NATIVE Act

Bill: 114-s-1579
Sponsor: full_name: Sen. Schatz, Brian [D-HI]
Introduced: 2015-06-16
Policy area: Native Americans
Subjects: Federal-Indian relations

Historic sites and heritage areas

Historical and cultural resources

Humanities programs funding

Indian lands and resources rights

Museums, exhibitions, cultural centers

Public-private cooperation

Travel and tourism
Latest action: action_date: 2016-09-23
text: Became Public Law No: 114-221.

Summaries:
action_date: 2015-06-16
action_desc: Introduced in Senate
text: <p><strong>Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act</strong> </p> <p>Directs the Departments of Commerce and the Interior and each federal agency that has recreational travel or tourism functions or complementary programs to update their management plans and tourism strategies to include Indian tribes and organizations.</p> <p>Requires the plans to outline policy proposals to:</p> <ul> <li> identify agency programs that could be used to support tourism capacity building and help sustain tourism infrastructure in Native American communities;</li> <li>develop innovative visitor portals for parks, landmarks, heritage and cultural sites, and assets that showcase the diversity of the indigenous peoples of the United States; </li> <li> share local Native American heritage through the development of interpretive and directional signage that could include local Native American languages; and </li> <li> improve access to transportation programs related to Native American community capacity building for tourism and trade.</li> </ul> <p>Directs each agency to consult with Indian tribes and the Native American community to identify appropriate levels of their inclusion in federal tourism activities.</p> <p>Requires Interior to enter into an agreement with an entity with a record in tribal communities of developing and sustaining tourism in a manner that respects and honors native traditions and values to serve as a facilitator between Interior, Commerce, and the Indian tribes and organizations to identify and deliver assistance needed to empower such tribes and organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry.</p> <p>Requires each agency to: (1) help empower Indian tribes and organizations to showcase their heritage, foods, traditions, history, and continuing vitality; (2) support the efforts of Indian tribes and organizations to provide visitor experiences that are authentic and respectful; and (3) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures and subcultures in the United States. </p> <p>Authorizes the use of federal grants for which Indian tribes or organizations are eligible to: (1) support efforts to tell their story as the First Peoples of the United States; and (2) use the arts and humanities to help revitalize Native communities, promote economic development, increase livability, and present the uniqueness of the United States to visitors in a way that celebrates its diversity.</p> <p>Directs the Smithsonian Institution to work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations to establish long-term partnerships with other museums and educational and cultural organizations to: (1) share collections, exhibitions, interpretive materials, and educational strategies; and (2) conduct joint research and collaborative projects that would support tourism efforts for Indian tribes and organizations.</p>

action_date: 2016-01-12
action_desc: Reported to Senate without amendment
text: <p>(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)</p> <p><b>Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act</b></p> <p>(Sec. 4) This bill requires the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and federal agencies with recreational travel or tourism functions to update their management plans and tourism initiatives to include Indian tribes and tribal organizations.</p> <p>The plans must outline proposals to: </p> <ul> <li>improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis,</li> <li>increase the usability of public information and federal websites,</li> <li>support national tourism goals,</li> <li>identify programs that could support tourism infrastructure in Native American communities,</li> <li>develop visitor portals and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of Native Americans,</li> <li>share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual signage, and</li> <li>improve access to transportation programs for building capacity for Native American community tourism and trade.</li> </ul> <p>Interior and Commerce must: (1) work with a facilitator to provide technical assistance to Indian tribes and tribal organizations regarding participation in the tourism industry, and (2) report on departmental efforts supporting such participation.</p> <p>(Sec. 5) Federal agencies must: (1) support Indian tribes and tribal organizations in showcasing their history, culture, and continuing vitality, enhancing or maintaining their distinctive cultural features, and providing authentic and respectful visitor experiences; (2) assist in interpreting the connections between Native Americans and the national identity of the United States; (3) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures; and (4) ensure that travelers at airports and ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Indian tribes and tribal organizations.</p> <p>Any grants for which Indian tribes or organizations are eligible may be used to: (1) support their efforts to present their story and culture, (2) revitalize Native American communities using the arts and humanities, and (3) carry out this Act.</p> The Smithsonian Institution must work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and nonprofits to share collections and conduct joint research and projects with museums, educational organizations, and cultural organizations.

action_date: 2016-04-25
action_desc: Passed Senate amended
text: <p><b>Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act</b></p> <p>(Sec. 4) This bill requires the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and federal agencies with recreational travel or tourism functions to update their management plans and tourism initiatives to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.</p> <p>The plans must outline proposals to: </p> <ul> <li>improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis,</li> <li>increase the usability of public information and federal websites,</li> <li>support national tourism goals,</li> <li>identify programs that could support tourism infrastructure in Native American communities,</li> <li>develop visitor portals and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of Native Americans,</li> <li>share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual signage, and</li> <li>improve access to transportation programs for building capacity for Native American community tourism and trade.</li> </ul> <p>Interior and Commerce must: (1) work with a facilitator to provide technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations regarding participation in the tourism industry, and (2) report on departmental efforts supporting such participation.</p> <p>(Sec. 5) Federal agencies must: (1) support Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in showcasing their history, culture, and continuing vitality, enhancing or maintaining their distinctive cultural features, and providing authentic and respectful visitor experiences; (2) assist in interpreting the connections between Native Americans and the national identity of the United States; (3) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures; and (4) ensure that travelers at airports and ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Native American communities.</p> <p>Grants relating to travel, recreation, or tourism for which Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or Native Hawaiian organizations are eligible may be used to: (1) support their efforts to present their story and culture, (2) revitalize Native American communities using the arts and humanities, and (3) carry out this Act.</p> The Smithsonian Institution must work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nonprofits to share collections and conduct joint research and projects with museums, educational organizations, and cultural organizations.

