The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO |November 21, 2022

CEO Rupert with Representative Mary Peltoa (D-AK) in Washington, D.C.

AIANTA Highlights for the Coming Week

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

How are you celebrating Native American Heritage Month?

This year the AIANTA staff is celebrating Native American Heritage Month by Rocking our Mocs!

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) encourage travelers to celebrate American Indian culture throughout the country by visiting Native American cultural centers, historic sites, and National Parks with special connections to the Native Heritage in their respective locations. Be sure to check out our website for upcoming events in your region.  

15 Scholarships Available for the ASU/AIANTA Sustainable Tourism for Native Nations and Communities

Application Deadline: Monday, January 31, 2023

AIANTA, in collaboration with the School of Community Resources & Development, in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University (ASU), Downtown Phoenix, has designed a Professional Certificate Program in Sustainable Tourism for Native Nations and Communities Certificate. The online program brings together industry experts who help students explore the importance of sustainable tourism with a specific emphasis on American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian cultural tourism efforts.

The program is comprised of seven online modules over seven weeks. One module is scheduled per week, with a final project for participants seeking ASU credit and others who would like to do the project.

Upon successful completion of the seven online modules, students will receive a Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism from the Arizona State University's School of Community Resources & Development, in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. This certificate program is offered both as a professional development option and a university credit option.

The 15 scholarships for the course are funded by NATIVE Act funds through a collaboration with the Office of Indian Economic Development.

Shop Native for the Holidays

If you’re looking for distinctive gifts for the holiday season and beyond, you’ll find a treasure trove of unique and hand-crafted items from Native artisans, both independently and at tribally owned museums, and cultural centers around the country on our Shop Native webpage. Along with unique artworks and collectibles, you will find home, health and artisan food for that person who seeks authentic and traditional Native-made gifts and treats.

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

December 13, 2022; 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (Mountain)

Artist: Prudy Correa (Acoma Pueblo, NM), Acoma Pueblo Clay Artist, Nativity Set

Join AIANTA and Support the Movement to Build Cultural Tourism in Indian Country

Apache Dancer Thumb drive

Artists: designed by NSRGNTS, led by Native couple Votan Ik (Mayan/Nahua) and Leah “Povi” Lewis (Pueblo/Dine’)

Through AIANTA membership, tribes, members of the tourism industry, federal, state and local governments, colleges and universities and others form a resource network that shares experiences and supports one another.

Already a member and need to renew? You still have time!

Please do so before the end of the year to receive our latest Apache Dancer Thumb Drive created by NSRGNTS! 

Thank you to our 2022 AITC Sponsor

Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce