The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO | Jan. 02, 2024

It’s a new day and a New Year! Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous 2024!

AIANTA Highlights for the Coming Week

Happy New Year From AIANTA

From the heart of AIANTA to yours, we wish you a Happy New Year filled with warmth, laughter, and the company of loved ones. Your unwavering support has been the light guiding our journey throughout the years, and we are profoundly grateful for the shared moments of connection and growth. As we reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the 2023 year, we look forward to the promise of new beginnings and the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we celebrate the resilience of Indigenous cultures and the power of community. May the new year bring fresh inspiration, continued growth, and a flourishing spirit. Happy New Year!

RFP Open for FY 2024 OIED/AIANTA NATIVE Act Tourism Capacity Building Grants

RFP Deadline: TODAY! January 2, 2024

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), the only national organization supporting cultural tourism efforts in Native Nations and communities, and the Office of Indian Economic Development (OIED) are working jointly to implement the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act (Public Law 114-221) through technical assistance and training and through capacity building grants. In alignment with the NATIVE Act, the overarching goals of this project are to provide tourism capacity building grants to Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations and Native Hawaiian Organizations to enhance the visitor experience and provide economic and cultural benefits to Tribes, Tribal Organizations and Native Hawaiian Organizations. Get your applications in today! Final day to submit for the RFP!

Dakota 38+2 & Wounded Knee

The Dakota 38 Memorial at Reconciliation Park in Mankato, Minnesota. Dedicated in 1997, it marks the site of the largest mass execution in U.S. history where 38 Dakota Indians were hanged by the government during the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862

As we reflect upon the pages of history, our hearts are heavy with the weight of remembrance. Today, we honor the Dakota 38+2 and those lost at Wounded Knee, acknowledging the profound impact these events have had on Indigenous communities. Without their and others' efforts to protect Indigenous ways of life for future generations, we would not be able to live such culturally rich lives today. To numerous Native Nations and communities, their language and culture are the driving force behind their development. Today we hold space for their resilience and courage. May their memory guide us toward healing and understanding, reminding us of the enduring strength within the history of Indigenous cultures. 

AIANTA In The News!

We are thrilled to unveil our exhilarating feature story in USA Today! But that's not all—the spotlight extends to showcase amazing AIANTA members, featuring none other than the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Nez Perce Tourism. Dive into this wonderful article that encapsulates the essence of AIANTA and the remarkable stories woven by our esteemed members. Learn how the views of travelers change when they experience the best parts of cultural tourism. Read the full article on our website!

Meet Our New Intern, Cheryl Jim!

We are pleased to say a new member has joined our AIANTA team! Cheryl Jim (Dinè) is from Church Rock, New Mexico located on the Navajo Nation. She graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Business Management in 2014. Cheryl is passionate about giving back to her community and has done so with her previous work in customer service in Gallup and Albuquerque, New Mexico. Cheryl resides in Albuquerque and is currently continuing her education at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Geospatial Information Systems (GIS).