action_date: 2016-09-06
action_desc: Reported to House without amendment, Part I
text: <p>(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on April 25, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)</p> <p><b>Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act</b></p> <p>(Sec. 4) This bill requires the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and federal agencies with recreational travel or tourism functions to update their management plans and tourism initiatives to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.</p> <p>The plans must outline proposals to: </p> <ul> <li>improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis,</li> <li>increase the usability of public information and federal websites,</li> <li>support national tourism goals,</li> <li>identify programs that could support tourism infrastructure in Native American communities,</li> <li>develop visitor portals and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of Native Americans,</li> <li>share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual signage, and</li> <li>improve access to transportation programs for building capacity for Native American community tourism and trade.</li> </ul> <p>Interior and Commerce must: (1) work with a facilitator to provide technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations regarding participation in the tourism industry, and (2) report on departmental efforts supporting such participation.</p> <p>(Sec. 5) Federal agencies must: (1) support Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in showcasing their history, culture, and continuing vitality, enhancing or maintaining their distinctive cultural features, and providing authentic and respectful visitor experiences; (2) assist in interpreting the connections between Native Americans and the national identity of the United States; (3) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures; and (4) ensure that travelers at airports and ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Native American communities.</p> <p>Grants relating to travel, recreation, or tourism for which Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or Native Hawaiian organizations are eligible may be used to: (1) support their efforts to present their story and culture, (2) revitalize Native American communities using the arts and humanities, and (3) carry out this Act.</p> The Smithsonian Institution must work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nonprofits to share collections and conduct joint research and projects with museums, educational organizations, and cultural organizations.

action_date: 2016-09-12
action_desc: Passed House without amendment
text: <p>(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on April 25, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)</p> <p><b>Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act</b></p> <p>(Sec. 4) This bill requires the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and federal agencies with recreational travel or tourism functions to update their management plans and tourism initiatives to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.</p> <p>The plans must outline proposals to: </p> <ul> <li>improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis,</li> <li>increase the usability of public information and federal websites,</li> <li>support national tourism goals,</li> <li>identify programs that could support tourism infrastructure in Native American communities,</li> <li>develop visitor portals and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of Native Americans,</li> <li>share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual signage, and</li> <li>improve access to transportation programs for building capacity for Native American community tourism and trade.</li> </ul> <p>Interior and Commerce must: (1) work with a facilitator to provide technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations regarding participation in the tourism industry, and (2) report on departmental efforts supporting such participation.</p> <p>(Sec. 5) Federal agencies must: (1) support Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in showcasing their history, culture, and continuing vitality, enhancing or maintaining their distinctive cultural features, and providing authentic and respectful visitor experiences; (2) assist in interpreting the connections between Native Americans and the national identity of the United States; (3) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures; and (4) ensure that travelers at airports and ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Native American communities.</p> <p>Grants relating to travel, recreation, or tourism for which Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or Native Hawaiian organizations are eligible may be used to: (1) support their efforts to present their story and culture, (2) revitalize Native American communities using the arts and humanities, and (3) carry out this Act.</p> The Smithsonian Institution must work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nonprofits to share collections and conduct joint research and projects with museums, educational organizations, and cultural organizations.

action_date: 2016-09-23
action_desc: Public Law
text: <p>(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on April 25, 2016. The summary of that version is repeated here.)</p> <p><b>Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act</b></p> <p>(Sec. 4) This bill requires the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and federal agencies with recreational travel or tourism functions to update their management plans and tourism initiatives to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations.</p> <p>The plans must outline proposals to: </p> <ul> <li>improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis,</li> <li>increase the usability of public information and federal websites,</li> <li>support national tourism goals,</li> <li>identify programs that could support tourism infrastructure in Native American communities,</li> <li>develop visitor portals and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of Native Americans,</li> <li>share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual signage, and</li> <li>improve access to transportation programs for building capacity for Native American community tourism and trade.</li> </ul> <p>Interior and Commerce must: (1) work with a facilitator to provide technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations regarding participation in the tourism industry, and (2) report on departmental efforts supporting such participation.</p> <p>(Sec. 5) Federal agencies must: (1) support Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in showcasing their history, culture, and continuing vitality, enhancing or maintaining their distinctive cultural features, and providing authentic and respectful visitor experiences; (2) assist in interpreting the connections between Native Americans and the national identity of the United States; (3) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures; and (4) ensure that travelers at airports and ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Native American communities.</p> <p>Grants relating to travel, recreation, or tourism for which Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or Native Hawaiian organizations are eligible may be used to: (1) support their efforts to present their story and culture, (2) revitalize Native American communities using the arts and humanities, and (3) carry out this Act.</p> The Smithsonian Institution must work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nonprofits to share collections and conduct joint research and projects with museums, educational organizations, and cultural organizations.

