Where will we be in 2025?

We envision that by 2025, Tribal Nations will be actively working with industry and state and federal partners to develop Native American tourism experiences that are attracting visitors, encouraging them to stay and experience more in Tribal Nations, ultimately bolstering local economies and the well-being of Native American communities.

South Dakota Native Tourism Alliance members believe that tourism can help to promote and maintain the Lakota values of Respect, Compassion, Honesty, Generosity, Humility, and Wisdom. Furthermore, achieving our overarching goal will help to re-engage the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ Oyate as well as reinforce community pride and culture.

Goals and Strategies

1. Create and deliver iconic Native American experiences

1.1. Develop authentic and differentiated Native American products and experiences that connect Tribal Nations along existing tourism routes.
1.2. Develop Native American tourism experiences that meet current (COVID-19) realities and future market demands.

2. Improve infrastructure and placemaking

2.1. Develop new attractions and enhance existing attractions needed for themed products, experiences and events.
2.2 Develop a range of lodging and facilities that appeal to South Dakota’s main travel market segments.
2.3 Enhance the welcoming feel of main towns and priority attractions.
2.4 Develop public-private partnerships to fund development and/or enhancements at priority attractions.

3. Enable tourism business success and viability

3.1 Support market readiness of Micro and Small Tourism Enterprises (MSTEs).
3.2 Provide affordable financing to help start and grow MSTEs.

4. Prepare both community and a skilled workforce for tourism

4.1 Build tribal leadership and community support and buy-in for tourism.
4.2 Improve the quality of product and service delivery.

5. Increase awareness of Native American tourism offerings in South Dakota among key market segments

5.1 Develop the region as a destination.
5.2 Develop strategic partnerships to foster a greater understanding of Native American communities and promotion of Native American tourism.
5.3 Reach diversified market segments.

6. Manage tourism collaboratively

6.1 Establish tourism management and plan implementation mechanisms.
6.2 Attract investors and plan implementation partners.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

UNITY

Reunification of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ Oyate through shared history, commonalities, and collaboration on developing regional tourism.

PRESERVATION

Promotion of art and culture in order to enhance self-identity and pride as well as preserve the culture, including language and traditional knowledge.

WOKSAPE

Recognition of Elders as the driving force of traditional knowledge and wisdom in the development of regional tourism and educating the youth to be stewards of the language and culture.

EDUCATION

Creation of cross-cultural bridges and educating the World about Native American communities.

SELF-SUFICIENCY

Development of opportunities for Tribal Nations to become self-sufficient and create pathways to enhance livelihood.