§4354 Native American Tourism and Branding Enhancement

Summary

Federal agency leaders must help Native American tribes, tribal groups, and Native Hawaiian groups share and protect their heritage, foods, traditions, history, and living cultures. They must support efforts to keep local traditions alive and create visitor experiences that are real and respectful. Agencies must also help explain how indigenous peoples connect to the national identity of the United States, promote respect for cultural diversity, and make agreements or public–private partnerships so travelers arriving at airports and ports are welcomed in ways that showcase and respect Native communities. When possible, travel and tourism grant programs run by federal Native American and arts agencies can be used to help tribes tell the story of Native Americans as the First Peoples of the United States, use arts and humanities to renew communities and boost local economies, and carry out these goals. The Smithsonian’s Advisory Council and Board of Regents must work with tribes and nonprofits to build long-term partnerships with other museums and cultural groups to share collections, exhibits, teaching materials, and joint research that supports tribal tourism.