Developing Culinary Tourism in Rural Communities with a Focus on Healthy Foods
June 7, 2022; 10 a.m.
In this webinar, learn how Next Evolution Coffee incorporates Indigenous learnings and a people-over-profit philosophy in its business model.
On-Demand Webinars
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.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses: Business Strategy and Financials in Uncertain Times
In this webinar, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and AIANTA invite you to assess the financial health of your business.
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.
International Market Opportunities: Understanding the UK, German and Italian Tourism Market
In this webinar presented by the U.S. Commercial Service (U.S. Department of Commerce) along with tourism specialists in the Commercial Section of the U.S. Embassies in the UK, Germany and Italy, Native American hospitality businesses will learn more about promoting their tourism product in overseas markets.
SDSU/AIANTA Information Session on Certificate in CTTE II
In partnership with San Diego State University (SDSU) and the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, AIANTA is offering the online Certificate in Cultural Tourism and Tribal Enterprises (“CTTE”).
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.
GW & AIANTA Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism: Information Session & Indigenous Marketing Spotlight
Join AIANTA for an information session about the Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism offered by the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies (GW) in partnership with AIANTA.
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.
SDSU/AIANTA Information Session on Certificate in Cultural Tourism & Tribal Enterprises
In partnership with San Diego State University (SDSU) and the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, AIANTA is offering the online Certificate in Cultural Tourism and Tribal Enterprises (“CTTE”).
Information Session & Indigenous Marketing Spotlight: GW & AIANTA Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism
Join us for a 30-minute information session on the Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism offered by the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies (GW) in partnership with AIANTA. This 7-week online program provides tourism entrepreneurs and community leaders with the tools to identify and develop tourism assets.
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)
Information Session & Indigenous Marketing Spotlight: GW & AIANTA Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism
Join us for a 30-minute information session on the Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism offered by the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies (GW) in partnership with AIANTA. This 7-week online program provides tourism entrepreneurs and community leaders with the tools to identify and develop tourism assets.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
International Shipments, Payments & Protecting your Brand: A Webinar for Rural and Native Firms
Wednesday, May 26, 2021; 12-1:30 p.m. PST
As you grow your global brand, participate in trade events and engage with international buyers, you’ll need to focus on sales fulfillment and protecting your intellectual property.
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
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
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.
International Market Research & Growing Your Global Brand: A Webinar for Rural and Native American Businesses
As companies around the world rapidly adjust to new business practices due to the pandemic, many are taking a fresh look at their digital strategy. Through this webinar, learn how to globalize your website to increase international buyers.
Mapping indigenous Place Names
Native Americans have strong ties to their ancestral lands and have their own names for important places and landmarks, names which were then ignored or erased by colonizers. Today, many tribes are reclaiming their original Indigenous place names and returning them to the maps. These maps can be a strong tool for tribal planners, aiding in the preservation and protection of cultural history, events, heritage and legacies.
Missions & Tribes: Including Native Perspectives in the Historical Record
During this webinar, Andrew Galvan, Curator of Old Mission Dolores will detail how he reconciled the history of the area tribes with the story previously being told by the California Missions.
Cultural Centers–Planning for Tourism
Join us as we welcome three Native women leaders in cultural tourism. Two guide major cultural centers and the third is working on opening a new center.
Interpreting Culture: How to Run a Successful Tour Business
Learn more about all aspects of tour operations, from itinerary planning to to working with international wholesalers.
Small Business Development–Working with MBDA
This webinar shares Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) resources available to small business and artist entrepreneurs.
Globalize Your Website: A Webinar for Rural and Native American Businesses
Through this webinar, learn how to globalize your website to increase international buyers.
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.
Supporting Public Arts: Indigenous Artists Share their Vision
Native arts are integral to tourism in Indian Country, as exhibitions, art markets and demonstrations can help drive sales and visitation.
Oneida Big Apple Fest: Developing An Agricultural Festival
Image courtesy of Oneida Nation of WisconsinOneida Big Apple Fest: Developing An Agricultural...
Building a Native Agritourism Ecosystem
Building a Native Agritourism Ecosystem AIANTA Webinar SeriesBuilding a Native Agritourism...
FY 2020 Webinars (On-Demand)
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.
Anza Trail and Tribal Tourism Marketing through Partnerships
The webinar introduces the partnership-based project between the Anza National Historic Trail and AIANTA which tells the stories of tribes along the trail.
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
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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
Ways the USFS and the USDA Support Cultural Heritage Tourism
Marketing Partnerships: Marketing to Re-emerging Travel
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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.
Exploring Economic Development Administration (EDA) Funding Opportunities
National Endowment for the Humanities Understanding the Focus and Approach for Funding Support from the NEH
Tourism Marketing Resources for Tribes along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
CARES Act of 2020: Business Support Programs for the Cultural/Tribal Tourism Sector
Administration for Native Americans: Project Planning and Development for Cultural Heritage Tourism
Grant Programs and Fellowships at the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): Tips for Submitting a Competitive Application
REAL ID: Are You Travel Ready?
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.
National Park Service Resources for Protecting and Developing 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.
Grant Writing 101
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.
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.