tv_txt: II 114th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1579 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 16, 2015 Mr. Schatz (for himself, Mr. Thune , Mr. Udall , Mr. Heller , Mr. Tester , Mr. Franken , Ms. Murkowski , and Mr. Rounds ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs A BILL To enhance and integrate Native American tourism, empower Native American communities, increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets, and expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act . 2. Purposes The purposes of this Act are— (1) to enhance and integrate Native American tourism— (A) to empower Native American communities; and (B) to advance the National Travel and Tourism Strategy; (2) to increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets to support Native American tourism and bolster recreational travel and tourism; (3) to expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States to spur economic development, create jobs, and increase tourism revenues; (4) to enhance and improve self-determination and self-governance capabilities in the Native American community and to promote greater self-sufficiency; (5) to encourage Indian tribes and tribal organizations to engage more fully in Native American tourism activities to increase visitation to rural and remote areas in the United States that are too difficult to access or are unknown to domestic travelers and international tourists; (6) to provide grants, loans, and technical assistance to Indian tribes and tribal organizations that will— (A) spur important infrastructure development; (B) increase tourism capacity; and (C) elevate living standards in Native American communities; and (7) to support the development of technologically innovative projects that will incorporate recreational travel and tourism information and data from Federal assets to improve the visitor experience. 3. Definitions In this Act: (1) Agency The term agency has the meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (3) Tribal organization (A) In general The term tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (B) Inclusion The term tribal organization includes a Native Hawaiian organization (as defined in section 7207 of the Native Hawaiian Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 )). 4. Integrating Federal tourism assets to strengthen Native tourism opportunities (a) Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of the Interior The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior shall update the respective management plans and tourism initiatives of the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior to include Indian tribes and tribal organizations. (b) Other agencies The head of each agency that has recreational travel or tourism functions or complementary programs shall update the respective management plans and tourism strategies of the agency to include Indian tribes and tribal organizations. (c) Native American tourism plans (1) In general The plans shall outline policy proposals— (A) to improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis; (B) to increase the integration, alignment, and utility of public records, publications, and Web sites maintained by Federal agencies; (C) to create a better user experience for domestic travelers and international visitors; (D) to align Federal agency Web sites and publications; (E) to support national tourism goals; (F) to identify agency programs that could be used to support tourism capacity building and help sustain tourism infrastructure in Native American communities; (G) to develop innovative visitor portals for parks, landmarks, heritage and cultural sites, and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of the indigenous peoples of the United States; (H) to share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual interpretive and directional signage that could include or incorporate English and the local Native American language or languages; and (I) to improve access to transportation programs related to Native American community capacity building for tourism and trade, including transportation planning for programs related to visitor enhancement and safety. (2) Consultation with Indian tribes and Native Americans In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the head of each agency shall consult with Indian tribes and the Native American community to identify appropriate levels of inclusion of the Indian tribes and Native Americans in Federal tourism activities, public records and publications, including Native American tourism information available on Web sites. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement with an entity or organization with a demonstrated record in tribal communities of defining, introducing, developing, and sustaining American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian tourism and related activities in a manner that respects and honors native traditions and values. (2) Coordination The memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement described in paragraph (1) shall formalize a role for the organization or entity to serve as a facilitator between the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce and the Indian tribes and tribal organizations— (A) to identify areas where technical assistance is needed through consultations with Indian tribes and tribal organizations to empower the Indian tribes and tribal organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (B) to provide a means for the delivery of technical assistance and coordinate the delivery of the assistance to Indian tribes and tribal organizations in collaboration with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and other entities with distinctive experience, as appropriate. (3) Funding Subject to the availability of appropriations, the head of each Federal agency, including the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Labor shall obligate any funds made available to the head of the agency to cover any administrative expenses incurred by the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) in carrying out programs or activities of the agency. (4) Metrics The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall coordinate with the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) to develop metrics to measure the effectiveness of the entity or organization in strengthening tourism opportunities for Indian tribes and tribal organizations. (e) Reports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and occasionally thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall each submit to the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes— (1) the manner in which the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, is including Indian tribes and tribal organizations in management plans; (2) the efforts of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, to develop departmental and agency tourism plans to support tourism programs of Indian tribes and tribal organizations; (3) the manner in which the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) is working to promote tourism to empower Indian tribes and tribal organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (4) the effectiveness of the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) based on the metrics developed under subsection (d)(4). 5. Native American tourism and branding enhancement (a) In general The head of each agency shall— (1) take actions that help empower Indian tribes and tribal organizations to showcase the heritage, foods, traditions, history, and continuing vitality of the Indian tribes and tribal organizations; (2) support the efforts of Indian tribes and tribal organizations— (A) to identify and enhance or maintain traditions and cultural features that are important to sustain the distinctiveness of the local Native American community; and (B) to provide visitor experiences that are authentic and respectful; (3) provide assistance to interpret the connections between the indigenous peoples of the United States and the national identity of the United States; (4) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures and subcultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures to the national brand of the United States; and (5) enter into appropriate memoranda of understanding and establish public-private partnerships to ensure that arriving domestic travelers at airports and arriving international visitors at ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Indian tribes and tribal organizations. (b) Grants To the extent practicable, grants administered by the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and any other grant program administered by the head of an agency for which Indian tribes or tribal organizations are eligible may be used— (1) to support the efforts of Indian tribes and tribal organizations to tell the story of those Indian tribes and tribal organizations as the First Peoples of the United States; (2) to use the arts and humanities to help revitalize Native communities, promote economic development, increase livability, and present the uniqueness of the United States to visitors in a way that celebrates the diversity of the United States; and (3) to carry out this section. (c) Smithsonian The Advisory Council and the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution shall work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations to establish long-term partnerships with non-Smithsonian museums and educational and cultural organizations— (1) to share collections, exhibitions, interpretive materials, and educational strategies; and (2) to conduct joint research and collaborative projects that would support tourism efforts for Indian tribes and tribal organizations and carry out the intent of this section.

