Cherokee Nation hosts 21st annual Indian Tourism Conference
CATOOSA, Okla. (KTUL) -- Casinos are a big part of the tribes here in Green Country, but now, the nations are working on bringing in even more people related to tourism in Oklahoma.
“Tourism is the third-largest industry in the state of Oklahoma. Not only the Cherokee Nation but the native American tribes here in Oklahoma play a huge part in that,” said Travis Owen with the Cherokee Nation.
The Cherokee Nation is hosting the 21st annual American Indian Tourism Conference at the Hard Rock Casino in Catoosa.
The event brings in native tribes from across the United States to learn from each other, showing them how things are done out here in Green Country.
“Conference attendees going out and experiencing the local culture. So, they visited Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw County, and the Muskogee (Creek),” said AIANTA Executive Director Sherry Rupert.
The casinos are often the main attraction for local tribes, but Owen said it's key to build up other attractions to bring in more people for something other than slot machines.
Building their national history museum is a prime example of that.
“We're really hoping to show the world that Indian country tourism is right here. Oklahoma used to be Indian territory, and we still have more than 30 great tribes who represent Native American culture in the state,” he said.
Each tribe is an independent nation. This conference gives them a chance to build each other up, to preserve the history of the tribes here in Oklahoma and across the country.
“Who better to tell the story of the tribal nations than the tribal nations themselves?” Owen said.
He hopes to share what's worked for the Cherokee Nation with others and learn other ways they can better tourism here.
