

February 4, 2020

National Park Service Resources for Protecting and Developing Cultural, Natural, and Recreation Tourism Assets

The National Park Service manages several grant and technical assistance programs that support the protection and development of cultural, natural, and recreation tourism assets.

This webinar focuses on Tribal Heritage Grants, including grant cycles and case studies of previous recipients, as well as technical assistance available from the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program.

January 7, 2020

Grant Writing 101

This 90-minute webinar, featuring Gail Chehak of AIANTA and Anne Ketz of the 106 Group, provides insights on how to excel at Grant Writing.

Anne Ketz provides the basic elements of a grant proposal, what documents to include, and the importance of following-up on submission, while Gail will share information on where to seek funding opportunities.