tv_txt: II Calendar No. 345 114th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 1579 [Report No. 114–201] IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 16, 2015 Mr. Schatz (for himself, Mr. Thune , Mr. Udall , Mr. Heller , Mr. Tester , Mr. Franken , Ms. Murkowski , Mr. Rounds , Mr. Sullivan , Ms. Heitkamp , Mr. Hoeven , and Mr. Peters ) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Indian Affairs January 12, 2016 Reported by Mr. Barrasso , without amendment A BILL To enhance and integrate Native American tourism, empower Native American communities, increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets, and expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act . 2. Purposes The purposes of this Act are— (1) to enhance and integrate Native American tourism— (A) to empower Native American communities; and (B) to advance the National Travel and Tourism Strategy; (2) to increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets to support Native American tourism and bolster recreational travel and tourism; (3) to expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States to spur economic development, create jobs, and increase tourism revenues; (4) to enhance and improve self-determination and self-governance capabilities in the Native American community and to promote greater self-sufficiency; (5) to encourage Indian tribes and tribal organizations to engage more fully in Native American tourism activities to increase visitation to rural and remote areas in the United States that are too difficult to access or are unknown to domestic travelers and international tourists; (6) to provide grants, loans, and technical assistance to Indian tribes and tribal organizations that will— (A) spur important infrastructure development; (B) increase tourism capacity; and (C) elevate living standards in Native American communities; and (7) to support the development of technologically innovative projects that will incorporate recreational travel and tourism information and data from Federal assets to improve the visitor experience. 3. Definitions In this Act: (1) Agency The term agency has the meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (3) Tribal organization (A) In general The term tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (B) Inclusion The term tribal organization includes a Native Hawaiian organization (as defined in section 7207 of the Native Hawaiian Education Act ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 )). 4. Integrating Federal tourism assets to strengthen Native tourism opportunities (a) Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of the Interior The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior shall update the respective management plans and tourism initiatives of the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior to include Indian tribes and tribal organizations. (b) Other agencies The head of each agency that has recreational travel or tourism functions or complementary programs shall update the respective management plans and tourism strategies of the agency to include Indian tribes and tribal organizations. (c) Native American tourism plans (1) In general The plans shall outline policy proposals— (A) to improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis; (B) to increase the integration, alignment, and utility of public records, publications, and Web sites maintained by Federal agencies; (C) to create a better user experience for domestic travelers and international visitors; (D) to align Federal agency Web sites and publications; (E) to support national tourism goals; (F) to identify agency programs that could be used to support tourism capacity building and help sustain tourism infrastructure in Native American communities; (G) to develop innovative visitor portals for parks, landmarks, heritage and cultural sites, and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of the indigenous peoples of the United States; (H) to share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual interpretive and directional signage that could include or incorporate English and the local Native American language or languages; and (I) to improve access to transportation programs related to Native American community capacity building for tourism and trade, including transportation planning for programs related to visitor enhancement and safety. (2) Consultation with Indian tribes and Native Americans In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the head of each agency shall consult with Indian tribes and the Native American community to identify appropriate levels of inclusion of the Indian tribes and Native Americans in Federal tourism activities, public records and publications, including Native American tourism information available on Web sites. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement with an entity or organization with a demonstrated record in tribal communities of defining, introducing, developing, and sustaining American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian tourism and related activities in a manner that respects and honors native traditions and values. (2) Coordination The memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement described in paragraph (1) shall formalize a role for the organization or entity to serve as a facilitator between the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce and the Indian tribes and tribal organizations— (A) to identify areas where technical assistance is needed through consultations with Indian tribes and tribal organizations to empower the Indian tribes and tribal organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (B) to provide a means for the delivery of technical assistance and coordinate the delivery of the assistance to Indian tribes and tribal organizations in collaboration with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and other entities with distinctive experience, as appropriate. (3) Funding Subject to the availability of appropriations, the head of each Federal agency, including the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Labor shall obligate any funds made available to the head of the agency to cover any administrative expenses incurred by the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) in carrying out programs or activities of the agency. (4) Metrics The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall coordinate with the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) to develop metrics to measure the effectiveness of the entity or organization in strengthening tourism opportunities for Indian tribes and tribal organizations. (e) Reports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and occasionally thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall each submit to the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes— (1) the manner in which the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, is including Indian tribes and tribal organizations in management plans; (2) the efforts of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, to develop departmental and agency tourism plans to support tourism programs of Indian tribes and tribal organizations; (3) the manner in which the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) is working to promote tourism to empower Indian tribes and tribal organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (4) the effectiveness of the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) based on the metrics developed under subsection (d)(4). 5. Native American tourism and branding enhancement (a) In general The head of each agency shall— (1) take actions that help empower Indian tribes and tribal organizations to showcase the heritage, foods, traditions, history, and continuing vitality of the Indian tribes and tribal organizations; (2) support the efforts of Indian tribes and tribal organizations— (A) to identify and enhance or maintain traditions and cultural features that are important to sustain the distinctiveness of the local Native American community; and (B) to provide visitor experiences that are authentic and respectful; (3) provide assistance to interpret the connections between the indigenous peoples of the United States and the national identity of the United States; (4) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures and subcultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures to the national brand of the United States; and (5) enter into appropriate memoranda of understanding and establish public-private partnerships to ensure that arriving domestic travelers at airports and arriving international visitors at ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Indian tribes and tribal organizations. (b) Grants To the extent practicable, grants administered by the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and any other grant program administered by the head of an agency for which Indian tribes or tribal organizations are eligible may be used— (1) to support the efforts of Indian tribes and tribal organizations to tell the story of those Indian tribes and tribal organizations as the First Peoples of the United States; (2) to use the arts and humanities to help revitalize Native communities, promote economic development, increase livability, and present the uniqueness of the United States to visitors in a way that celebrates the diversity of the United States; and (3) to carry out this section. (c) Smithsonian The Advisory Council and the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution shall work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations to establish long-term partnerships with non-Smithsonian museums and educational and cultural organizations— (1) to share collections, exhibitions, interpretive materials, and educational strategies; and (2) to conduct joint research and collaborative projects that would support tourism efforts for Indian tribes and tribal organizations and carry out the intent of this section.

