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Published by NativeAmerica Travel, 2018-02-28 13:57:20

2018 Winter Newsletter

2018 Winter Newsletter

WINTER | 2018

DESTINATION INDIAN COUNTRY

A quarterly newsletter roundup of AIANTA’s online newsroom, providing the latest on all
things Indian Country tourism – research, updates and information to support tribes and

native businesses involved in tourism across the nation.

In this issue: Continuing Outreach:
Message from the AIANTA Brings Indian
Country’s Diversity to
Director the European Market
The 20th Annual
AIANTA, with Tribal partners
AITC from Arizona, Oklahoma and
AIANTA Talks
Tourism in DC Washington, head to Italy
AIANTA & Partners and Germany
Head to European
As international travel and AIANTA Talks Tourism at NCAI’s
Market tourism continues to hold its Tribal Nations Policy Summit in
Go International a place as the largest service
export in the United States, the Washington DC
Success in 2017 American Indian Alaska Native
Focus on Tourism Association (AIANTA) This February, AIANTA brought Indian Country
along with tribal nations and tourism to the national discussion at NCAI’s
Tourism: How You businesses from around the Tribal Nations Policy Summit and Winter Session
Can Participate country, are continuing out- in Washington, DC. AIANTA Executive
Internationally reach overseas this winter, Director Camille Ferguson, AIANTA Board
attending Showcase USA-Italy President Sherry L. Rupert and AIANTA Eastern
AIANTA Announces and ITB–Berlin – one of the Board Representative Lora Ann Chaisson at-
FAM Trip in WA world’s largest travel trade- tended the event, where they not only heard
shows. from national leaders from throughout Indian
Culinary & Agricul- Read more about the Country, but also brought tourism policy
tural Tourism international market and our affecting Tribal Nations to the discussion.
tribal partners at these trade- Read more on page 3
Cultural Heritage shows on page 4
Tourism Certificate
Mark Your Calendars for
Program the 20th Annual AITC
Skift Highlights and learn more on
Indian Country page 2 and at:

Tourism AITC2018.com!
AIANTA’s
Resolutions
Welcome New
Members
News From Around
the Nation

Message from the Executive Director

Greetings AIANTA members, partners and friends!
We are pleased to welcome back our quarterly newsletter –
Destination Indian Country – where we’ll be rounding up news,
research, data and updates from the past season. Keep an eye out
for our monthly roundup Destination Indian Country
e-newsletters as well for other timely updates.
We value your staying connected to us and I hope this is just
another means for you to keep in touch with the latest Indian
Country tourism news.
This winter, we’ve introduced new educational opportunities,
hosted training events, and have continued to work hard to serve
as the voice and resource for Indian Country in the tourism
industry.
Read on to discover new opportunities, learn about new trends like agritourism, and other
updates on what AIANTA has been doing.
We’ve entered this new year strong, and we are eager to continue our work in making
communities and economies even stronger.
We hope you enjoy reading AIANTA’s 2018 Winter newsletter, and welcome your feedback,
thoughts and ideas!
Cheers,
Camille Ferguson
AIANTA Executive Director

1

Mark Your Calendars for the 20th Annual AITC
Join us as we celebrate the growth and impact of tribal tourism over the
last 20 years and dive into the tourism industry in Indian Country: then
and now. We’ll be recognizing those who have contributed to the impact and
growth of Indian Country tourism; and celebrating and expanding our knowl-
edge base about the tourism industry and how it has contributed to the per-
petuation of individual tribal cultures and the economic growth in communities
across the country.

The only national conference on tourism in Indian Country helps to give tribes
the tools and knowledge they need to develop outstanding destinations that
benefit their communities in a multitude of ways.

In AIANTA’s extensive support of tribal tourism, the end goal is to make Native
communities stronger. With the NATIVE Act designated as law and a rapidly
changing political climate, now is a critical time to participate in the national
discussion within the industry to ensure we build on the movement for tribal
inclusion in the cultural and economic benefits of investing in cultural tourism
development.

At the annual AITC, this year hosted by the Pueblo of Isleta in New Mexico, top
tourism professionals from around the U.S. and Indian Country will be discussing the impact of tourism – in
regards to cultural perpetuation, economic sustainability and developing the crucial infrastructure to support
tourism and community development.

Whether you are just getting started in the tourism industry or are ready to market your product globally, AITC
will provide an in-depth understanding of the framework to develop, enhance and expand tribal tourism. When
you attend AITC, you gain invaluable access to industry leaders and decision makers, learn about new and
emerging trends and get advice and insight from experts who can help you to grow your revenue and sales.

New this year, to help with your continuing education goals, we will be offering a Certificate of Completion based
on tourism tract participation.

At AITC, you’ll connect and network with industry peers to share, compare and discuss best practices, obstacles
and opportunities in line with your own, and most importantly, gain influence in one of the most impactful in-
dustries in the country and the world – tourism!

AIANTA needs partners like you! There are additional ways in which you can become involved with AIANTA and
our 20th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference. We offer sponsorship opportunities and actively encour-
age and support business promotion through tradeshow booths. AITC is proud to provide exhibit tables for
local, regional and national businesses and artisans to exhibit and market their work. For exhibitor, artisan and
sponsorship information, contact Gail Chehak at 505-243-3633.

Attend the conference, register online today!

Get Involved at www.AITC2018.com Become a sponsor or an exhibitor

Donate to the silent auction or scholarship
2

Continued from front Founded in 1944, NCAI is the oldest, largest,
and most representative American Indian and
AIANTA Talks Tourism at NCAI’s Alaska Native organization serving the broad
Tribal Nations Policy Summit in interests of tribal governments and communi-
ties. The organization’s policy issues and initia-
Washington DC tives are driven by the consensus of its diverse
membership.

Beyond attending the prominent event, the AIANTA team continued their work in advancing tourism in Indi-
an Country though meetings with other key players, including Kevin Gover, Director of the National Museum
of the American Indian, Bureau of Indian Affairs leadership, George Washington University staff, U.S. Depart-
ment of Commerce leadership, Congressmen and Senators from key states, and other contacts throughout
Congress about the potential impact of tourism on economies throughout Indian Country.

Also on the agenda while in Washington, DC, the AIANTA team attended the 23rd Annual National
Indian Women Honor Luncheon, to honor Native women leaders. A Special Recognition Award was given
to Julie Johnson (Lummi Nation of Washington State), President of Julie Johnson, Inc. For the past 22 years,
Johnson organized the National Indian Women’s Honoring Luncheon and continues to demonstrate strong
support of Native women leaders and commitment to the
continued success of present and future Native women.

In our work to improve economic and social conditions in
Indian Country through cultural tourism, it is crucial that
AIANTA meet with influential leadership in the industry, in
the government and in Indian Country. With the end goal of
making communities stronger, AIANTA continues to serve
as the voice of Indian Country tourism at the national and
international level.

