Ready for A New Adventure? Explore the Latest Indigenous Travel Experiences

Travelers who want a meaningful cultural experience as well as adventure are finding Indigenous communities are ready to welcome them – and the opportunities for indigenous travel experiences are endless!

These communities are leading the way with new tourism initiatives that give visitors a better understanding of who they are, where they come from, and where they intend to go. If you’re looking for something fresh and decidedly different, explore the latest Indigenous travel experiences for your next trip.

Why Indigenous Peoples are Opening Their Lives and Lands

There are between 4 and 7 million Indigenous people in the United States. And there are 574 federally recognized tribes here. Yet even though they make up a large chunk of the population, many of us know very little about our Indigenous neighbors.

Many members of these tribes are trying to change that. They’re starting conversations, making connections, and opening their lives and lands to foster a broader understanding of their pasts, presents, and futures.

A few touchpoints to explain why there has been an increase in Indigenous tourism:

1. Economic empowerment

Tourism provides a significant source of income for communities with limited economic options, allowing them to invest in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

2. Cultural Preservation

By sharing their traditions, stories, and practices with visitors, indigenous people help revitalize and maintain their cultural identity.

3. Environmental Stewardship

Indigenous communities often have deep knowledge and strong connections to their land, and tourism incentivizes them to protect their environment for future generations.

4. Community Development

Tourism creates jobs for local people, allowing them to stay in their communities and contribute to their economies.

5. Cross-Cultural Understanding

Tourism fosters greater awareness and appreciation for indigenous cultures among visitors, promoting intercultural dialogue and respect.

For travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences, these tourism opportunities are a great way to meet their needs. At the same time, they help with the continuing efforts of Indigenous people to make their voices heard in a larger conversation about heritage, identity, and the future.

Promoting Authentic Experiences

Indigenous communities, tour providers and state tourism agencies recognize the growing interest in Indigenous history and culture. As a result, they are banding together to develop and promote authentic experiences on tribal lands.

Collaborations like the one between the National Tour Association (NTA) and American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA) are blazing a new trail in travel. Together they are educating tour operators and travel advisors about Native Nations and destinations.

They’re also providing access to a larger group of suppliers while promoting products that are sustainable and culturally enriching.

In addition, DMOs in states like California, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and South Dakota are committed to providing resources to support program development and marketing.

Historically, the Indigenous sector has received little of the “heads in beds” taxes that fund destination marketing organizations (DMOs). However, DMOs in states like California, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and South Dakota are now committed to providing resources to support program development and marketing.

For example, in March of 2023, Visit California launched its Visit Native California platform – a site that highlights tourism opportunities offered by the 109 federally recognized tribes throughout the state. The platform provides information about Indigenous businesses, tours, sites, events, and more.

New Adventures to Consider

As all of these things begin to coalesce in the travel industry, it means that there is a wider array of experiences to consider – along with a broader understanding of how travelers can enjoy them.

The most important point to remember is that it’s the tribal communities themselves that make the experience unique. From Alaska to Arizona, or the Northeast to Hawaii, each has its own distinct culture to highlight.

Here are a few ideas for your next Indigenous adventure…

Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in Palm Springs

Visit the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in Palm Springs. Here you’ll find a state-of-the-art spa, outdoor Oasis Trail, and a 10,000 square foot tribal museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Agua Caliente People.

Black Streak Canyon Tours

Take a breathtaking journey through the towering red rocks of Northern Arizona’s iconic canyons. Members of the Navajo Nation host walking tours of some of the world’s most unforgettable landscapes.

Learning and Life with the Navajo Nation – A Teen Traveler’s Perspective

Route 66

AIANTA has added a twist to this historic road with a free digital guide showcasing the abundance of Indigenous culture between Chicago and LA. Some of the highlights include the Cahokia Mounds – a city of Mississippian culture dating back to 700 CE – and the ancient pueblo settlements of New Mexico.

Akwesasne Travel & Tours

Get to know the “Mohawk Spirit” when you immerse yourself in the Akwesasne community of Upstate New York and into Canada.

Here you’ll learn about time-honored traditions like lacrosse, basket making, and music – as well as today’s modern tribal culture.

Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Tourism Earth Lodge Village

In the Upper Missouri River Valley, the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara tribes spent hundreds of years perfecting the art of building earth lodge homes on the harsh Northern Plains.

Today you can learn about these sacred structures at the Earth Lodge Village on the shores of Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota. Ride the trails, enjoy cultural interpretations, spend the night in an earth lodge, or experience the culture of a modern-day powwow.

Chickasaw Cultural Center and the First Americans Museum

The Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, OK tells the stories of the Chickasaw people and how they’ve helped to shape our common history.  The center is a breathtaking architectural design that blends seamlessly with the landscape.

Just about an hour’s drive from Sulphur is the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.  It’s a brand-new facility sharing tales of tribal tragedy and triumph.

https://groupexperience.com/what-do-you-know-about-sooners-and-oklahomas-first-americans/

What to Keep in Mind 

This is just a sample of the Indigenous experiences that are surging in popularity. As you seek new opportunities for Native travel, keep the following in mind:

Look for Indigenous-led Experiences

The best way to ensure an accurate and respectful experience is to find one that’s led by Indigenous people. Look for businesses that mention this on their websites and identify the tribe or community they’re associated with.

Check Out Organizations that Work with Indigenous Peoples

Organizations like AIANTA and Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC) help grow and market Indigenous tourism businesses. They also have websites that help you find experiences led by Indigenous entrepreneurs.

To find more ideas and destinations, explore sites like Experience Native America, and  Visit the USA.

Learn About the Land from Tribes

Tribal websites are a great resource for learning about the land directly from tribes. Consider how the land was stewarded and how native plants were used.

Explore the Latest Indigenous Travel Experiences

Indigenous travel is on the rise for a reason. It’s an amazing way to connect with a population that has been widely misrepresented in both the past and present. Make your next adventure more meaningful and explore the latest Indigenous travel experiences!

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