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AIANTA News | August 2022

What's New at AIANTA?

O me’a”kwa

Dear Members, Partners and Friends,


I hope this letter finds you happy, healthy and ready to tackle new adventures. 


As I am writing this letter, I have just returned from the U.S. Travel Association’s Board of Directors Meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This three-day meeting allowed for collaboration from other directors and industry leaders from around the country. Elements of the meeting focused on tourism recovery, safe policies to ensure COVID safety for travelers, and advocacy for all components of the travel and tourism industry. As both a Board Member of the U.S. Travel Association and a representative for Native Nations, I participate in this forum of travel professionals to work towards a more inclusive travel industry by elevating the voices of the vibrant indigenous cultures and languages that contribute to the growth and vitality of the U.S. travel industry.

           

The conclusion of the meeting said farewell to Mr. Roger Dow the long-standing President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. Throughout his tenure he worked to transform the travel industry into a more cohesive body, including the development of Brand USA... Read More

Read More

Request for Proposal: U.S. Forest Service/AIANTA NATIVE Act Grant

AIANTA and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have jointly released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the U.S. Forest Service/AIANTA NATIVE Act Grant. This program will award grants of up to $250,000 out of a total funding amount of approximately $900,000 and is intended to advance the intent and purpose of the NATIVE Act through supporting and investing in efforts to enhance and integrate cultural tourism/cultural recreation to empower Native American communities and to advance the National Travel and Tourism Strategy.

Learn More

AIANTA and the USFS will hold a webinar on August 23, 2022 for those interested in applying. Register here.

Register for Webinar

AIANTA Board Member Nominations

AIANTA is currently seeking representatives from the following regions, that will expire in October 2022:


  • Southeast (AL, AR, East TX, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC and TN)
  • Midwest (MI, MN and WI)
  • Hawaii
  • Alaska (outside of Southeast Alaska)
  • Central California
  • Rocky Mountain (MT, WY, ND and SD)

AIANTA is also seeking representatives for the following regions that can be immediately appointed for the remainder of the terms:


  • Pacific Northwest (OR, Northern CA), term expires 2024
  • Central Plains (IA, IL, IN, KS, MS, NE, OH), term expires 2023
Apply Here

Register by August 22, 2022

Professional Certificate In Cultural Heritage Tourism

AIANTA, in partnership with the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies (GW), offers a Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism. The online program spans seven weeks and equips students from all backgrounds with the knowledge and skills to manage several components of cultural heritage tourism.

Learn how Partnerships can strengthen the development and promotion of cultural heritage tourism in the latest GW Blog!

Register Now

Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail

With additional funding from the National Park Service, AIANTA will produce videos about Tribal nations located along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. You will be able to see these videos on the NativeAmerica.travel social media pages soon.


Follow NativeAmerica.travel on Facebook to see upcoming events from Native communities across the country.

Learn About the Partnership

We're Hiring!

Vice President Operations

Experienced and proven leader in non-profit program management.

Apply by August 19, 2022.


Marketing Director

A leader with experience in public relations and knowledge of the international travel trade.

Apply by August 26, 2022.


Administrative Assistant

Under direct supervision and mentorship of the Office Manager perform a wide range of entry-level activities and projects with room to grow within the program.

Apply by August 19, 2022.

Apply

More Good News

Sealaska Heritage Seeking Alaska Native Art

SHI’s Sealaska Heritage Store buys art! Sealaska Heritage wants to establish long-term relationships with Alaska Native artists who would like to sell through their store in Juneau and online. Learn more.


Indigenous Arts Festival - Poeh Cultural Center

Join Poeh Cultural Center at their second annual Pathways Indigenous Arts Festival from August 19 - 21. Learn more.


Save the Date for the Chimney Rock National Monument 10th Anniversary

The Forest Service and Tribes are planning a 10th anniversary event to recognize the designation of Chimney Rock as a National Monument from September 23-24, 2022. Learn more.

American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC)

Early Bird Registration Ends September 1, 2022

Don't miss out on the Early Bird pricing for AITC! Click here to see a full list of pricing.

Early: Before Sept. 1

Standard: Sept. 2-Oct. 7

Member

$525

$625

Non-Member

$675

$775

Student/Senior (62+)

$325

$425

One-Day Admission

$400

$500

Register Here

Support AIANTA's Scholarship Fund

The ongoing success of the Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship program is due in large part to the generosity of our Native communities, partners and donors. We would be honored if your tribe, Native community, business or organization would consider donating an item to our Silent Auction, held every year at the Annual Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction.  This year the Gala will be held on October 27th from 7 pm-10 pm. If you would like to purchase a ticket, click here.


Interested in donating an auction item?

Please contact Ariel Richardson at arichardson@aianta.org or call (505) 724-3592 to discuss your donation or for more information.

Available Sponsorship Opportunities

Extend your visibility by sponsoring AITC. Every year the conference attracts more than 300 attendees, who attend for the networking opportunities, the high-level keynote sessions and the informative breakout sessions led by some of the leading hospitality industry experts. At our first-ever virtual conference we had 800 registrants.

