§4354 Native American Tourism and Branding Enhancement

Summary

Federal agency leaders must help Native American tribes, tribal groups, and Native Hawaiian groups share their cultures, foods, traditions, history, and living presence. They must support tribes’ work to keep important traditions and offer visitor experiences that are real and respectful. Agencies must also help explain how Indigenous peoples connect to the national story of the United States, promote respect for cultural diversity as part of the U.S. image, and make agreements and partnerships so travelers at airports and ports are welcomed in ways that both show and honor Native diversity. When possible, grant programs related to travel, recreation, or tourism run by the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, or other agency heads may fund tribes and Native Hawaiian groups to tell the story of Native Americans as the First Peoples, use arts and humanities to revive communities and boost local economies, and carry out these goals. The Smithsonian’s Advisory Council and Board of Regents must team up with tribes, Native Hawaiian groups, and nonprofits to build long-term partnerships with other museums and cultural groups to share collections, exhibits, teaching materials, and joint research to support tribal tourism.