Page 25 - 2020 AITC Program

Thursday September 17

10–10:55 a.m. Keynote Session: Facing and Overcoming Crisis
PROUD HO S T Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, State of Minnesota

If 2020 has taught us anything, it is that crises can and do occur with little warning. Frequently
these unexpected life events produce devastating economic effects that last for years if not
decades. The State of Minnesota is no exception. During this session, Minnesota Lieutenant
Governor Peggy Flanagan, a citizen of the White Earth Nation of Ojibwe, addresses crisis
OF THE planning and how tourism entities can better prepare for the worst by having a plan in place
before a crisis happens.

20 21 AIANT A 11–11:55 a.m. Breakout Session 9

Session 9a: Marketing & Messaging Tribal Tourism in the Year of COVID-19

C ONFERENCE Camille Ferguson, AIANTA At-Large Board Member;
Economic Development Director, Sitka Tribe of Alaska

Jamie Sijohn, AIANTA Board Member, Pacific Region
Learn how to stretch limited funding resources by employing creative marketing techniques.
This session will include a discussion on how to share your voice, how to bring consumer
confidence to your tourism destination and other unique challenges brought by COVID-19.

Session 9b: Driving Traffic to Tribal Campgrounds and RV Parks
Gayle Skunkcap, Jr., Campground Administrator, Blackfeet Manpower One Stop Center

Blackfeet Nation operates a number of campgrounds and RV parks conveniently located near
the entrances of Glacier National Park. The Nation has successfully partnered with many big
organizations and hosted many large-scale events on the campgrounds, including the annual
Glacier National Park Half Marathon, Native Speaks, Vacation Races, R.V Trekking USA, Annual
Veterans Powwow and Good Sam Status.

12–12:55 p.m. Networking Break: Agritourism and American Indian Foods
Gail Chehak, Membership & Outreach, AIANTA; Steve Larese, Travel Writer, Photographer for
AIANTA’s agritourism program; Latashia Redhouse, Program Director, American Indian Foods;
Courtney Fischer, Assistant Director, American Indian Foods

Network with agritourism professionals and Native food producers to discuss agritourism
trends and opportunities. Open to anyone working in agritourism, culinary arts and Native
foods production or anyone interested in exploring agritourism opportunities.

1–1:55 p.m. Breakout Session 10

Session 10a: Developing A Business Case in Support of Cultural Tourism Infrastructure

Anne Ketz, CEO & Services Director, 106 Group
Gail McDonald, Development Manager, Akwesasne Heritage Center

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