Share Your Destination on NativeAmerica.travel!
Attract travelers from around the country and the globe. Grab the attention of visitors interested in
cultural, heritage, educational and uniquely authentic experiences.
Be a part of the beautiful destination website created by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism
Association to showcase the landscapes and destinations in Indian Country. With support from the Bureau
of Indian Affairs, AIANTA is able to offer this opportunity to tribes or Native-owned tourism enterprises at no

cost. Tell your story and what you are willing to share.

Claim your page today!

List your hotels, attractions and annual events. It’s easy to update the content. Call Sandra Anderson, AIANTA
IT & Website Development Coordinator, at (505) 243-6399 or [email protected].

3

Continued from front

Continuing Outreach: AIANTA Brings Indian
Country’s Diversity to the European Market

AIANTA, with Tribal partners from Arizona, Oklahoma and Washington, head to Italy and Germany

Direct spending on leisure travel by domestic and operators, 80 travel agents and 25 trade journalists.
international travelers to the United States totaled AIANTA is working with Brand USA to develop this
$683.1 billion in 2016. These trends are also visible in market through FAM tours focusing on Native Ameri-
Indian Country: it is estimated that in 2016 interna- can experiences. Read more about these tours in this
tional travelers to Indian Country represented approxi- newsletter.
mately $8.5 billion in direct spending in the United Immediately following their Italian outreach, AIANTA
States. Furthermore, forecasts say there will be more will attend ITB, Berlin, from March 7-11, for the tenth
than 2.15 million overseas visitors to Indian Country by consecutive year, representing Indian Country tourism
2020. and all of its diversity. ITB-Berlin is the world’s lead-
To bring this valuable European travel market ing travel trade show with more than 170,000 visitors,
information and visitation back to Indian Country, and 113,000 tourism professionals and 11,000 companies
to expose these high-spending markets to authentic, from 180 countries.
native tourism destinations, AIANTA will be participat- This year, AIANTA will host several tribal entities in its
ing in Showcase USA-Italy for the fourth time, this year newly-designed pavilion, providing a training oppor-
being held in Venice, Italy March 3-6, 2018. tunity for tribes and businesses new to the European
Showcase USA-Italy is a tradeshow organized by the market, and helping develop partnerships and resourc-
U.S. Commercial Service and Visit USA Association Italy. es for those who already have experience there.
As the only marketing event exclusively dedicated to Led by AIANTA Executive Director, Camille Ferguson,
promoting Italian tourism to the United States, Show- Tlingit native from Sitka, Alaska, the tribal delegation
case USA-Italy provides AIANTA and our tribal partners attending ITB includes the Monument Valley Simpson’s
the opportunity to research the Italian tourism market Trailhandler Tours, Chickasaw Country, Tulalip Resort
and form valuable partnerships for building business. Casino and Grand Canyon West.
At this year’s 21st annual edition, U.S. participants will
meet individually with more than 30 major Italian tour

If you, your tribe or your native-owned business is interested in taking advantage of the powerful spending
of the European marketplace by attending or having your brochures made available at Showcase USA-Italy
or ITB-Berlin in 2019, contact AIANTA today at 505-724-3592 or visit www.AIANTA.org for more information.

A preview of AIANTA’s re-designed 2018 ITB Berlin Pavilion 4

The following entities are joining AIANTA at
Showcase USA-Italy and/or ITB 2018:

Chickasaw Country, a regional tourism organization and a division of the Chickasaw Nation that pro-
motes destinations, attractions and festivals in south-central Oklahoma, U.S. is back at ITB this year. A di-
verse destination, the region is home to the Chickasaw Cultural Center, one of the largest Native American
cultural centers in the U.S., as well as the capitol of the Chickasaw Nation and other destinations showcasing
Native American heritage. Guests may also enjoy touring Ft. Washita, originally built in 1842 to protect the
Chickasaw and Choctaw tribes from the plains Indians, or the Chickasaw White House, a restored mansion
built in the 1800s. In addition, Chickasaw Country offers scenic lakes, rivers and the ancient Arbuckle Moun-
tains. Chickasaw Country also offers local restaurants, unique shops, and accommodations ranging from the
rustic to the luxurious. For more information, visit chickasawcountry.com.
Inside Monument Valley, Navajo people who know every crevasse, crater and canyon in their motherland
lead Monument Valley Simpson's Trailhandler Tours. Simpson’s native guides take visitors through
this land of petroglyphs, pictographs, ancient dwellings and magical landscapes in open-air safari-like Jeep
tours, or on foot. There are also opportunities to enjoy a traditional Navajo dinner and spend the night inside
a Hogan, an igloo-like structure created for centuries out of juniper logs and red desert dirt.
Located only 30 miles north of Seattle, Washington and offering luxurious accommodations, award-winning
dining, a rejuvenating spa, casino excitement and world-class shopping, the AAA Four Diamond Tulalip
Resort Casino is among the premier destinations in Washington State. Awaiting your arrival are 370 newly
appointed guest rooms, three lounges and seven exceptional dining options ranging from casual bites to
sophisticated cuisine. For a relaxing retreat, visit the full service T-Spa offering a variety of native-inspired
services in addition to its full range of skin and body therapies. Live entertainment nightly and 24-hour ca-
sino excitement are always on the agenda. Shopping at Seattle Premium Outlets with over 140 stores is only
steps away. Minutes from the Future of Flight Aviation Center and Boeing tour, among many other local at-
tractions. Boasting beautiful Native American Artwork throughout the property and even more history and
culture at Hibulb Cultural Center. There’s something for everyone at Tulalip!
Each year, tourists come from Europe, Asia and around the globe to experience one of the Seven Wonders of
the World – the Grand Canyon, as seen by land, by air, by water – and now by zipline at speeds up to 45 miles
per hour. Attendance at Grand Canyon West topped 1 million visitors again in 2017, marking the third
consecutive year of seven-figure attendance. Located just two hours from Las Vegas and four hours from
Phoenix, Grand Canyon West offers visitors a variety of outdoor and Native American cultural experiences,
including the world-famous Grand Canyon Skywalk – a glass bridge suspended 4,000 feet above the canyon
floor – Colorado River raft and boat tours helmed by experienced Hualapai River Runners guides, helicopter
tours, horseback riding and dining at the four-star Sa’ Nyu Wa restaurant, where guests literally overlook the
Grand Canyon.

5

Second Annual Go International Training a
Success in Albuquerque

More than 40 participants from around the country
attended AIANTA’s Second Annual Go International
two-day training in Albuquerque, New Mexico,
January 22-23, 2018.

Tribal tourism professionals, industry representatives and
entrepreneurs gathered to:

• Hear from expert speakers from throughout the
national and international tourism industry

• Connect and network with one another around
shared vision and goals for business, Indian Country
and tourism development

• Advance and develop their businesses, careers and tourism ventures
• Gain an understanding of what is needed and how to participate in international markets

Go International featured renowned speakers from diverse backgrounds to share a wealth of knowledge on
topics ranging from working with tourism partners, to legal processes and requirements, to developing tourism
product, building an itinerary and much more.

