Indian Affairs awards $3 Million in Tribal tourism grants

Press Release

WASHINGTON – The Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development announced today the awarding of more than $3 million in Tribal Tourism Grant Program funding to 30 federally recognized Tribes and Tribal organizations. The grants, which range in value from $30,000 to $150,000, are funded for one-year.

“Empowering Tribal Nations to build their economies through the Tribal Tourism Grant Program is part of Indian Affairs’ mission to support Tribal self-determination and sovereignty,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “Revitalizing Tribal economies is key to our goal of making lives better for people in Tribal communities as we work to undo the harms caused by policies of the past.”

The Tribal Tourism Grant Program supports Tribal economic development and fulfills the mission of the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act, also known as the NATIVE Act, by providing funding for tribes to conduct feasibility studies to help them make informed decisions about potential tourism projects. The program also provides financial support for Tribes to develop business plans for already completed tourism feasibility studies or for Tribal tourism businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Feasibility studies and business plans empower Tribes and Tribal Organizations to make informed decisions on potential tourism projects and businesses.

The Office of Indian Economic Development administers the Tribal Tourism Grant Program, which is a competitive discretionary program, through its Division of Economic Development. All awarded grantees can be viewed on the Tribal Tourism Grant Program web site. Questions about these awards may be addressed to Mr. Dennis Wilson, Division of Economic Development grant management specialist, at 505-917-3235 or at dennis.wilson@bia.gov.

The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs advises the Secretary of the Interior on Indian Affairs policy issues; communicates policy to and oversees the programs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration; provides leadership in consultations with Tribes; and serves as the DOI official for intra- and inter-departmental coordination and liaison within the Executive Branch on matters concerning American Indians and Alaska Natives and the federally recognized Tribes in the United States.

Indian Affairs’ Office of Indian Economic Development, formerly known as the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, supports the economic development of American Indian and Alaska Native communities by offering access to capital through grant opportunities and loan guarantees, and by providing technical assistance to federally recognized Tribes. The Office of Indian Economic Development administers the Tribal Tourism Grant Program through its Division of Economic Development. For more information about Office of Indian Economic Development’s mission and programs, visit https://www.indianaffairs.gov/as-ia/ied.

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