Tribal Tourism Grant awarded to Chickasaw Nation Tourism Department
For Immediate Release
March 28, 2023
WASHINGTON – The Indian Affairs Office of Indian Economic Development recently announced 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. The Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation and Muskogee (Creek) Nation were all approved for grant funding for upcoming projects. The Chickasaw Nation will receive $124,122.00 for an upcoming business plan project.
“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 [email protected].
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About Chickasaw Country
Nestled in the south-central region of Oklahoma, Chickasaw Country is a regional tourism organization representing 13 of Oklahoma's 77 counties. A division of the Chickasaw Nation, Chickasaw Country is the tourism brand and resource for visitors and communities in the region, promoting local attractions, experiences and events. South-central Oklahoma is an easy, versatile, friendly and beautiful escape packed with First American and Western culture, outdoor recreation, local dining, breathtaking landscapes and one-of-a-kind festivals. For adventure-seekers, cultural lovers and everything in between, Chickasaw Country is uniquely positioned as a go-to, spur of the moment, easy-to-get-to, ever-changing vacation, for a day, a weekend, a week or longer.
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
Contact: Lacey Lett
Tourism Communications Sr. Manager
Chickasaw Country
405-217-5115
[email protected]