It is important that tribes develop through tourism departments and planning committees. It is critical so that people will not stop in Bismarck, my capitol, at the interpretive center - it's still off the reservation. They won't just bypass me and go to Montana. Tribal tourism delegates were urged frequently by people at the conference to be prepared to welcome guests from overseas, particularly Germany. The Germans are fascinated by the West and American Indian cultures, presenters repeated often during the three-day event.
Many European countries set up encampments and perform rendezvous on weekends.
The interest in the American Indian culture is strong, yet the will to hold onto the culture by the tribes is equally strong. Workshops that help tourist-oriented tribes protect the culture and property spoke to intellectual and cultural property rights, involving the community and telling the stories and legends without exploiting beliefs and values. Exploitation of the culture is prevalent and occurs across the country and in foreign countries, delegates said. There are ways to entice the tourist to enjoy and learn the stories without self-exploitation, said Bob Gough, attorney for the estate of Crazy Horse. He told workshop participants that using the American Indian image is popular in sales of products and tribes can protect their images through state and tribal laws.