Ed Case Advocates for NATIVE Act to Boost Tribal Tourism and Preserve Indigenous Cultures

The NATIVE Act: Purpose and Goals

• 💡 The NATIVE Act, introduced by Rep. Ed Case, aims to advance the economic self-sufficiency and prosperity of indigenous peoples in the U.S.
• 🎯 It also seeks to preserve, enhance, and educate others on the unique traditional histories and cultures of Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, and Native Hawaiians.
• 🤝 The act blends the travel and tourism industry with the goal of preserving and enhancing indigenous cultures.

Tourism as a Cultural and Economic Driver

• 🌍 Tourism worldwide is increasingly about understanding unique situations, histories, and cultures, which is particularly true for indigenous peoples.
• 📈 The NATIVE Act was enacted in 2016 to leverage tourism as a driver for economic self-sufficiency while safeguarding cultural heritage.
• ✈️ The bill seeks to make technical corrections to the existing law to fully implement its intended purpose.

Impact in Hawaii

• 🌺 In Hawaii, where tourism is the number one industry, people are drawn to the state's beauty and unique culture, with Native Hawaiians at its core.
• 🎓 Visitors seek to understand and appreciate Native Hawaiian culture, taking that understanding back to educate others on the importance of indigenous peoples.
• 🎶 Under the NATIVE Act, Native Hawaiian organizations have received awards to showcase unique aspects like traditional dance (hula) and knowledge of the land (ʻāina).
• ✅ The law has been successful but requires updating and expansion to be more effective.