January 12, 2016 Reported without amendment

tv_txt: IC 114th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 1579 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2016 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources , and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce , and House Administration , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned AN ACT To enhance and integrate Native American tourism, empower Native American communities, increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets, and expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act . 2. Purposes The purposes of this Act are— (1) to enhance and integrate Native American tourism— (A) to empower Native American communities; and (B) to advance the National Travel and Tourism Strategy; (2) to increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets to support Native American tourism and bolster recreational travel and tourism; (3) to expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States to spur economic development, create jobs, and increase tourism revenues; (4) to enhance and improve self-determination and self-governance capabilities in the Native American community and to promote greater self-sufficiency; (5) to encourage Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to engage more fully in Native American tourism activities to increase visitation to rural and remote areas in the United States that are too difficult to access or are unknown to domestic travelers and international tourists; (6) to provide grants, loans, and technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations that will— (A) spur important infrastructure development; (B) increase tourism capacity; and (C) elevate living standards in Native American communities; and (7) to support the development of technologically innovative projects that will incorporate recreational travel and tourism information and data from Federal assets to improve the visitor experience. 3. Definitions In this Act: (1) Agency The term agency has the meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (3) Native Hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization means a nonprofit organization— (A) that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians; (B) in which Native Hawaiians serve in substantive and policymaking positions; and (C) that is recognized for having expertise in Native Hawaiian culture and heritage, including tourism. (4) Tribal organization The term tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). 4. Integrating Federal tourism assets to strengthen Native tourism opportunities (a) Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of the Interior The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior shall update the respective management plans and tourism initiatives of the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (b) Other agencies The head of each agency that has recreational travel or tourism functions or complementary programs shall update the respective management plans and tourism strategies of the agency to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (c) Native American tourism plans (1) In general The plans shall outline policy proposals— (A) to improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis; (B) to increase the integration, alignment, and utility of public records, publications, and Web sites maintained by Federal agencies; (C) to create a better user experience for domestic travelers and international visitors; (D) to align Federal agency Web sites and publications; (E) to support national tourism goals; (F) to identify agency programs that could be used to support tourism capacity building and help sustain tourism infrastructure in Native American communities; (G) to develop innovative visitor portals for parks, landmarks, heritage and cultural sites, and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of the indigenous peoples of the United States; (H) to share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual interpretive and directional signage that could include or incorporate English and the local Native American language or languages; and (I) to improve access to transportation programs related to Native American community capacity building for tourism and trade, including transportation planning for programs related to visitor enhancement and safety. (2) Consultation with Indian tribes and Native Americans In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the head of each agency shall consult with Indian tribes and the Native American community to identify appropriate levels of inclusion of the Indian tribes and Native Americans in Federal tourism activities, public records and publications, including Native American tourism information available on Web sites. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement with an entity or organization with a demonstrated record in tribal communities of defining, introducing, developing, and sustaining American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian tourism and related activities in a manner that respects and honors native traditions and values. (2) Coordination The memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement described in paragraph (1) shall formalize a role for the organization or entity to serve as a facilitator between the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce and the Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations— (A) to identify areas where technical assistance is needed through consultations with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to empower the Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (B) to provide a means for the delivery of technical assistance and coordinate the delivery of the assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in collaboration with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and other entities with distinctive experience, as appropriate. (3) Funding Subject to the availability of appropriations, the head of each Federal agency, including the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Labor shall obligate any funds made available to the head of the agency to cover any administrative expenses incurred by the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) in carrying out programs or activities of the agency. (4) Metrics The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall coordinate with the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) to develop metrics to measure the effectiveness of the entity or organization in strengthening tourism opportunities for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (e) Reports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and occasionally thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall each submit to the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes— (1) the manner in which the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, is including Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in management plans; (2) the efforts of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, to develop departmental and agency tourism plans to support tourism programs of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations; (3) the manner in which the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) is working to promote tourism to empower Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (4) the effectiveness of the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) based on the metrics developed under subsection (d)(4). 5. Native American tourism and branding enhancement (a) In general The head of each agency shall— (1) take actions that help empower Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to showcase the heritage, foods, traditions, history, and continuing vitality of Native American communities; (2) support the efforts of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations— (A) to identify and enhance or maintain traditions and cultural features that are important to sustain the distinctiveness of the local Native American community; and (B) to provide visitor experiences that are authentic and respectful; (3) provide assistance to interpret the connections between the indigenous peoples of the United States and the national identity of the United States; (4) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures and subcultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures to the national brand of the United States; and (5) enter into appropriate memoranda of understanding and establish public-private partnerships to ensure that arriving domestic travelers at airports and arriving international visitors at ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Native American communities. (b) Grants To the extent practicable, grant programs relating to travel, recreation, or tourism administered by the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, or the head of an agency with assets or resources relating to travel, recreation, or tourism promotion or branding enhancement for which Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or Native Hawaiian organizations are eligible may be used— (1) to support the efforts of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to tell the story of Native Americans as the First Peoples of the United States; (2) to use the arts and humanities to help revitalize Native communities, promote economic development, increase livability, and present the uniqueness of the United States to visitors in a way that celebrates the diversity of the United States; and (3) to carry out this section. (c) Smithsonian The Advisory Council and the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution shall work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nonprofit organizations to establish long-term partnerships with non-Smithsonian museums and educational and cultural organizations— (1) to share collections, exhibitions, interpretive materials, and educational strategies; and (2) to conduct joint research and collaborative projects that would support tourism efforts for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations and carry out the intent of this section. 6. Effect Nothing in this Act alters, or demonstrates congressional support for the alteration of, the legal relationship between the United States and any American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian individual, group, organization, or entity.