Some of the educational highlights from Go International 2018 include:
• Legal Seminar and How to Prepare to Work Internationally, with Scott Sypolt and Jeff Mayer from
• Akerman LLP, a nationally renowned law firm, ranked in the top 100 firms in the U.S.
• Developing Your Tourism Product and Building an Itinerary with Donovan Hanley, Owner, DETOURS
• Native America, giving a first-hand account of developing his own business in Indian Country
• Working with Receptive Tour Operators and How to Develop a Pitch for Tour Operators with Catherine
Prather, Senior Vice President at the National Tour Association (NTA)
• Working with Tourism Trade Partners at the Local, State and National Levels with Harry Sandoval Jr.,
Conventions & Tourism Department, Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce; Sherry L. Rupert,
Executive Director, State of Nevada Indian Commission and AIANTA Board President; and Catherine
Prather, Senior Vice President, NTA
• International Market Overview and How to Take Part In International Tradeshows with Camille Ferguson,
AIANTA Executive Director, bringing more than 20 years of tourism experience and expertise to the table
• Traditional and New Marketing Tools with Rachel Cromer Howard, AIANTA’s PR & Media Specialist
• Featured Tours on NativeAmerica.travel with Sandra Anderson, AIANTA’s IT & Website Development
Coordinator
• Two Hands-On Workshops, where all participants practiced their pitches to the media and tour operators,
and had the opportunity to build their own itinerary

In September 2016, AIANTA was awarded with the International Trade Administration’s Market Development
Cooperator Program (MDCP), which is supporting AIANTA in our efforts to increase international travelers to Indian
Country over three years. Using this award to target two of Europe’s most powerful markets—the UK and Italy–AIANTA
expects tribal tourism revenues to increase by millions of dollars.

Save the date and register today: Go International, January 28-29, 2019 in Albuquerque, NM!
6

Focus on Tourism – AIANTA wants to include you in
Participate in AIANTA’s the international marketplace!
International Outreach Program We are accepting applicants now.
Join our international outreach
AIANTA is seeing the demand for Indian Country tourism grow – team as you prepare to market
in fact, overseas visitation increased from a low point of 693,000
when the organization started its international outreach in 2007 your tourism product to the
to 1,958,000 in 2016—more than a 180% increase. And, while 2016 growing international tourism
overseas travel to the USA was down 2%, visitation to Indian Country market. Contact Rachel Cromer
saw no decline. International interest and visitation in Native
communities remains strong. Howard at 505-724-3578 or
[email protected].

Tourism is an economic driver in Indian Country, providing a bright future for tribes committed to creating
strong cultural tourism programs. Tribal programs have produced cultural, social and economic successes that
promote environmental protection and historic preservation while sharing traditions and cultural legacies to
domestic and international visitors.

Recognizing Indian Country is a unique part of the national and international visitor experience in America,
AIANTA is taking a collaborative approach to the international marketplace. We’re tying outreach to promotion

and marketing, and ensuring Native Communities contrib-
ute to and share in the benefits of the travel industry.

One of the best aspects of our unique approach to this
market is the tailored training offered within the program.
AIANTA works to prepare tribes and native-owned busi-
nesses for success in the lucrative international market-
place through pre-show training, on-site support and
education and special training opportunities like our
Go International two-day seminar. We are committed to
ensuring that tribes are ready for the international market,
and have affordable avenues in which to participate.

How You Can Focus on Tourism:
Your Participation in AIANTA’s International Outreach Program Matters

Throughout the year, AIANTA represents Native tour- each year and inspiring future travel to Native America.
ism through an expansive international outreach Join us at ITB Berlin, Showcase USA-Italy and WTM
program – and this year is introducing even more op- London. To sign up and for more information, con-
portunities. Through funding from the Market Devel- tact Rachel at 505-724-3578 or [email protected].
opment Cooperator Program at Commerce, AIANTA AIANTA will also host the third annual Go International,
has been able to expand our outreach to Italy and the a two-day training seminar that focuses on preparing
United Kingdom. tribes, native-owned businesses and other tourism
operations for the international marketplace. Save the
The organization’s program includes participation in date and register now for our Go International
some of the world’s largest travel tradeshows, giving training, taking place in Albuquerque, New Mexico,
tribal participants and exhibitors direct access to January 28-29, 2019!
hundreds of thousands of international travel buyers

7

Focus on Tourism – Participate in AIANTA’s
International Outreach Program

AIANTA serves as the unifying organization at these tradeshows, representing Native American travel and tour-
ism interests on a global scale, with native-owned and tribal destinations, experiences and other operations par-
ticipating as co-exhibitors. Participating organizations retain their own identity yet benefit from being part of a
more visible, collaborative Native American effort. We want you to become a part of a unified voice, helping us to
amplify Indian Country in the global market. Become a part of our program and help us to tell the unique, diverse
stories of the distinct tribes across the United States. Join AIANTA as a member, attend Go International, and
participate in one of the following tradeshows. Learn more about the tradeshows and sign up today by emailing
Rachel at [email protected].

When you participate with AIANTA, you are featured as part of Indian Country. We are elevating Indian
Country tourism by showcasing tribes collectively. Further benefits of partnering with AIANTA in the in-

ternational visitor market include:

AIANTA Tradeshow Co-Exhibitors receive:
Increased global exposure
Show registration

Pre-show coordination, training, technical support and post show follow-up
Onsite support from AIANTA staff
Booth décor & signage

Education and assistance on appointment scheduling
Media exposure and representation
Extensive pre-show training

Inclusion in pre and post-show press releases
Your destination posted on NativeAmerica.travel and hands-on NativeAmerica.travel assistance and training

Post show follow-up

With our support, past participants hosted by AIANTA at international tradeshows have been provided a unique
platform to market internationally with Indian Country as a whole, providing connections with tourism contacts
with vested interest in supporting Native tourism in the U.S.

In 2017, participants within the AIANTA International Program interacted with hundreds of travel and tourism
representatives from across the globe, making invaluable connections, spurring business transactions and gener-
ating media attention all over the world.

