Visit California has launched a dynamic new content experience to showcase the state’s Native American communities and culture. The new website, Visit Native California, was first announced at the site of the future Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza in Palm Springs.
“Visit California is honored to create a platform that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Native Americans who have called this place home for thousands of years,” Visit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta said. “We’re committed to partnering with California’s tribes and creating spaces to uplift and honor their voices, communities, and cultures.”
Tribal Culture and Communities the Focus of New Website
The articles, photos, videos, podcasts, and social media posts that comprise this series will cover a wide range of Native American experiences available to travelers, from museums and cultural centers to Pow Wows to guided adventure tours. As part of this initiative, Visit California is forging connections with the state’s 109 federally recognized tribes and inviting them to share their stories with travelers looking for unique experiences within the Golden State.
“As the state with the highest population of Native Americans, and one of the nation’s leading tourism destinations, California is poised to drastically boost national Native tourism promotion and interest with this undertaking,” said Sherry Rupert, CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA). “We’ve seen the economic benefits that come from uniting under a common banner, but more importantly we see the power of cultural tourism to support preservation and perpetuation of our culture. This is a tremendous opportunity for California’s tribes.”
New Native American Culture Video Series
Traditional homelands in California stretch from the redwood forests in the north to the desert along the Mexican border. There are many ways to experience both California’s Indian past and the dynamic, modern lives of Native Americans in California. While many travelers are familiar with tribal resorts and casinos, they may not be aware of these other Native experiences.
The Visit Native California content series aims to bridge that gap. At launch, the new online hub spotlights the many tribal tourism experiences available to travelers. Visit California also partnered with The Outbound Collective to develop a custom video series that showcases Native tourism experiences. Outbound is an organization that includes a diverse community of outdoor-focused creators. Outbound then tapped a diverse creative team including Lauren Begay, a California-based Native filmmaker who works for MTV’s Social Impact team. The project also involved Urban Native Era, an Indigenous clothing brand.
Future Plans for ‘Visit Native California’
In the future, Visit Native California will showcase prominent individuals within the state’s Native American communities. According to a statement, the new online hub will highlight Native artists, authors, culinary innovators, and more. Additionally, the Native California platform will share a broad collection of tribal culture and profiles, crafted collaboratively with tribal members.
Throughout this process, Visit California will emphasize Native American voices, empowering them to tell their stories on their terms. Visit California will also strive to be a key nexus point for travelers seeking information about Native American tourism experiences. Further, the hub will link to additional resources, ranging from the AIANTA homepage to this interactive map of tribal lands.
Learn More
To learn more, click over to visitcalifornia.com/native/
