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Tourism

AIANTA and UNLV Collaborate on Specialized Training Program for Native Communities

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) have formed a partnership to develop a specialized training program aimed at strengthening resilience in Native communities. This innovative program will explore the connectivity and unique opportunities and challenges of cultural tourism development and land use planning. Participants will receive assistance applying for and ensuring compliance with U.S. Forest Service Grants and Agreements.

Key Takeaways:

  • The training program is a result of the partnership between AIANTA and UNLV's Harrah College of Hospitality, which is uniquely positioned to deliver this training due to its expertise in customized executive education programs for Tribal organizations.
  • The program aims to equip Tribal nations with tools to grow tourism economies while safeguarding lands through Indigenous stewardship.
  • The training content, developed by UNLV's Sands Center for Professional Development, includes 12 hours of content presented in four modules:

+ Module 1: Cultural Tourism Systems

+ Module 2: Exploring Connectivity Between Tourism and Land Use

+ Module 3: Tips for Submitting U.S. Department of Forestry Applications

+ Module 4: Tips for Understanding Compliance for U.S. Forestry Service Grants and Agreements

  • The pilot for the innovative partnership-based training will be launched at the 27th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference on October 28 at the Pearl River Resort in Choctaw, Mississippi.
  • AIANTA is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit governed by an all-Native board of directors, serving as the only national organization dedicated to advancing cultural heritage tourism in Native Nations and communities across the United States.
  • AIANTA's mission is to define, introduce, grow, and sustain Indigenous tourism that honors traditions and values.

Statistics:

  • The American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) has served for over 27 years, providing resources to Native Nations and communities to develop and sustain cultural tourism.
  • The Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE Act) funding in 2018 recognized Indian Country Tourism through federal appropriations via NATIVE Act implementation.
  • AIANTA supports a network of national and regional nonprofit groups that provide Community Navigator Services, connecting communities with resources, programs, and support networks they might not otherwise be aware of.
  • The $11.6 billion Native hospitality sector is a significant contributor to the US economy.

Sources:

  • AIANTA and UNLV to collaborate on specialized training program to strengthen resilience in Native communities, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)
  • Angela Ramsey, "AIANTA and UNLV to collaborate on specialized training program to strengthen resilience in Native communities"
  • American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA)
  • Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act (NATIVE Act)

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