WTM – London, England Showcase USA-Italy - (March, ITB – Berlin, Germany
(November 5-7, 2018) 2019) (March 6-10, 2019)

Staged annually in London, the World Organized by the U.S. Commercial ITB is the leading Business-to-Business
Travel Market (WTM) is one of the Service and the Visit USA Association platform for global tourism, with more
leading global events for the travel Italy, this specialized show is an ideal than 170,000 visitors, 113,000 tourism
industry. More than 50,000 travel event for new-to-market companies. professionals and 11,000 companies
industry professionals, government Exhibitors meet individually with 25-30 from 180 countries. All levels of the
ministers and international press visit major Italian tour operators and travel industry are present: tour operators,
to network, negotiate and discover media in prescheduled appointments. booking agents, travel agents, destina-
the latest industry opinion and trends With a simple appointment format, tions, airlines, hotels, car rental com-
at WTM. According to the National extensive on-site support and the Italian panies, suppliers, buyers, destinations
Travel and Tourism Office, the U.K. was market’s strong interest in cultural tour- and media. AIANTA highlight’s tribes
the second largest market generat- ism, Showcase USA-Italy is an ideal op- across our regions in the United States.
ing visitors to Indian Country in 2015, portunity to enter into the international By combining our efforts, we are am-
and they nearly matched the overseas visitor market. plifying exposure at ITB in our AIANTA
growth of 17%. pavilion.

8

AIANTA Announces 2018
FAM Trip in Washington

AIANTA is thrilled to announce, in partnership with
Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for
the USA, a number of tribal entities and U.S. Commer-
cial Service Italy, we will be hosting a second familiar-
ization tour for the Italian market in 2018.

Together with our partners, we are working to create a When you participate in a FAM tour, you are introduc-
completely Native American cultural-focused itinerary. ing your product or destination to vetted influencers
AIANTA is actively looking for participants and part- and buyers from another market, in this case, the
ners from the Pacific Northwest region, in the state of lucrative Italian market.
Washington to be a part of this opportunity. Italian travel to Indian Country has seen a major
We are looking to partner with tribes and tribal busi- increase in recent years. Italy was the seventh largest
nesses in the Seattle area offering activities, tours, market generating visitors to Indian Country in 2016,
museums, cultural centers, hotels, restaurants, and and there was a phenomenal jump in Italian arrivals
other tourism experiences to showcase to the Italian between 2014 and 2015, with a nearly 75% increase
market. in overseas travelers to Native American destinations.
If you work with, own or know of a great tribal experi- With this strong market growing rapidly, the upcom-
ence within 150 miles of Seattle, please contact Russel ing FAM tour will help AIANTA in its goal to continue
Pedro at AIANTA at 505-433-2120 or rpedro@aianta. to educate Italian travelers about Indian Country and
org. bring even more visitors from the high-spending mar-
The tour will take place immediately following IPW ket directly to Native businesses.
2018, May 24-30 and will include participation from In 2017, AIANTA, along with its partners, hosted a
both the Italian travel trade and media. FAM tour throughout the southwest region of the
Unique to AIANTA-hosted FAMs, this tour will focus on United States, focusing on Indian Country destina-
Native America and cultural experiences, with Native-
owned and tribally run businesses and operations tions and experiences in Arizona
comprising the majority of the itinerary. and New Mexico. This 2017 Italian
FAM tour resulted in more than 15
published stories in Italy and the
U.S., highlighting the spectacular
destinations throughout Indian
Country in the Southwest includ-
ing a full color, 47-page spread in
an award winning Italian travel
magazine, Latitudes.

Check out this Italian travel magazine, read this article, or check out this piece for just a sample of the incredible
experiences shared during the FAM tour.

9

With more than 20 tribes, native-owned

AIANTA Announces 2018 FAMbusinesses and tribal entities participating

in the 2017 tour, AIANTA and our partners

Trip in Washington Statewere able to create an itinerary full of rich

experiences. The trip included a tour of
Acoma Pueblo; a hike through Canyon De
Chelly; a stay at the beautiful Picuris Pueblo’s Hotel Santa Fe; an indulgent meal at the historic La Fonda restau-
rant in Santa Fe; a tour of the Experience Navajo Museum in Tuba City; a visit to the Pueblo Cultural Center and
much more, all with local, Native tour guides.
In 2018, AIANTA and its partners are excited to highlight the Pacific Northwest and some of what the tribes and
Native communities in the Washington area have to offer. With Seattle as a major entry point for international
travelers to the U.S., the tribes in this region have an incredible opportunity to take advantage of the visitors
coming in and to help them see Indian Country as a part of their larger travel plans.
AIANTA is looking forward to continuing and expanding this partnership with Brand USA in future years, and
working in other regions throughout the U.S. and Indian Country.
“We saw great success with the media FAM tour throughout Indian Country of the Southwest last year,” said
Camille Ferguson, AIANTA Executive Director. “We can’t wait to show the Italian market even more of what Na-
tive America has to offer travelers, and to showcase the true diversity of tribes and Native nations throughout the
country with the FAM tour in 2018.”
With the Italian and UK markets growing rapidly, AIANTA entered into a cooperative agreement with the U.S.
Department of Commerce’s Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) to reach out to the Italian and
United Kingdom markets for three years.
For details on FAM tour opportunities, contact Russell Pedro, AIANTA International Outreach Coordinator
at [email protected] or call the AIANTA office at 505-724-3592.

Photos from AIANTA’s 2017 FAM Tour in the Southwest
If you are not able to participate in this FAM tour, you still have the opportunity to market to the

Italy, and to the world. AIANTA offers many more opportunities to join us in the international
marketplace. Mark your calendar for the 20th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference in
Albuquerque, New Mexico September 17-20, 2018; Save the date for our Go International two-
day training in Albuquerque, New Mexico January 28-29, 2018; participate in international trade-
shows like ITB Berlin, Showcase USA-Italy and WTM London – email Rachel at [email protected]

for more information and to sign up; or join AIANTA as a member.
10

In Case You Missed It: Culinary & Agricultural
Tourism Become Hot Attractions

Read on to learn about how Icy Strait Point is successfully weaving their cultural
and environmental assets and resources into their tourism programs. They’ve
not only seen success in culinary and agritourism, but have also been able to
see great benefits from their tourism efforts in supporting their community –
through increased cultural and community engagement to job creation and
economic growth.

