- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
Destination Original Indigenous Tourism (DO-IT) formalized its partnership this week during the 26th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference, hosted by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe in Marksville, Louisiana. The collaboration includes the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada (ITAC), and New Zealand Māori Tourism.
After a year of development, DO-IT is the first of its kind, aiming to unify the voices of Indigenous tourism globally. Its mission is to lead the creation and promotion of authentic Indigenous tourism experiences through innovative partnerships, fostering a sustainable international network that supports a thriving Indigenous tourism economy.
The conference featured a significant signing ceremony for DO-IT's partnership, with insightful discussions led by Sherry L. Rupert (AIANTA), Keith Henry (ITAC), and Dale Stephens (New Zealand Māori Tourism). They explored Indigenous tourism standards in their respective countries and the necessity for guidelines that ensure travelers recognize and trust the authenticity of Destination Original-branded experiences. The discussions also focused on the goals of the new organization and the future of Indigenous travel worldwide.
“Destination Original Indigenous Tourism mission aligns with AIANTA’s mission to define, introduce, grow and sustain American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian tourism that honors traditions and values, so it’s a natural fit for us to join our colleagues in establishment of this vital organization,” said AIANTA CEO Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe). “As the leader in Indigenous tourism in the U.S., AIANTA is thrilled to join this global community of Indigenous leaders to amplify our commitment to sharing authentic cultural heritage experiences as a united front.”
ITAC President & CEO Keith Henry emphasized that this partnership elevates Indigenous-led tourism globally, building on ITAC's efforts to create sustainable experiences celebrating First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures. “This collaboration is a pivotal step in advancing global Indigenous tourism, creating opportunities for communities and showcasing Indigenous histories through tourism,” he said.
NZ Māori Tourism Chair Dale Stephens (Te Rarawa) remarked, “We are proud to support DO-IT and its goals for Indigenous peoples worldwide. This partnership empowers Indigenous communities, fostering connections that lead to unity. By celebrating our authenticity, we pave the way for a tourism model that prioritizes cultural respect over commercialization, drawing visitors who seek genuine connections with our people and places.”
In addition to the partnership announcement, DO-IT introduced its founding board, comprising six visionary Indigenous leaders, and appointed its first President and CEO, Sebastien Desnoyers-Picard of the Huron-Wendat Nation in Canada. With nearly 18 years of experience in the Indigenous tourism sector and currently serving as ITAC's vice president, Sebastien is well-equipped to guide DO-IT under the strategic direction of the board. The organization looks forward to his leadership as it embarks on this new journey.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Seattle Seahawks Tackle Preservation Projects at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center for Annual Day of Service
Native News Weekly (June 15, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
