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.

BOARD MEMBERS

Zach Doka

President (Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation)

Biography

Geri Hongeva

Vice President (Navajo)

Biography

Steve Geiogamah

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

Biography

Carrie Nelson

Secretary (Navajo) – Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau

Biography

Robert Black

Board Member (Shonto Community)

Biography

Dorothy Denetsosie Gishie

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

Biography

Kim Secakuku

Board Member – (Hopi)

Biography

Rory Majenty

Board Member (Hualapai)

Biography

Patti Whitethorne

Board Member (Navajo)

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.