© 2022 Josh Knauer
Heritage & Cultural Tourism Conference
Every year , around the time of the whales ’ return to Sitka ’ s waters , the Heritage & Cultural Tourism Conference starts .
An event like no other in the state , this conference brings the tourism industry and Indigenous groups together to discuss best practices for cultural tourism in the state and across the nation .
“ This is the only event of its kind in Alaska , as it focuses solely on the development , evolution , and sustainability of culturally focused tourism businesses ,” says Camille Ferguson , conference cofounder and economic development director at Sitka Tribe of Alaska . In Alaska , the Native cultures are vibrant , complex , and prolific . The opportunities to experience these cultures firsthand , through art , performances , and events , are what draw so many to Alaska each year . With tourism being a major industry for Alaska ' s economy , Sitka set out to bridge the tourism industry and local heritage by developing and hosting the Heritage & Cultural Tourism Conference .
This one-of-a-kind event , hosted by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska , will be held at Harrigan Centennial Hall from April 11-13 , 2023 . Those who are interested in developing heritage and cultural tourism – here in Alaska or in the
Lower 48 – can attend the conference in person in Sitka . Attendees are sure to leave with strategies to take back to their communities and a network of like-minded professionals . Past participants recall having fresh herring eggs brought in on hemlock branches , a Tlingít tradition coinciding with the whales ’ return to feast on these same little delicacies . Camille Ferguson shared , “ We bring in speakers from leading organizations in cultural tourism and big names from the commercial industry sector . It ’ s an incredible , resource-rich gathering of people . Attendees get to learn from and network with people involved at the national , state , and local levels of cultural tourism . That is one of the really unique features of this conference .” All levels of expertise and all sectors of cultural tourism are encouraged to learn from experts and professionals in the field . Leaders of these communities will leave inspired to share history and culture to educate visitors and locals alike .
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