The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved legislation to update the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act. The bill, originally authored by Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, was first signed into law in 2016. The NATIVE Act aims to enhance and integrate Native tourism, empower Native communities, and expand cultural tourism opportunities across the United States.
The new legislation introduces updates intended to improve the program and simplify access for Native communities seeking federal resources.
“This bill will help improve the NATIVE Act so that it can continue to empower Native communities to tell their own stories and build their own economic opportunities,” said Vice Chairman Schatz. “Visitors are increasingly seeking out a more authentic and historically rich travel experience, and there is nothing more authentic and unique than the cultural tourism experience our Native communities provide.”
Since its enactment in 2016, the NATIVE Act has required federal agencies with tourism responsibilities to include Tribes and Native organizations in national tourism planning. It also provides access to resources and technical assistance for Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native, and American Indian communities. These measures support sustainable recreational and cultural travel infrastructure, foster economic development, and help create jobs.
