Open Call: NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement (United States)

The NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement supports Tribal tourism development by providing technical assistance, capacity building, and resources to expand cultural heritage tourism while protecting Native traditions and values. The programme provides USD 1.5 million in funding to eligible Tribal organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofit entities to strengthen tourism initiatives for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities.

Overview of the NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement

The NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement is a federal funding opportunity designed to strengthen tourism development among Tribal communities.

The programme provides support for:

• Tribal tourism planning.
• Cultural heritage tourism development.
• Technical assistance.
• Capacity building.
• Sustainable tourism strategies.

The initiative focuses on increasing visitation to Tribal destinations while ensuring tourism activities respect and preserve:

• American Indian traditions.
• Alaska Native cultural heritage.
• Native Hawaiian values and practices.

Purpose of the Program

The main goal of the NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement is to strengthen Tribal communities’ ability to develop and manage sustainable tourism initiatives.

The programme aims to:

• Expand cultural heritage tourism opportunities.
• Increase awareness of Tribal destinations.
• Improve tourism-related skills and resources.
• Support economic development in Tribal communities.
• Preserve Native cultural identity through responsible tourism.

What Is the NATIVE Act?

The Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act supports efforts to improve tourism opportunities connected with Native communities.

The Act recognizes that Tribal tourism can:

• Strengthen local economies.
• Create employment opportunities.
• Preserve cultural traditions.
• Increase public understanding of Native histories and cultures.

The NATIVE Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, to establish cooperative agreements with organizations experienced in supporting Tribal tourism development.

Key Objectives of the Cooperative Agreement

Providing Technical Assistance to Tribal Communities

The programme supports identification and delivery of technical assistance based on Tribal tourism needs.

Support may include:

• Tourism planning assistance.
• Business development guidance.
• Marketing strategies.
• Visitor experience improvement.
• Organizational capacity building.

Strengthening Cultural Heritage Tourism

The programme promotes tourism activities that highlight:

• Native history.
• Traditional knowledge.
• Cultural practices.
• Community stories.

Tourism development must respect Tribal ownership, cultural protocols, and community priorities.

Increasing Tribal Destination Visitation

The initiative helps Tribal communities attract visitors by supporting:

• Tourism promotion strategies.
• Destination development.
• Visitor engagement approaches.
• Sustainable tourism models.

Building Tourism Capacity

The programme provides tools and expertise to help Tribal communities improve:

• Tourism management.
• Strategic planning.
• Partnership development.
• Long-term sustainability.

Supporting Federal Coordination

The cooperative agreement strengthens collaboration between:

• U.S. Department of the Interior.
• U.S. Department of Commerce.
• Tribal governments.
• Tribal organizations.
• Tourism partners.

This coordination helps deliver effective federal tourism resources.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism Development

The programme encourages tourism models that:

• Protect cultural heritage.
• Support community priorities.
• Respect Native values.
• Create long-term economic benefits.

Role of the Selected Cooperative Agreement Recipient

The selected organization will work closely with federal partners to strengthen Tribal tourism initiatives.

Responsibilities may include:

• Assessing Tribal tourism assistance needs.
• Developing technical assistance programmes.
• Delivering capacity-building support.
• Coordinating tourism resources.
• Supporting implementation strategies.
• Sharing expertise with Tribal communities.

The recipient must demonstrate experience supporting Tribal communities through tourism development and sustainability initiatives.

Recognition of Native Hawaiian Organizations

The programme recognizes eligible Native Hawaiian organizations as nonprofit entities that:

• Serve the interests of Native Hawaiians.
• Include Native Hawaiians in meaningful leadership and policymaking roles.
• Possess recognized expertise in:
  • Native Hawaiian culture.
  • Heritage preservation.
  • Tourism development.

Funding Information

The NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement provides significant support for Tribal tourism capacity building.

Funding Category

Community Development

Estimated Total Program Funding

USD 1,500,000

Award Amount

• Award ceiling: USD 1,500,000
• Award floor: USD 1,500,000

Project Period

The funding structure includes:

• Initial one-year budget period.
• Possibility of renewal for up to four additional one-year periods.

Maximum project duration:

Up to 5 years

Renewals depend on:

• Successful performance.
• Availability of funds.
• Federal agency priorities.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The opportunity is open to organizations with experience supporting Tribal communities and tourism development.

Eligible applicants include:

Tribal Governments

Eligible applicants include:

• Federally recognized Native American Tribal governments.

Tribal Organizations

Eligible applicants include:

• Native American Tribal organizations other than federally recognized Tribal governments.

