Ep. 20 | Tourism with the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development

For episode 20, we're joined by Bobby Martin, Program Manager for Navajo Nation Tourism and Tony Skrelunas, Director of the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development. Yvette and guest host Kyia Jackson sat down with Bobby and Tony during a recent Native Edge Institute in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Bobby and Tony shared some of the Navajo Nation's incredible work in tourism, which has become an important part of its economic development portfolio. They also discuss Navajo Tourism's support for local small businesses and eagerness to partner for future endeavors.

Plus, you can hear Yvette's excitement when recounting the time she stood on corner in a certain small town in Northern Arizona.

Want to learn more about tourism? Join us at next week's Reservation Economic Summit, where Native tourism will be a big topic of conversation. You can also learn more about The National Center's tourism program, linked below. 

Thanks for listening - and tell a friend!

Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development |
https://navajoeconomy.org/

Navajo Nation Tourism |
https://discovernavajo.com/

Contact Bobby Martin |
bobby.martin@navajo-nsn.gov

Native Edge Tourism Technical Assistance Center |
https://nativeedgetourism.org/

Chapters

• 0:46 Intro
• 2:15 Overview of the Division of Economic Development
• 6:19 Opportunities in Tourism
• 7:49 Inspiration from Other Native Communities
• 8:57 Ecotourism
• 11:43 Favorite Spots
• 14:05 Respect for the Culture, People, and Lands
• 16:04 The Grand Canyon and Lake Powell
• 17:40 Agritourism
• 18:49 Marketing to Visitors
• 19:58 Support for Small Business
• 24:31 Standing on a Corner in Winslow, Arizona
• 25:58 Indian Country in Pop Culture
• 28:23 Running Culture
• 30:53 Boating on Lake Powell
• 34:34 Lower Antelope Canyon
• 35:32 Support for Innovators
• 36:51 Economic Development Expansion and Partnership Opportunities
• 39:40 Learn More
• 41:13 A Call for Investors
• 41:53 Navajo Food