Schatz, Murkowski: More Than $3 Million In New Tourism Grants For Native Communities

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), vice chairman of the Committee, issued statements on the recent announcement of more than $3 million in Department of the Interior Tribal Tourism Grant Program funding to 30 Tribes and Tribal organizations, including four Alaska Tribes and Tribal Organizations. This funding, along with similar grants to Native Hawaiian organizations, is made possible by the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act – legislation authored by Schatz and Murkowski.

 “This new funding will further empower Native communities across the country to expand unique cultural tourism opportunities and share their own stories, cultures, and traditions with visitors,” said Chairman Schatz.

 “Tribal tourism grants empower Tribes to expand opportunities to learn about Native peoples and cultures, create jobs, and increase revenues for vital services in their communities,” said Vice Chairman Murkowski. “The Department’s announcement covers four Alaska Tribes and Tribal organizations which are the first-ever Alaska recipients of the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Tribal Tourism Grants—Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Native Village of Chenega, Village of Kaktovik, and Haida Corporation. My friend, Chairman Schatz, and I having been co-leading efforts to direct the federal government to fully implement the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act – the NATIVE Act – which established the Tribal Tourism Grant Program in 2016. And we continue to advocate for our bill that amends the NATIVE Act to further promote Native-run tourism across the country.”

 The list of recipients includes:

Related Issues: Infrastructure, Alaska Natives & Rural Alaska