Passed the Senate April 25, 2016. Julie E. Adams, Secretary

tv_txt: 114th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 1579 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES AN ACT To enhance and integrate Native American tourism, empower Native American communities, increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets, and expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act . 2. Purposes The purposes of this Act are— (1) to enhance and integrate Native American tourism— (A) to empower Native American communities; and (B) to advance the National Travel and Tourism Strategy; (2) to increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets to support Native American tourism and bolster recreational travel and tourism; (3) to expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States to spur economic development, create jobs, and increase tourism revenues; (4) to enhance and improve self-determination and self-governance capabilities in the Native American community and to promote greater self-sufficiency; (5) to encourage Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to engage more fully in Native American tourism activities to increase visitation to rural and remote areas in the United States that are too difficult to access or are unknown to domestic travelers and international tourists; (6) to provide grants, loans, and technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations that will— (A) spur important infrastructure development; (B) increase tourism capacity; and (C) elevate living standards in Native American communities; and (7) to support the development of technologically innovative projects that will incorporate recreational travel and tourism information and data from Federal assets to improve the visitor experience. 3. Definitions In this Act: (1) Agency The term agency has the meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (3) Native Hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization means a nonprofit organization— (A) that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians; (B) in which Native Hawaiians serve in substantive and policymaking positions; and (C) that is recognized for having expertise in Native Hawaiian culture and heritage, including tourism. (4) Tribal organization The term tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). 4. Integrating Federal tourism assets to strengthen Native tourism opportunities (a) Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of the Interior The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior shall update the respective management plans and tourism initiatives of the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (b) Other agencies The head of each agency that has recreational travel or tourism functions or complementary programs shall update the respective management plans and tourism strategies of the agency to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (c) Native American tourism plans (1) In general The plans shall outline policy proposals— (A) to improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis; (B) to increase the integration, alignment, and utility of public records, publications, and Web sites maintained by Federal agencies; (C) to create a better user experience for domestic travelers and international visitors; (D) to align Federal agency Web sites and publications; (E) to support national tourism goals; (F) to identify agency programs that could be used to support tourism capacity building and help sustain tourism infrastructure in Native American communities; (G) to develop innovative visitor portals for parks, landmarks, heritage and cultural sites, and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of the indigenous peoples of the United States; (H) to share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual interpretive and directional signage that could include or incorporate English and the local Native American language or languages; and (I) to improve access to transportation programs related to Native American community capacity building for tourism and trade, including transportation planning for programs related to visitor enhancement and safety. (2) Consultation with Indian tribes and Native Americans In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the head of each agency shall consult with Indian tribes and the Native American community to identify appropriate levels of inclusion of the Indian tribes and Native Americans in Federal tourism activities, public records and publications, including Native American tourism information available on Web sites. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement with an entity or organization with a demonstrated record in tribal communities of defining, introducing, developing, and sustaining American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian tourism and related activities in a manner that respects and honors native traditions and values. (2) Coordination The memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement described in paragraph (1) shall formalize a role for the organization or entity to serve as a facilitator between the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce and the Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations— (A) to identify areas where technical assistance is needed through consultations with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to empower the Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (B) to provide a means for the delivery of technical assistance and coordinate the delivery of the assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in collaboration with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and other entities with distinctive experience, as appropriate. (3) Funding Subject to the availability of appropriations, the head of each Federal agency, including the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Labor shall obligate any funds made available to the head of the agency to cover any administrative expenses incurred by the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) in carrying out programs or activities of the agency. (4) Metrics The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall coordinate with the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) to develop metrics to measure the effectiveness of the entity or organization in strengthening tourism opportunities for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (e) Reports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and occasionally thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall each submit to the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes— (1) the manner in which the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, is including Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in management plans; (2) the efforts of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, to develop departmental and agency tourism plans to support tourism programs of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations; (3) the manner in which the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) is working to promote tourism to empower Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (4) the effectiveness of the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) based on the metrics developed under subsection (d)(4). 5. Native American tourism and branding enhancement (a) In general The head of each agency shall— (1) take actions that help empower Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to showcase the heritage, foods, traditions, history, and continuing vitality of Native American communities; (2) support the efforts of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations— (A) to identify and enhance or maintain traditions and cultural features that are important to sustain the distinctiveness of the local Native American community; and (B) to provide visitor experiences that are authentic and respectful; (3) provide assistance to interpret the connections between the indigenous peoples of the United States and the national identity of the United States; (4) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures and subcultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures to the national brand of the United States; and (5) enter into appropriate memoranda of understanding and establish public-private partnerships to ensure that arriving domestic travelers at airports and arriving international visitors at ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Native American communities. (b) Grants To the extent practicable, grant programs relating to travel, recreation, or tourism administered by the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, or the head of an agency with assets or resources relating to travel, recreation, or tourism promotion or branding enhancement for which Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or Native Hawaiian organizations are eligible may be used— (1) to support the efforts of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to tell the story of Native Americans as the First Peoples of the United States; (2) to use the arts and humanities to help revitalize Native communities, promote economic development, increase livability, and present the uniqueness of the United States to visitors in a way that celebrates the diversity of the United States; and (3) to carry out this section. (c) Smithsonian The Advisory Council and the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution shall work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nonprofit organizations to establish long-term partnerships with non-Smithsonian museums and educational and cultural organizations— (1) to share collections, exhibitions, interpretive materials, and educational strategies; and (2) to conduct joint research and collaborative projects that would support tourism efforts for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations and carry out the intent of this section. 6. Effect Nothing in this Act alters, or demonstrates congressional support for the alteration of, the legal relationship between the United States and any American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian individual, group, organization, or entity.

