The Rupert Report

From the Desk of AIANTA's CEO | June 12, 2023

It was an honor to keynote the Wabanaki Tourism Summit in Bar Harbor, Maine last week. Thanks to Charlene Virgilio and her team for their hard work in pulling off this amazing conference!

AIANTA Highlights for the Coming Week

American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association and Alaska Native Heritage Center Partner for Sustainable Tribal Tourism Development in Alaska

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) have announced its new memorandum of understanding (MOU) for sustainable tribal tourism development. Together, the nonprofit organizations aim to create a stronger national voice for Native Nations and communities for recreation, travel and tourism capacity, interests and needs in Alaska. Centralizing and elevating Alaska Native history, voices and ways of life are critical for Alaska Native cultural tourism development, destination marketing, and capacity building.

Living and Creating in an Inspirational Setting: Artist Residency Programs

Tuesday, June 13, 2023 10:00am (Mountain)

In this webinar, you will hear from Native artists, galleries and cultural centers who will share their experiences with Native Artist residencies in different models around the country. Residency programs can help expose participating artists to new audiences, promote cultural literacy with visitors, and enrich each artist by providing resources, space and time for them to grow as professional artists and do new work. An artist's immersive experience may be used to invite artists to reflect new ways to see National Parks or Wildlife areas, or it may be an opportunity for several artists at once to inspire one another in collective studios, or for emerging artists to develop new work and have an opportunity to stay, work and display or perform new works in gallery or theater settings. Join us to find out how to go on your next art adventure, or imagine how tribal communities can support artist residencies as part of their cultural programs. 

NCAI Update

AIANTA attended the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-year Convention and Marketplace. We had a productive time networking with Tribal leaders from across the country. The event provided opportunities for AIANTA to engage with stakeholders and discuss ways to further promote tourism in Indian Country. The organization is excited to continue building these relationships and collaborating on future programming!

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.

Celebrate National Flag Week by Learning About the Flags that Represent Indigenous Nations

National Flag Week June 11 - 17, 2023

The use of flags as symbols of a Nation is a long-standing tradition observed across different cultures and regions. Each tribal nation's flag is unique and can be easily identified by its distinctive artwork. Tribal nations realized the need for a visual symbol representing their identity and distinct culture. This led to the creation of tribal flags, which were used to signify the sovereignty and power of tribal nations. Indigenous communities have their own governments, laws, and traditions, and tribal flags represent this distinct culture. They are not just artworks but are symbols of the power, sovereignty, and distinct culture of tribal nations so when you travel to any of these Indigenous Nations try to learn the significance of their Nation's flag, you won't regret it!