Culinary & Agricultural Tourism Become hot Attractions

By Dan Moore and Hannah Peterson, AIANTA

As the world produces more and advantages for smaller tribes is that who go exploring to enjoy unique
more content to compete for our it is a clean industry, which can be dining experiences, grew from 40
attention, many people are instead built with little capital or infrastruc- percent to 51 percent between
seeking an escape from the day-to- ture. The attraction is the people, 2006 and 2013.
day to take part in experiences that their stories and the landscapes. Agritourism, often paired with
have a lasting impact. Despite the This is particularly true in the state culinary tourism, is also a growing
word’s overuse, travelers are indeed of Alaska with 229 tribes and 11 travel sector. It is defined as “busi-
seeking out experiences that meet distinct cultures speaking 11 ness at a working farm or wood-
their perception of authentic. languages with 22 dialects. land, ranch or agricultural plant
Tourism in Alaska is a significant conducted for the enjoyment and
Experience providers like to claim economic driver for the state with education of visitors, while generat-
that their experiences are unique tourists from all over the world ing supplemental income for the
and special, however, it’s worth coming to experience the culture, owner.” Although the economic
noting that one can hike almost wildlife and dramatic landscape. impact of agritourism has not been
anywhere in the world. Nearly every According to the Southeast Tourism thoroughly researched, more than
destination offers some form of a Society, “domestic and international 75 million people (ages 16 and
spa or resort experience. It is the travelers to Alaska spent $2.5 billion over) visited a farm or agricultural
people and their story that make a in 2015, supporting 27,500 jobs setting from 2005 and 2009, a 28
place unique. If guests are seeking with a payroll of $897.2 million, and percent increase from 2001.
authentic experiences that connect generating federal, state and local Traditional Native American cultiva-
to local people and cultures, it is no tax receipts of $388.6 million.” With tion and harvesting has not been
wonder that Indigenous tourism is a population just under 750,000 limited to farms and ranches in the
getting increased attention. residents, the state hosted an esti- modern sense, but still can fit under
mated 2 million visitors. an expanded definition of agritour-
Indian Country tourism has ex- At the forefront of this growth is an ism. For example, in Alaska, the
perienced significant growth in interest by the traveler to connect shores of Norton Sound are dense
travelers over the last 10 years. Ac- with the culinary and agricultural with berry thickets, harvested by
cording to the U.S. Department of offerings of the places they visit. Yup’ik and Inupiaq people.
Commerce, from 2007 to 2016 there The 2013 “American Culinary Estuaries in Southeast Alaska pro-
has been a 180 percent increase Traveler” report, published by vide the “coops” for herring, who lay
in international visitors, with a 17 Mandala Research, showed that the eggs on hemlock branches placed
percent increase from 2014-2015. percentage of U.S. leisure travelers by local Tlingit. And the Brooks
Range is the ranchland for
Tourism can be developed on a
large or small scale. One of the

11

caribou herds, providing food and materials to Gwich’in people. These practices, blending modern and traditional
techniques, are the types of unique experiences that offer a connection to a place and its people that travelers
are craving.
The 229 tribes in Alaska, the largest U.S. state by area, each have their own histories, distinct cultures, stories
and practices. Alaska Native culture is vibrant, living and woven into every region of the state. No other state in
America holds such a broad range of Native cultures as Alaska.
NativeAmerica.travel, a destination website hosted by the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association
(AIANTA), lists dozens of Alaska Native experiences for travelers to engage with: from Koyukuk River Tribal Tours
in Hughes, to the Alaska Canoe Experience1 in Ketchikan, to the Kodiak Brown Bear Center in Kodiak.
The Alaska Native owned-and-operated Icy Strait Point, located in the state’s largest Native Tlingit village of Hoo-
nah (about 35 miles west of Juneau), generates profits that directly support the local community. Icy Strait Point
features more than 20 experiential tours, a restored 1912 Alaska salmon cannery and museum, nature trails, res-
taurants, 100 percent Alaskan-owned retail shops and a beach for “combing.” Eagles soar overhead and whales
are regularly seen from the shore.
Crucial to the success of the Icy Strait Point experience is the staff structure—85 percent of the 130-person staff
are residents of Hoonah. In addition to a plethora of locally sourced food in Icy Strait Point’s restaurants, there are
also two culinary tours offered. “In Alaska’s Wildest Kitchen” visitors are immersed in the stories and the recipes of
the region with demonstrations of how to create iconic dishes out of Alaskan staples, such as salmon burgers and
grilled local fish. The second program is more in-depth and experiential. “The Tlingit Kitchen: A Taste of Southeast
Alaska” shows visitors how to fillet a salmon, how to harvest various traditional foods such as berries and sea as-
paragus, and harvesting techniques for other unique local foods. The tour travels outside the grounds of Icy Strait
Point to visit surrounding beaches and forests, as well as the personal smoker of the guide.
In addition to engaging the visitor’s senses, these programs help connect the visitor to the local culture and
people in a way that only food can do. In offering advice to other indigenous communities that might want to
embark on a project similar to Icy Strait Point, Jennifer Black, Director of Excursions, suggests being flexible.
“Watch the product and tweak it if it is not working,” she says. “Get feedback directly from guests to make sure
you are meeting their needs.”
Mary Miller, Economic Development Director for the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, also sees the opportunity to connect
with travelers interested in culinary tourism. She is researching activities that could be experienced by customers
of the tribe’s tour company, Sitka Tribal Tours. “We already have a successful variety of culturally oriented tours.
We are considering adding on an experience where our guests will be able to sample traditional foods and con-
nect more in-depth with our local culture.” In Southeast Alaska that includes herring roe, smoked salmon and bay
shrimp.
If the way to a person’s heart is through their
stomach, there is a tremendous opportunity
in Alaska to grow culinary and agritourism and
better emotionally connect visitors to the destina-
tion.
To see the original article,
visit TribalBusinessJournal.com

12

AIANTA Announces Second Edition of the Popular Cultural
Heritage Tourism Certificate Program with GWU

brought people of all backgrounds together to better
understand a specific niche of tourism which has such
potential to turn into something bigger. Highly
recommend to beginners and seasoned individu-
als who work or want to know more about cultural
heritage tourism. It was great to hear success stories
straight from the source, with the good, the bad and
the ugly.” Diana Ambrosie, General Manager, Haulapai
Lodge and Grand Canyon West Call Center.

The Professional Certificate in Cultural Tourism is a
self-managed online program that allows participants
to learn the content and complete the requirements
at their own pace. The program is comprised of six
courses. One course is scheduled per week during two
three-week blocks with a week break in the middle.

AIANTA is proud to announce the second edition of Upon successful completion of the six courses,
the Professional Certificate in Cultural Tourism, pro- students receive a Professional Certificate in Cultural
duced and presented in collaboration with the George Heritage Tourism from The George Washington
Washington University Institute of Tourism Studies. The University School of Business. This is a non-credit, non-
course will be held online from October 1 to November degree program.
18, 2018. “The Montana Department of Tourism and Business
From coast to coast and beyond, native destinations Development has made the development of cultural
and tribes are attracting visitors, advancing local econ- tourism the highest priority when working with our
omies, creating public awareness of tribal diversity and tribal communities--on our seven reservations…
strength and educating the world on Native American The Cultural Heritage Tourism Certificate courses
authentic cultures. There is significant domestic and have provided a strong foundation for strategic plan-
international visitor demand to see and experience ning, developing community leadership, partnering
Indian Country. with community organizations, assessment tools for
Native-led and motivated by the success of tribal individual programs and businesses, and market-
communities, the American Indian Alaska Native ing, especially how to utilize social media,” said Philip
Tourism Association is committed to working with and Belangie, Program Manager, Indian Country Programs,
for tribes in building bright economic futures while Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development,
sustaining and strengthening their cultural legacies Department of Commerce. “We would recommend this
through cultural tourism. course to tourism professionals, both government and
This certificate program is designed to assist tribal private sector at the state and regional levels of tour-
tourism professionals in gaining the skills they need ism and recommend to tribal organizations and indi-
to develop and enhance their tribal tourism program- viduals who are either deciding to make a commitment
ming and/or businesses. to support cultural heritage tourism or are engaged in
The program launched in 2017, with 45 participants. tourism,” he continued.
“I am fairly convinced this class has helped all the
participants tremendously and most important it has LEARN MORE or REGISTER: contact GW at
[email protected] or Hannah
13
Peterson, AIANTA Development Director at
[email protected] or (505) 361-2168

Skift Highlights Indian Country Tourism

Skift.com, a global travel industry news outlet and informational platform, recently featured a story focusing on
AIANTA’s efforts in Indian Country tourism and the value of international visitation to Native American Destina-
tions.
In the story, “U.S. Indigenous Tourism Association Targets Italian and German Visitors,” author Sarah Enelow high-
lights recent data collected by the Department of Commerce National Travel and Tourism Office and shared by
AIANTA to show the increasing tourism to Indian Country in recent years and the difference in visitation to the
U.S. and to Indian Country.
The story mentions the success of our Go International training seminar held this month, which we are looking
forward to continuing in future years.
Read the story below, and visit Skift.com to see the original article.

U.S. Indigenous Tourism Association Targets
Italian and German Visitors

By Sarah Enlow

The tourism association for indigenous communities in [visitation] has maintained a flat line” throughout the
the U.S. is focusing on training programs and attracting worse-than-anticipated Trump Slump, but the associa-
visitors from Italy and Germany. tion is still bracing for a possible downturn.

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association “We all know that we’re going to be affected by what
conducted a recent training program for indigenous happens to the United States,” she said.
tourism professionals that focused in part on Italian Ferguson reported an increase in indigenous tourism
visitation. Nearly 50 professionals participated and that professionals wanting to list their businesses on Na-
was a small uptick from the program’s launch last year. tiveAmerica.travel, a destination site for all of Indian
Trainees came from Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Washington, Country, which includes indigenous-run attractions,
Arizona, and Montana to take part in the program in hotels, and restaurants in the United States.
Albuquerque, New Mexico. The association is still trying to aggregate more list-
The association has had some success in attracting ings and data. Some businesses prefer direct bookings
international tourists. and downplay such third-party sites. While many of
“Three years ago we went to Showcase USA-Italy and the larger casinos and hotels list themselves on major
introduced Native cultural tourism to that market for online travel agencies like Expedia and Priceline, the
the first time,” said Camille Ferguson, executive director smaller attractions and tour operators are slower to
of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism give up control of the booking process.
Association. “They were so intrigued that after the first
year we had 79 percent growth.”

The association worked with Brand USA and the U.S.
Commercial Service in Italy to develop a tour for Italian
travel media through the Southwest. Another such
tour is in the works to the Pacific Northwest. Ferguson
also reported steady growth from the German market.

However, Ferguson is also concerned with recent
political uncertainty. She said that “Indian Country

14

AIANTA's New Year's Resolutions:
Continuing Toward Our Goals All Year Long

New Year's resolutions top many of our to-do lists at the beginning of each new year. As we continue to charge
forward in 2018, we’re more excited than ever for what this year has in store for the tourism industry, Indian
Country, and our own growth and success as an organization.
As we headed into the New Year, AIANTA set new goals, new directions and new resolutions – allowing the new
to fuel our thoughts at the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA).
As we reflect back on 2017, we are proud of the work we accomplished in continuing to play a key role as a plat-
form, convener and thought leader, bringing tribes and businesses together to expand tribal tourism. AIANTA, in
collaboration with its partners, members and sponsors, had a remarkable year.
Some of AIANTA’s 2017 highlights included:

• New planning tools added to NativeAmerica.travel
• The first annual Go International training achieved maximum attendance
• The Cultural Heritage Certificate Program created by AIANTA and GWU launched and outperformed

our attendance goals
• The NATIVE Act received tremendous tribal and industry support for its implementation from

throughout the nation
We formalized new partnerships throughout the
year including new MOUs with the Indigenous Tour-
ism Association of Canada and the National Trails In-
termountain Region, and a new LOI with the Bureau
of Land Management In 2017, AIANTA continued to
assist members, tribes, tourism leaders, partners and
federal agencies in the enhancement and expan-
sion of tribal capacity to accommodate visitors. We
worked to develop and deliver additional education,
training, technical assistance, resources and work-
force development opportunities.
Now, as we head into 2018, we are at an exciting
juncture in our work to attract additional resources
and build capacity in Indian Country using cultural
tourism as the catalyst.

We hope you will join us in achieving our 2018 goals and that we can also help you to achieve yours. To
jumpstart your tourism goals in the New Year, join AIANTA as a member, and be sure to mark your
calendar for the 20th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference,
September 17-20, 2018 in Albuquerque, New Mexico .

15

AIANTA's New Year's Resolutions:
Continuing Toward Our Goals All Year Long

As an organization, we’ve outlined three top priorities as our 2018 New Year’s Resolutions, to lead us all to have
an even greater impact in 2018!

1.To become even more engaged with tribal communities across the nation: With the growth and

continued development of NativeAmerica.travel, our training opportunities expanding with new
webinars, nation-wide presentations and new training programs like Go International, AIANTA sees 2018
as an opportune time to engage even more with tribes throughout the nation involved in tourism. In 2017,
we expanded our outreach significantly with our partnership with NIGA, our agritourism pilot program
and other growing programs and projects. With the NATIVE Act implementation and all the potential the
legislation brings for tourism in Indian Country, we are eager to jump into 2018 with increased engage-
ment with our members, partners and communities throughout Indian Country. To help us continue to
achieve our mission of defining, introducing, growing and sustaining Native tourism, we encourage you to
contact us with your ideas for collaboration and needs for training. Share your stories and new programs
with us so we can share with others. You can reach us anytime here at aianta.org, at [email protected], or at
505-724-3592.

2.To focus on building and growing our partnerships: AIANTA has developed and formalized partner-

ships with a multitude of national, regional and tribal organizations throughout the years, and in 2017 we
formalized a number of partnerships through MOUs, resolutions and projects. With collaborative projects
on the horizon like a 2018 familiarization tour for Italian trade in partnership with Brand USA; training
programs like Go International with expert speakers from our partners at the local, regional and national
level; and the second offering of the Cultural Heritage Tourism Certificate Course in partnership with
George Washington University, AIANTA is off to a great start in growing and nurturing our continually
developing partnerships. Are you interested in collaboration opportunities with AIANTA? We encourage
you to join AIANTA as a member and become a part of the tourism network in Indian Country. You can
reach us to talk more at 505-724-3592.

