A project of the AAITA

The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association seeks the use of the historic and former dining hall of the Phoenix Indian School located in Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix, Arizona, for the development of a Native American Cultural Center (NACC).

The mission of the Native American Cultural Center:

To educate and increase public awareness of American Indian cultures through programs which encourage cultural preservation, inter-cultural understanding and economic opportunities for American Indians.

The proposed Native American Cultural Center will offer:

• Exhibits on the Phoenix Indian School, the Arizona tribes, a revolving exhibit, and audiovisual presentations.
  
  
• Educational programs consisting of guided tours and lectures on various Native American topics for both the public and by special request for groups.
  
  
• Education and training to build capacity of tribal members and communities to develop and manage sustainable tourism which creates jobs and an improved quality of life on the reservations.
  
  
• Entertainment (dancing, music, and other performances by Arizona Indians provided on weekends).
  
  
• Tour packages to Arizona Indian reservations which may be arranged and purchased at the Cultural Center. (The Center will sell these on behalf of the tribes and Native American businesses at a commission.) Additionally, the main lobby will house information on what to see and do on Arizona’s Indian reservations.
  
  
• Retail gift shop operated by the Center will provide visitors exposure and access to authentic Native American arts and crafts as well as contemporary Indian souvenir items such as posters, Indian art prints and Indian arts and crafts books.
  
  
• Native American foods such as fry bread, Indian tacos, etc. and beverages, will be available for visitors.
  
  
• Facility rental of the classrooms, conference room, and/or the gallery will be available, on a limited basis, to tribes, Indian organizations and the public for a fee.