Tribal Colleges and Universities

Eligible applicants include:

• Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

Educational Institutions

Eligible applicants include:

• Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education.
• Private institutions of higher education.

Nonprofit Organizations

Eligible applicants include:

• Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status.
• Nonprofit organizations without 501(c)(3) status.

Tribal Consortia and Other Tribal Entities

Eligible applicants may include:

• Tribal consortia.
• Other qualified Tribal entities recognized under:
  • Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
  • Related federal laws and regulations.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

Tribal Tourism Experience

Organizations should have experience with:

• Tourism development.
• Cultural heritage preservation.
• Community-based economic development.

Capacity-Building Expertise

Applicants should demonstrate ability to:

• Provide technical assistance.
• Develop training resources.
• Support organizational growth.

Cultural Knowledge

Applicants should understand:

• Native traditions.
• Cultural protection principles.
• Community-driven tourism approaches.

How the Program Works

Step 1: Identify Tribal Tourism Needs

The selected recipient works with Tribal communities to understand:

• Current tourism challenges.
• Capacity gaps.
• Development priorities.

Step 2: Develop Technical Assistance Strategies

Based on identified needs, the recipient creates:

• Training programmes.
• Tourism tools.
• Planning resources.
• Support services.

Step 3: Deliver Capacity-Building Support

Activities may include:

• Workshops.
• Technical guidance.
• Tourism planning support.
• Resource development.

Step 4: Support Sustainable Tourism Implementation

The programme helps communities develop tourism approaches that:

• Generate economic benefits.
• Protect cultural resources.
• Improve visitor experiences.

Step 5: Monitor Results and Improve Strategies

The recipient evaluates:

• Tourism outcomes.
• Community benefits.
• Effectiveness of assistance provided.

Why the NATIVE Act Tourism Program Matters

Tribal tourism provides opportunities to strengthen economies while preserving cultural identity.

The programme helps communities:

• Create tourism-related jobs.
• Increase economic opportunities.
• Share Native stories and traditions.
• Strengthen community resilience.
• Maintain control over cultural representation.

Responsible tourism allows visitors to learn about Native cultures while ensuring communities benefit directly.

Benefits of the Cooperative Agreement

The programme provides benefits including:

• Expanded Tribal tourism capacity.
• Access to technical expertise.
• Improved destination planning.
• Stronger federal partnerships.
• Sustainable economic development opportunities.

Application Preparation Tips

Applicants should focus on:

Demonstrating Tribal Tourism Expertise

Strong applications should explain:

• Previous tourism projects.
• Community partnerships.
• Cultural heritage experience.

Showing Capacity to Deliver Assistance

Applicants should describe:

• Technical expertise.
• Staffing capabilities.
• Training approaches.

Highlighting Sustainability

Applications should explain how activities will:

• Continue beyond funding.
• Benefit Tribal communities long term.

Demonstrating Cultural Respect

Applicants should show commitment to:

• Native values.
• Community leadership.
• Cultural preservation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Limited Tribal Community Experience

Applicants should demonstrate direct experience supporting Tribal communities.

Ignoring Cultural Protection

Tourism strategies should not separate economic development from cultural preservation.

Weak Partnership Plans

Successful applications should explain collaboration with:

• Tribal governments.
• Federal agencies.
• Tourism organizations.

Lack of Long-Term Sustainability Planning

Projects should demonstrate how tourism capacity will continue after the grant period.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement?

It is a federal cooperative agreement that supports Tribal tourism development through technical assistance, capacity building, and cultural heritage tourism resources.

How much funding is available?

The programme provides USD 1.5 million in total funding, with the award amount set at USD 1.5 million.

How long can funded projects continue?

Projects may receive funding for up to five years, including the initial one-year award period and four possible renewal periods.

Who can apply for this opportunity?

Eligible applicants include Tribal governments, Tribal organizations, Tribal Colleges and Universities, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, and other qualified Tribal entities.

What types of tourism activities are supported?

The programme supports cultural heritage tourism, tourism planning, technical assistance, capacity building, and sustainable tourism development.

Does the programme support Native Hawaiian communities?

Yes. The programme recognizes eligible Native Hawaiian organizations with expertise in Native Hawaiian culture, heritage, and tourism.

Why is cultural preservation important in Tribal tourism?

The programme ensures tourism development respects Native traditions, protects cultural heritage, and allows communities to benefit economically while maintaining cultural integrity.

Conclusion

The NATIVE Act Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement provides a major opportunity to strengthen Tribal tourism through sustainable development, technical assistance, and cultural heritage preservation.

By supporting Tribal communities, Native organizations, and experienced partners, the programme helps expand tourism opportunities while ensuring American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian traditions remain protected and respected.