The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO | June 20, 2023

Whose Mouth Do I Speak With

I can remember my father bringing home spruce gum.

He worked in the woods and filled his pockets

with golden chunks of pitch.

For his children

he provided this special sacrament

and we'd gather at this feet, around his legs,

bumping his lunchbox, and his empty thermos rattled inside.

Our skin would stick to Daddy's gluey clothing

and we'd smell like Mumma's Pine Sol.

We had no money for store bought gum

but that's all right.

The spruce gum

was so close to chewing amber

as though in our mouths we held the eyes of Coyote

and how many other children had fathers

that placed on their innocent, anxious tongue

the blood of tree?

-Suzanne Rancourt (Abenaki/Huron decent)

AIANTA Highlights for the Coming Week

Summer Solstice is Upon Us!

June 21, 2023

The summer solstice has been of vital importance to Indigenous communities in North America for centuries, and continues to hold significant cultural and spiritual significance to this day. In many Indigenous cultures, the summer solstice is celebrated as a time of renewal and reflection, and is marked by traditional ceremonies to honor the natural world. The summer solstice is a time of prayer, reflection, and gratitude. Me and a majority of the AIANTA staff are Tribal members of a Tribal Nation and each of us have our own beliefs associated with the summer solstice, but I would say one belief we all share is that this is a time of renewal. We hope you will take this time to celebrate and indulge in the process of renewal, visit one of the many destinations listed on NativeAmerica.travel to experience a full rejuvenation or check out one of the events!

Here is just a few events happening during Summer Solstice:

• Summer Solstice Celebration at the First Americans Museum
• Summer Solstice Sunrise Program at Chaco Canyon
• Downtown Solstice Festival in Anchorage, AK

Stewart Father's Day Powwow

Fatherhood is a crucial component of all Indigenous communities, and fathers play an essential role in shaping the future success of these communities, they are responsible for providing guidance, support, and leadership to their children and families. We should celebrate fathers in our communities for everything they have done to guide us toward that success. I was fortunate to be able to attend the Stewart Father's Day Powwow in Carson City, Nevada last weeke. Seeing our families and community come together to celebrate their fathers was truly a sight to see!

Informational Webinar: AIANTA/USFS FY 2023 Request for Proposals

Tuesday, June 29, 2023 1:00pm (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 panel of past grantees and a question and answer session specific to types of projects, timelines, the application process and implementation.

Professional Certificate Program in

Cultural Heritage Tourism

Explore the fundamentals of tribal tourism planning with the Professional Certificate Program in Cultural Heritage Tourism offered by AIANTA in partnership with the George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies.

The online program brings together industry experts who help students explore the importance of including authentic Native American cultural experiences in their tourism planning.

Requirements

The Professional Certificate in Cultural Tourism provides tourism entrepreneurs and community leaders with the tools to identify and develop the assets that would most appeal to visitors. It is a self-managed online program that allows participants to learn the content and complete the requirements at their own pace each week. The program is comprised of six courses. One course is scheduled per week with one week allocated for catch up upon conclusion of the program. Each course requires 6 hours of study, including readings, tourism lectures and presentations. Participants are required to complete a written assignment at the end of each course.

Upon successful completion of the six courses, students receive a Professional Certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism from The George Washington University School of Business. This is a non-credit, non- degree program.

Registration deadline: August 23, 2023 

AITC Silent Auction Call for Donations!

Join us October 2-5, 2023 at the Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction to honor the best in Indian Country and raise money to help build a professional workforce. The 25th Annual American Indian Tourism Conference (AITC) in Durant, Oklahoma at the Choctaw Casino Resort, concludes with a memorable evening gala for the 12th annual Excellence in Tourism Industry Awards Gala and Silent Auction. 

During the gala, guests have the opportunity to bid for Native art from around the country, as well as other items and gift certificates to a variety of amazing Native destinations. The proceeds from the silent auction raise funds for AIANTA’s Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship Program.

You can help AIANTA raise funds for our scholarship program by donating your art, or other items or by purchasing a table. Your support helps American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students pursue post-secondary degrees in hospitality, tourism management and other tourism-related fields. 

All Silent Auction donations must be received by September 30, 2023.