Passed the Senate April 25, 2016. Secretary

tv_txt: One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of America 2d Session Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the fourth day of January, two thousand and sixteen S. 1579 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES AN ACT To enhance and integrate Native American tourism, empower Native American communities, increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets, and expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act . 2. Purposes The purposes of this Act are— (1) to enhance and integrate Native American tourism— (A) to empower Native American communities; and (B) to advance the National Travel and Tourism Strategy; (2) to increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets to support Native American tourism and bolster recreational travel and tourism; (3) to expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States to spur economic development, create jobs, and increase tourism revenues; (4) to enhance and improve self-determination and self-governance capabilities in the Native American community and to promote greater self-sufficiency; (5) to encourage Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to engage more fully in Native American tourism activities to increase visitation to rural and remote areas in the United States that are too difficult to access or are unknown to domestic travelers and international tourists; (6) to provide grants, loans, and technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations that will— (A) spur important infrastructure development; (B) increase tourism capacity; and (C) elevate living standards in Native American communities; and (7) to support the development of technologically innovative projects that will incorporate recreational travel and tourism information and data from Federal assets to improve the visitor experience. 3. Definitions In this Act: (1) Agency The term agency has the meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (3) Native Hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization means a nonprofit organization— (A) that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians; (B) in which Native Hawaiians serve in substantive and policymaking positions; and (C) that is recognized for having expertise in Native Hawaiian culture and heritage, including tourism. (4) Tribal organization The term tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). 4. Integrating Federal tourism assets to strengthen Native tourism opportunities (a) Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of the Interior The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior shall update the respective management plans and tourism initiatives of the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (b) Other agencies The head of each agency that has recreational travel or tourism functions or complementary programs shall update the respective management plans and tourism strategies of the agency to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (c) Native American tourism plans (1) In general The plans shall outline policy proposals— (A) to improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis; (B) to increase the integration, alignment, and utility of public records, publications, and Web sites maintained by Federal agencies; (C) to create a better user experience for domestic travelers and international visitors; (D) to align Federal agency Web sites and publications; (E) to support national tourism goals; (F) to identify agency programs that could be used to support tourism capacity building and help sustain tourism infrastructure in Native American communities; (G) to develop innovative visitor portals for parks, landmarks, heritage and cultural sites, and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of the indigenous peoples of the United States; (H) to share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual interpretive and directional signage that could include or incorporate English and the local Native American language or languages; and (I) to improve access to transportation programs related to Native American community capacity building for tourism and trade, including transportation planning for programs related to visitor enhancement and safety. (2) Consultation with Indian tribes and Native Americans In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the head of each agency shall consult with Indian tribes and the Native American community to identify appropriate levels of inclusion of the Indian tribes and Native Americans in Federal tourism activities, public records and publications, including Native American tourism information available on Web sites. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement with an entity or organization with a demonstrated record in tribal communities of defining, introducing, developing, and sustaining American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian tourism and related activities in a manner that respects and honors native traditions and values. (2) Coordination The memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement described in paragraph (1) shall formalize a role for the organization or entity to serve as a facilitator between the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce and the Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations— (A) to identify areas where technical assistance is needed through consultations with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to empower the Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (B) to provide a means for the delivery of technical assistance and coordinate the delivery of the assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in collaboration with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and other entities with distinctive experience, as appropriate. (3) Funding Subject to the availability of appropriations, the head of each Federal agency, including the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Labor shall obligate any funds made available to the head of the agency to cover any administrative expenses incurred by the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) in carrying out programs or activities of the agency. (4) Metrics The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall coordinate with the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) to develop metrics to measure the effectiveness of the entity or organization in strengthening tourism opportunities for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (e) Reports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and occasionally thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall each submit to the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes— (1) the manner in which the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, is including Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in management plans; (2) the efforts of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, to develop departmental and agency tourism plans to support tourism programs of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations; (3) the manner in which the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) is working to promote tourism to empower Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (4) the effectiveness of the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) based on the metrics developed under subsection (d)(4). 5. Native American tourism and branding enhancement (a) In general The head of each agency shall— (1) take actions that help empower Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to showcase the heritage, foods, traditions, history, and continuing vitality of Native American communities; (2) support the efforts of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations— (A) to identify and enhance or maintain traditions and cultural features that are important to sustain the distinctiveness of the local Native American community; and (B) to provide visitor experiences that are authentic and respectful; (3) provide assistance to interpret the connections between the indigenous peoples of the United States and the national identity of the United States; (4) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures and subcultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures to the national brand of the United States; and (5) enter into appropriate memoranda of understanding and establish public-private partnerships to ensure that arriving domestic travelers at airports and arriving international visitors at ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Native American communities. (b) Grants To the extent practicable, grant programs relating to travel, recreation, or tourism administered by the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, or the head of an agency with assets or resources relating to travel, recreation, or tourism promotion or branding enhancement for which Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or Native Hawaiian organizations are eligible may be used— (1) to support the efforts of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to tell the story of Native Americans as the First Peoples of the United States; (2) to use the arts and humanities to help revitalize Native communities, promote economic development, increase livability, and present the uniqueness of the United States to visitors in a way that celebrates the diversity of the United States; and (3) to carry out this section. (c) Smithsonian The Advisory Council and the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution shall work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nonprofit organizations to establish long-term partnerships with non-Smithsonian museums and educational and cultural organizations— (1) to share collections, exhibitions, interpretive materials, and educational strategies; and (2) to conduct joint research and collaborative projects that would support tourism efforts for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations and carry out the intent of this section. 6. Effect Nothing in this Act alters, or demonstrates congressional support for the alteration of, the legal relationship between the United States and any American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian individual, group, organization, or entity.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate

