Page 13 - 2020 AITC Program

2020 AITC Agenda

HARRAH’S AK-CHIN
Maricopa, AZ
Ak-Chin Indian Community Monday September 14

10–10:55 a.m. Welcome to the American Indian Tourism Conference
Welcome to AITC
Sherry L. Rupert, CEO, AIANTA; Emerson Vallo, President, AIANTA Board of Directors
Welcome to the 2020 American Indian Tourism Conference, “One Country, Many Nations.” For
more than 20 years, the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association has been proud to
host AITC, the only national conference dedicated to travel and tourism in Indian Country.

Please make sure to download the official 2020 AITC app and enjoy this year’s conference!
HARRAH’S RESORT CHEROKEE
Cherokee, NC
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Protecting Our Nations / Leading through Change
Keynote Speaker: Amber Torres, Chairwoman, Walker River Paiute Tribe

Tribal officials are often faced with tough decisions especially during times of crisis. They must
weigh doing what’s right with the longer-term potential for deep economic losses. Despite
significant pushback, Walker River Paiute Tribe Chairwoman Amber Torres made an early
decision to close the reservation to all non-residents, even off-reservation tribal members.
The decision has kept COVID-19 numbers to a minimum among the Walker River Paiute
people, but it also effectively shut down Weber Reservoir, a popular attraction with visitors.
“People did not respect our decision as a sovereign nation to close the reservation, especially
the Weber Reservoir. They wanted to get into our ancestral homelands as if it is their right to
fish and use our resources for recreation, when ultimately it is a privilege,” said Torres. In this
session, Torres addresses AITC delegates on the importance of planning ahead and the best
HARRAH’S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA approach to take when making life-saving and potentially unpopular decisions.
Funner, CA
Rincon Band of the Luiseno Indians
11–11:55 a.m. Breakout Session 1

Session 1a: Building a Regional Tribal Tourism Alliance
Suzette Brewer, Executive Director, Native American Tourism of Wisconsin (NATOW)
Geri Hongeva, President, Arizona American Indian Tourism Association
Sherry L. Rupert, CEO, AIANTA (moderator)

Lack of budget and staff resources can be detrimental to creating an effective marketing plan,
especially in times of crisis. A strategic approach to destination marketing, especially one
that brings together partners under one collaborative umbrella, ensures a wider reach for all
stakeholders. Geri Hongeva, President of the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association
# U N T I L W E M E E T A G A I N (AAITA) and Suzette Brewer, Executive Director of NATOW, share the benefits of developing a
regional marketing program.

Session 1b: Responding to the Active Shooter
Regis Pino, Safety Services Representative, AMERIND

When it comes to planning for the worst, preparation is key. Regis Pino, the Safety Services
Representative for AMERIND presents the National Safety Council’s module on how to
recognize and react to an active shooter situation, including active shooter statistics, the
CaesarsMeansBusiness.com | 855-633-8238 | meet@caesars.com definition of an active shooter, how to recognize the signs of an active shooter and what
to do when confronted with an active shooter.

#AITC2020 | Page 8 #AITC2020 | Page 9

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