ABOUT

To promote the development of Indian Tourism in Arizona while respecting the cultural integrity of the tribes.

The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) is a statewide, nonprofit 501(c) 3 membership organization established in 1994. Overseen by a nine-member board, AAITA involves Native businesses and professionals as members, who voluntarily work together to increase tourism on Arizona Indian communities.

Message from AAITA President

On behalf of Arizona American Indian Tourism Association, I am delighted to serve as the next President for AAITA. Founded in 1994, the AAITA promotes the development of Indian Tourism in Arizona while respecting the cultural integrity of all tribes. Overseen by a nine-member board, AAITA involves Native businesses and professionals as members, who voluntarily work together to increase tourism on Arizona Indian communities. Over past 28 years AAITA has hosted several festivals and tourism conferences to promote tourism in Indian country.

One of the main goals for AAITA is the redevelopment of the original dining hall of the Phoenix Indian Boarding School building into a Culture Center. The historical building is located at the City of Phoenix’s Steele Indian School Park that is now a 75-acre master-planned park located at Central Avenue and Indian School Road. More information on this project will be available as we reach out to the City of Phoenix and others to make this project a reality.

Finally, I would like to recognize the outgoing President, Geri Hongeva for all her hard work and dedication.

Sincerely,

Rory Majenty
AAITA Board President

Rory Majenty Bio
Biography

BOARD MEMBERS

Zach Doka

Vice President (Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation)

Biography

Steve Geiogamah

Board Treasurer (Kiowa) – Tourism Development Manager, City of Scottsdale

Biography

Carrie Nelson

Secretary (Navajo) – Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau

Biography

Dorothy Denetsosie Gishie

Board Member (Navajo) – Program Manager at Native Americans for Community Action, Inc.

Biography

Geri Hongeva

Board Member (Navajo)

Biography

Kim Secakuku

Board Member – (Hopi)

Biography

Patti Whitethorne

Board Member (Navajo)

Biography

Robert Black

Board Member (Shonto Community)

Biography

OUR PURPOSE

The AAITA organization is organized to be operated as a nonprofit corporation solely and exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes; specifically:

To promote environmentally acceptable, culturally appropriate, and economically sustainable tourism programs as defined by the local level;

To provide a visionary and leadership role for Native American Indian Community in the development and management of tourism programs;

To develop and provide educational materials and programs to visitors and Indian communities;

To assist tribes and communities in the formulation of tourism policies;

To sponsor, facilitate, and offer support to other organizations that promote linkage among tribes, tourism attractions, local communities and agencies;

Promote quality hospitality and visitor resources while prioritizing preservation and enhancement of Native American culture for future generations;

Seek funding resources, develop marketing strategies, and help communities to use tourism as a tool to revitalize culture, improve local quality of life and provide empowerment opportunities to the Indian Communities.