Amber Sponsor

From $15,000 (Two available)

  • Heart Speaks Closing Session or Audio-Visual Sponsor
  • Full-screen logo display during the Heart Speaks Closing Session


Tribal Team Sponsorship

From $3,500


  • Three AITC registrations (all attendees must be from the same Tribe or organization)
  • One annual tribal/business AIANTA membership
  • Name listed on sponsor page in AITC program
  • Name listed on AIANTA.org
  • Logo on AITC conference app

Friends of AIANTA Sponsorship

From $1,500

  • Name listed in AITC program on sponsor page
  • Name listed on AIANTA.org
  • Logo on AITC conference app
  • One-day conference registration


Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Table Sponsorship


All registered AITC attendees will receive one complimentary admission to the Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction

Additional tickets are available for $150 per person. (AITC registration is not required)

  • Organizations interested in sponsoring a table may do so for $1,000 (8 tickets included)
See More Sponsorships

For more information about AITC or for personal assistance with purchasing a table at the Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction, please contact Sherrie L. Bowman, Education Support Specialist at sbowman@aianta.org or call (505) 724-3592.

AIANTA Opportunities

Webinar: Building Collaborative Tourism in Hawai’i

August 30, 2022; 2 p.m. (Mountain); 10 a.m. (Hawaii)

Through partnerships, collaboration and most importantly, communication, learn how the Hawaiian Islands are weaving cultural tourism into branding and messaging. Additionally, Hawai‘i is offering new product to visitors, based on ancient wisdom and cultural practices. Join Malia Sanders, Executive Director of the Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association (NaHHA) and Kainoa Daines, Senior Director of Brand of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) as we explore the Malama Hawai‘i Program, an initiative designed to bring community, industry and visitors together.

Register Now

Informational Webinar: AIANTA/USFS Request for Proposals

August 23, 2022; 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. Forest Service Managed Lands. The webinar will include a question and answer session specific to types of projects, timeline, the application process and implementation.


Learn more about the U.S. Forest/AIANTA NATIVE Act Grant here.

Register Now

AIANTA and USDA On-Demand Webinars

AIANTA and USDA Session 1 of 3:

Resources for Native Agriculture Production and Conservation


AIANTA and USDA Session 2 of 3:

Adding Value to Native Agriculture Products


AIANTA and USDA Session 3 of 3:

Developing Tribal Tourism Enterprises Based on Native Values

Subscribe to our Youtube Channel to watch the latest webinars!

Discover Native America

Kodiak Brown Bear Center & Lodge

The modern guest cabins incorporate all the luxuries of a five-star resort.

Kodiak Brown Bear

The Kodiak Brown Bear Center’s home is on Camp Island, located in the center of Karluk Lake on Kodiak Island, and is just a short boat ride away from some of the best brown bear habitats remaining on the planet. Our program represents Alaska bear viewing at its best including the fusion of thousands of years of traditional Alutiiq wisdom with modern scientific knowledge.

Learn More

Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum

Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum Grand Opening June 18, 2022

The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum

The Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum was created in 2019 by the Nevada Indian Commission to tell the history of the school as a federal boarding school for Great Basin tribal nations from 1890-1980. The Cultural Center interprets the complicated history of this school and tells the stories shared by alumni.

Learn More

Claim Your Free Listing at NativeAmerica.travel

NativeAmerica.travel is AIANTA's premier destination website, connecting travelers to unique American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian destinations in the United States. Join the leading travel resource for visitors seeking authentic indigenous travel experiences!

Claim your Listing

AIANTA in the News

Travel is back: Native Tourism Destinations

ICT, July 18, 2022


Stewart Indian School leaves behind a complicated history

Sierra Nevada Ally, July 3, 2022

AIANTA Membership

Thank You New AIANTA Members


Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum (Nonprofit-Great Basin Region)

Triptych Planning (Native Owned Business-Southeast Region)

Tatanka Rez Tourz (Native Owned Business-Rocky Mountain Region)

Jake Viarrial, New Mexico Cultural Experiences (Student-Southwest Region)

Join AIANTA Now

AIANTA members are well-informed and play a key role in supporting sustainable and authentic tribal tourism that benefits not only member tribes but all tribes. With your help, we’ll continue to make sure that the right national decision-makers hear your voice—and all our voices—so our people can thrive and grow.
Join AIANTA Now
Support AIANTA
Shop AIANTA at Amazon.com

AIANTA has joined the AmazonSmile charitable giving program. After you designate AIANTA as your preferred charitable organization through AmazonSmile, Amazon will contribute .5 percent of all purchases to help support AIANTA programming.

2022 AITC Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor

Rincon Tribe

Presenting Sponsor

Harrah's Resort Southern California

Gold Sponsor

Choctaw Country

Silver Sponsor

Arizona Office of Tourism

Silver Sponsor

Tribal Solutions Group

Bronze Sponsors

America250

Coeur D’Alene Casino Resort

Chickasaw Country

Visit Cherokee Nation

Inn of the Mountain Gods Casino & Resort

Paragon Casino Resort

106 Group

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Tribal Team Sponsors

Oneida Nation of Wisconsin

Lakota Youth Development-Tipi Stays

Pearl River Resort

7 Cedars

Emerging Leader Sponsor

Klas Robinson QED

Ak-Chin Indian Community

Port Madison Enterprises

Friends of AIANTA Sponsor

AMERIND

Stay Connected

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Funding Opportunities
AIANTA collects funding opportunities that may be of interest to Indigenous or Native American tourism & hospitality enterprises looking to grow their tourism, culture, heritage, arts, agritourism or other culture and heritage programming.

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Meet Our Team
Meet the AIANTA team at www.aianta.org/about-aianta/our-team.

Need Help?
Email info@aianta.org to receive more information.