Demonstrating their commitment and vision to enhance the educational,
career and economic development opportunities for Indigenous students
and entrepreneurs throughout the U.S., the Americas, and the world, the
George Washington University International Institute of Tourism Studies and
the Indigenous Tourism Collaborative of the Americas (ITCA) launched a
“Distinguished Indigenous Leaders Lecture Series” in December 2023. The
inaugural event was held on the George Washington University campus at the
James Morton Auditorium on December 12 and was live-streamed to virtual participants
throughout the Americas and recorded for viewing.

The topic of the inaugural Indigenous leader lecture series was “Accelerating
Indigenous Tourism Development – Building on NATIVE Act Success.” Indigenous
tourism leaders, Federal agency leaders, and Indigenous tourism supporters were
invited to speak on what has been accomplished under the 2016 law and what
remains to be done to fully realize the NATIVE Act's potential.

In addition to the NATIVE Act theme, an international panel discussed support for
collaborative and innovative Indigenous tourism projects in the Americas.