3.To focus on professional development of our staff and board: In 2017, AIANTA in partnership with

George Washington University, launched the first Cultural Heritage Certificate Program – and all of the
staff members at AIANTA had the opportunity to take part in the educational experience. Entering into
2018 with our full staff touting their official Cultural Heritage Tourism Certificates, AIANTA is excited to
keep the momentum going. In the next year, we will focus attention on finding new opportunities for
training, education and professional growth, leading our team to be the most impactful, resourceful and
knowledgeable professionals we can be! We encourage you to seek out professional development
avenues at your operation or organization too! Join us at our 20th annual American Indian Tourism
Conference, September 17-20 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

16

For membership info contact
Gail Chehak at
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS [email protected]

TDX St. Paul Island Tour Alaska

For thousands of years, Alaska’s Unangan Aleut people have
cherished a tradition of welcoming visitors and providing
them with a home away from home. Come visit St. Paul
Island, a small, windswept island with the well-deserved reputation as “The Galapagos of the North.” A part of
Alaska’s Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, St. Paul is 800 air miles from Anchorage. St. Paul Island is a bird-watch-
er’s paradise and one of the most sought wilderness and wildlife destinations in the world, swarms of nesting
seabirds include both Tufted and Horned Puffins, also see Arctic Foxes, Northern Fur Seals, and one of the best
wildflower displays in Alaska. Visit the St. Paul village for warm smiles and experience authentic Aleut culture.
Contact: Gregory Galik, St. Paul Island Tour, TDX Corporation, 3601 C Street 10th Floor, Anchorage, Alaska 99503,
(907) 278-2312 and email to: [email protected], www.stpaulislandtour.com.

Kialo Winters, Navajo Tours USA

Navajo Tours USA is 100% Navajo owned and offer adventure tours throughout the
eastern Navajo Nation reservation in northwest New Mexico. All-inclusive photo and/
or discovery tours include destinations to Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Bisti/
De-Na-Zin Wilderness, Huerfano Mountain, Gallina Culture, Nacimiento Badlands, and
the Continental Divide trail. They are the only tour operator on the eastern area of the
Navajo Nation. Navajo Tours USA offer mobile catering so you can enjoy Navajo cultural
cuisine at their campground at Camp Dahsání.
Contact: Kialo Winters, Owner & CEO, Navajo Tours USA, P.O. Box 741 Cuba, NM 87013-0741, (505) 264-2129,
[email protected], www.NavajoToursUSA.com

Gary E. Williams, Organized Village of Kake

Gary E. Williams is from the Organized Village of Kake, a Tlingit village rich in
cultural history and tradition. Kake is a beachfront village with a fishing, logging and
subsistence-based lifestyle that sits at the edge of the Tebenkof Bay Wilderness and
features the world’s largest totem pole. The waters surrounding Kake are rich with
halibut and salmon making it a world-class destination for anglers as well as a prime spot for whale watching.
More than 120 miles of logging roads can be explored by mountain bike or on. Kake also serves as the departure
point for ocean kayak trips into Tebenkof Bay Wilderness, a remote bay system composed of hundreds of islands,
small inner bays and coves.
Contact: Gary E. Williams, Organized Village of Kake, PO Box 316, Kake, Alaska 99830, (907) 321-3577,
[email protected]; http://www.kakefirstnation.org

Tourism Cares

Tourism Cares is the charitable community of the travel and tourism industry and
helps advance the industry's social impact to help people and places thrive. We
unite the industry to make a greater impact on shared priorities, and to help each
company fulfill its giving goals. Our members include leading travel associations
and companies, together helping destinations in need, supporting our workforce, and improving our corporate
social responsibility.
Contact: Paula Brabants, Member Services Manager, 20 Vernon Street, Norwood, MA 02062, (781) 821-5990,
[email protected], or visit http://www.tourismcares.org

17

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations-USA

The mission of the National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations-USA is to rep-
resent, promote and protect the common interests of tourist guide associations in
the United States of America by:

• Providing a national forum to promote the highest degree of
professionalism for tourist guides.

• Establishing contacts among associations to share information and reinforce professional ties.
• Raising private, public and governmental awareness, locally and nationally, of the tourist guides’ role.
• Maintaining membership in related national tourism industry associations.
The on-going focus and commitment of the NFTGA-USA is to promote effective training and continuing
education, while upholding a strict code of ethics and demonstrating the highest degree of professionalism.
NFTGA has 20 member associations across the United States representing over 2500 tour guides. Information
about our member associations can be found at our web-site www.nftga.com. In addition, NFTGA is an active
member of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) with member associations in over 70
countries.
Contact: Ellen Malasky, President, National Federation of Tourist Guide Associations, 3036 44th St NW, Washington,
District of Columbia 20016, (202) 549-5171, [email protected], http://www.nftga.com/

The Cascade Loop Association

The Cascade Loop Association promotes a world-class road trip for visitors to the
Cascades in Washington State. The Association produces an annual travel guide that
includes attractions and events held by its members along the Cascade Loop. Book a
kayak tour or a whale watching trip. Pack the camera and the binoculars to spy bald
eagles, deer and elk from the byway, or mountain goats if hiking in higher elevations. Get
out and enjoy the beauty before that white stuff (snow!) hits the slopes! The guide
includes a watchable wildlife guide, a list to RV parks and camping sites, permit informa-
tion, electric car charging stations and more. The great American road trip is alive and well
on Washington's Cascade Loop Scenic Highway.
Contact: Annette Pitts, Executive Director, PO Box 3245, Wenatchee, Washington 98801, (509) 662-3888,
[email protected] or visit http://cascadeloop.com.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

The Standing Rock Indian Reservation spans North and South Dakota. The fifth-largest
Indian reservation in the U.S., it stretches across expansive tall grass plains, rolling hills and
buttes bordering the Missouri River. The name comes from a natural formation that resem-
bles a woman with a child on her back. The Standing Rock National Native American Scenic
Byway runs 86 miles along historic S.D. Highways 1806 and 24, memorial markers, interpre-
tive signs and monuments commemorate the heritage of the tribes. The Lewis and Clark
Legacy Nature Trail, located at Prairie Knight Marina near Fort Yates, includes a three-mile
walking/biking/hiking trail with markers that identify natural plants and include explanations of how they were
used. The Bay at Grand River includes cabins, a campground and two boat ramps with access to Lake Oahe for
boating and other water recreation. The Grand River Casino Resort and Prairie Knights Lodge Casino provide RV
hookups and camping areas for boating, hunting and fishing.
Contact: Cynthia Antelope, Tribal Planner, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, P.O. Box D, Building #1, Standing Rock Agency
Avenue, Fort Yates, ND 58538, (701)854-8570 or [email protected], www.standingrock.org/content/visit-us

18

NEWS FROM AROUND THE NATION:
OUR 6 REGIONS

Southwest

New Zip Line at Grand Canyon West

Located at Hualapai Ranch about a mile from the world-famous Grand Canyon
Skywalk, the Zipline at Grand Canyon West will let you soar nearly 1,000 feet
above the floor of a spectacular side canyon! You'll approach speeds of up to 50
mph as blue skies and epic scenery rush past. With 3,500 feet of zipline over two
separate runs, you and your group can come fly today!

Visit www.grandcanyonwest.com/zip-line.htm for more info.

Great Wolf Lodge Splashes into Arizona

Iconic family indoor water park resort to open in Scottsdale/Salt River Indian Community in 2019
Families across Arizona and the greater Southwest will have something fun to
howl about next year as Great Wolf Resorts, Inc., North America’s largest family
of indoor water park resorts, announced today it is expanding its paw print to
The Grand Canyon State. The 350-room family resort will be constructed on an
18-acre site adjacent to Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, located within the Salt
River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Talking Stick Entertainment District.
Great Wolf Lodge Arizona is scheduled to open the second half of 2019,
becoming the company’s 18th resort in North America.

Pacific

What does it mean to be Native, Beyond the Frame? beyondtheframe.org

Beyond the Frame uses the world-renowned photos across Washington state will be staging exhibits and
of Edward Curtis as a launch pad for conversations events connected to Curtis’s work. The Beyond The
about art and culture, identity and resilience. It’s a Frame website—beyondtheframe.org—is a guide
chance to appreciate the history that Curtis' work to these events, as well as other Native happenings
collects, but also to ask questions. What was left out in the region. It includes discussion guides for topics
of the story as he framed it? Curtis’s work often gazes like cultural appropriation and assimilation, as well
on a supposedly “lost” past. Beyond The Frame is as introductions to Northwest Native perspectives
an opportunity to engage with a thriving present. on topics such as art, language, business, health,
Throughout 2018, more than 20 museums, Native housing, and lands and waters.
cultural centers, libraries and other organizations

Just a Few of the Project Participants Include:
Squeamish Museum
Suquamish Museum
Yakama Nation Museum
Hibulb Cultural Center (Tulalip Tribe)
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle Public Library
Museum of Northwest Art
Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center

19

NEWS FROM AROUND THE NATION:
OUR 6 REGIONS

Eastern

In the News:
Tribes Hill Heritage Center opens space at mall

Click here for the full story
The Tribes Hill Heritage Center, a non-profit group that hopes to celebrate the Native American culture of
upstate New York on a grand scale, is taking its first few baby steps.
While the organization plans on developing 55 acres of land in the Montgomery County town of Florida as
an educational and cultural facility, the group has some temporary exhibit space at the Viaport Mall in Rot-
terdam, and will host an open house 11 a.m. Saturday.
"It started out as a window at the mall and now we have the store space that was 'The Gap,'" said Dance
Heacock, one of the founders of the THHC. "That's a big space, and the exhibits we're going to have up are
just a few samples of the materials we're going to have at the Tribes Hill Heritage Center."

Plains

150th Anniversary of the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie

The Oceti Sakowin will gather at Fort Laramie, Wyoming from April
28 to May 1, 2018 to memorialize the 1868 treaty that was signed by
the Chiefs. There will be presentations and activities about the historic
treaty signing.

The Peoples Center Building New Exhibits

The Peoples Center in Montana, a place to experience the rich cultural
heritage of the Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai tribes, is working on a newly designed exhibit. Coming
soon to the museum will be historic photos; men’s articles; women’s articles; hunting and gathering articles;
trapping articles; information on the Hellgate Treaty, the boarding school, the coming of the blackrobes, the
tipi encampment; and recent history such as tribal council and tribal government. For more on the Peoples
Center, visit thepeoplescenter.org.

20

NEWS FROM AROUND THE NATION:
OUR 6 REGIONS

Midwest

2018 Festival of Woodland Indian Art & Culture

Karen Ann Hoffman, member of the Oneida Nation, will open the Festival of Woodland Indian Art & Cul-
ture as the keynote speaker at a luncheon scheduled on June 1, 2018. Karen Ann Hoffman has become a
well respected teacher and role model in the Raised Beadwork culture internationally. More recently she
has pursued a role of finding opportunities for our native artists to interact and have their work viewed in

exhibits which Karen has curated.
The Woodland Indian Art Show and Market (WIAS&M) is an art competition and market showcasing the

unique artistic styles of Native American Nations from the midwest and eastern regions of the U.S.
June 1 – 3 | Oneida Radisson Hotel & Conference Center | 2040 Airport Drive | Oneida, Wisconsin

Pipestone Minnesota Featured in Chinese Travel Media

Click here, and hit “translate” in your browser to see the story!

Alaska

Southeast Alaska: Initiative looks to promote Native
art and make it an economic driver

Sealaska Heritage Institute is spearheading a new movement in an effort to promote Alaska Native art.

According to the Juneau Empire, Sealaska Heritage Institute Senior Research Fellow Rick Harris saw some-
thing that surprised him during the 2018 Winter Olympics. The Canadian snowboarding team was wearing
jackets that carried designs inspired by Tlingit and Kwakiutl artwork. Millions of viewers around the world
were being introduced to formline designs of ravens and bears, thanks to the artwork of Canadian artist
Corrine Hunt (who is of Tlingit and Kwakiutl heritage).

Harris noted that Native art of the Northwest is not only culturally valuable, but it is also popular and could
be an economic driver for Southeast Alaska. That’s one of the main aims of the new Northwest Coast Arts
Initiative that Harris and other Sealaska officials started in 2017. The initiative is looking to expand the mar-
kets of art from the Northwest and promote artists.

Learn more and read the full Juneau Empire article here.

KBBC Looking for Workforce Development Intern

The Kodiak Brown Bear Center Workforce Development Internship & Scholarship offers an
opportunity for specialized training in the management and operation of a world class
eco-tourism operation. KBBC is looking for people with interest in tourism and the outdoors
to support the future of this unique facility.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
21

AIANTA’s Board of Directors

Sherry L. Rupert, President, Southwest Region
Rachel Moreno, Vice President, Alaska Region

James Surveyor, Secretary, At-Large
Lora Ann Chaisson, Treasurer, Eastern Region

Pohai Ryan, Pacific Region
Jamie Sijohn, Pacific Region
Mario Fulmer, Alaska Region

Travis Owens, At-Large
Crystal Holtz, Midwest Region
Emerson Vallo, Southwest Region

AIANTA’s Staff

Camille Ferguson, Executive Director
Hannah Peterson, Development Director
Rachel Cromer Howard, Public Relations & Media Specialist
Sandra Anderson, IT & Website Development Coordinator
Gail Chehak, Membership & Development Coordinator
Sherrie L. Bowman, Office & Administrative Manager
Russell Pedro, International Outreach Coordinator

2401 12th Street NW | Albuquerque | New Mexico | 87104 | 505-724-3592
www.AIANTA.org


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