tv_txt: ID Union Calendar No. 559 114th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 1579 [Report No. 114–721, Part I] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 26, 2016 Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources , and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce , and House Administration , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned September 6, 2016 Reported from the Committee on Natural Resources September 6, 2016 The Committees on Energy and Commerce and House Administration discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed A BILL To enhance and integrate Native American tourism, empower Native American communities, increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets, and expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act or the NATIVE Act . 2. Purposes The purposes of this Act are— (1) to enhance and integrate Native American tourism— (A) to empower Native American communities; and (B) to advance the National Travel and Tourism Strategy; (2) to increase coordination and collaboration between Federal tourism assets to support Native American tourism and bolster recreational travel and tourism; (3) to expand heritage and cultural tourism opportunities in the United States to spur economic development, create jobs, and increase tourism revenues; (4) to enhance and improve self-determination and self-governance capabilities in the Native American community and to promote greater self-sufficiency; (5) to encourage Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to engage more fully in Native American tourism activities to increase visitation to rural and remote areas in the United States that are too difficult to access or are unknown to domestic travelers and international tourists; (6) to provide grants, loans, and technical assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations that will— (A) spur important infrastructure development; (B) increase tourism capacity; and (C) elevate living standards in Native American communities; and (7) to support the development of technologically innovative projects that will incorporate recreational travel and tourism information and data from Federal assets to improve the visitor experience. 3. Definitions In this Act: (1) Agency The term agency has the meaning given the term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code. (2) Indian tribe The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). (3) Native Hawaiian organization The term Native Hawaiian organization means a nonprofit organization— (A) that serves the interests of Native Hawaiians; (B) in which Native Hawaiians serve in substantive and policymaking positions; and (C) that is recognized for having expertise in Native Hawaiian culture and heritage, including tourism. (4) Tribal organization The term tribal organization has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act ( 25 U.S.C. 450b ). 4. Integrating Federal tourism assets to strengthen Native tourism opportunities (a) Secretary of Commerce and Secretary of the Interior The Secretary of Commerce and the Secretary of the Interior shall update the respective management plans and tourism initiatives of the Department of Commerce and the Department of the Interior to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (b) Other agencies The head of each agency that has recreational travel or tourism functions or complementary programs shall update the respective management plans and tourism strategies of the agency to include Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (c) Native American tourism plans (1) In general The plans shall outline policy proposals— (A) to improve travel and tourism data collection and analysis; (B) to increase the integration, alignment, and utility of public records, publications, and Web sites maintained by Federal agencies; (C) to create a better user experience for domestic travelers and international visitors; (D) to align Federal agency Web sites and publications; (E) to support national tourism goals; (F) to identify agency programs that could be used to support tourism capacity building and help sustain tourism infrastructure in Native American communities; (G) to develop innovative visitor portals for parks, landmarks, heritage and cultural sites, and assets that showcase and respect the diversity of the indigenous peoples of the United States; (H) to share local Native American heritage through the development of bilingual interpretive and directional signage that could include or incorporate English and the local Native American language or languages; and (I) to improve access to transportation programs related to Native American community capacity building for tourism and trade, including transportation planning for programs related to visitor enhancement and safety. (2) Consultation with Indian tribes and Native Americans In developing the plan under paragraph (1), the head of each agency shall consult with Indian tribes and the Native American community to identify appropriate levels of inclusion of the Indian tribes and Native Americans in Federal tourism activities, public records and publications, including Native American tourism information available on Web sites. (d) Technical assistance (1) In general The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall enter into a memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement with an entity or organization with a demonstrated record in tribal communities of defining, introducing, developing, and sustaining American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian tourism and related activities in a manner that respects and honors native traditions and values. (2) Coordination The memorandum of understanding or cooperative agreement described in paragraph (1) shall formalize a role for the organization or entity to serve as a facilitator between the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce and the Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations— (A) to identify areas where technical assistance is needed through consultations with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to empower the Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (B) to provide a means for the delivery of technical assistance and coordinate the delivery of the assistance to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in collaboration with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and other entities with distinctive experience, as appropriate. (3) Funding Subject to the availability of appropriations, the head of each Federal agency, including the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Labor shall obligate any funds made available to the head of the agency to cover any administrative expenses incurred by the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) in carrying out programs or activities of the agency. (4) Metrics The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall coordinate with the organization or entity described in paragraph (1) to develop metrics to measure the effectiveness of the entity or organization in strengthening tourism opportunities for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations. (e) Reports Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and occasionally thereafter, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall each submit to the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report that describes— (1) the manner in which the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, is including Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations in management plans; (2) the efforts of the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, as applicable, to develop departmental and agency tourism plans to support tourism programs of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations; (3) the manner in which the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) is working to promote tourism to empower Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to participate fully in the tourism industry; and (4) the effectiveness of the entity or organization described in subsection (d)(1) based on the metrics developed under subsection (d)(4). 5. Native American tourism and branding enhancement (a) In general The head of each agency shall— (1) take actions that help empower Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to showcase the heritage, foods, traditions, history, and continuing vitality of Native American communities; (2) support the efforts of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations— (A) to identify and enhance or maintain traditions and cultural features that are important to sustain the distinctiveness of the local Native American community; and (B) to provide visitor experiences that are authentic and respectful; (3) provide assistance to interpret the connections between the indigenous peoples of the United States and the national identity of the United States; (4) enhance efforts to promote understanding and respect for diverse cultures and subcultures in the United States and the relevance of those cultures to the national brand of the United States; and (5) enter into appropriate memoranda of understanding and establish public-private partnerships to ensure that arriving domestic travelers at airports and arriving international visitors at ports of entry are welcomed in a manner that both showcases and respects the diversity of Native American communities. (b) Grants To the extent practicable, grant programs relating to travel, recreation, or tourism administered by the Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, or the head of an agency with assets or resources relating to travel, recreation, or tourism promotion or branding enhancement for which Indian tribes, tribal organizations, or Native Hawaiian organizations are eligible may be used— (1) to support the efforts of Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to tell the story of Native Americans as the First Peoples of the United States; (2) to use the arts and humanities to help revitalize Native communities, promote economic development, increase livability, and present the uniqueness of the United States to visitors in a way that celebrates the diversity of the United States; and (3) to carry out this section. (c) Smithsonian The Advisory Council and the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution shall work with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nonprofit organizations to establish long-term partnerships with non-Smithsonian museums and educational and cultural organizations— (1) to share collections, exhibitions, interpretive materials, and educational strategies; and (2) to conduct joint research and collaborative projects that would support tourism efforts for Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations and carry out the intent of this section. 6. Effect Nothing in this Act alters, or demonstrates congressional support for the alteration of, the legal relationship between the United States and any American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian individual, group, organization, or entity.

September 6, 2016 Reported from the Committee on Natural Resources September 6, 2016 The Committees on Energy and Commerce and House Administration discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed