About NANACT

Background & Purpose

Each year, the Grand Canyon attracts 4.4 million visitors, but not many of these tourists venture onto tribal lands, nor do Native people see much of the associated $687 million in regional tourism benefit.  NANACT connects this potential market with Native artisans and culture-based businesses for cultural exchange and Native business profit.

NANACT is a network of Native American artists and business owners. This Web-based travel resource helps visitors experience northern Arizona's scenic beauty and unique Native culture. NANACT and its Web site were made possible through a grant from the US Department of Labor Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration, with facilitation and coordination by Coconino County in collaboration with the Museum of Northern Arizona, Northern Arizona University, and others.

Who is involved

NANACT participants include a growing number of Northern Arizona Native American artisans and culture-based business owners.  NANACT supporters include: Coconino County Community Services Department; U.S. Dept. of Labor – Women’s Bureau; Native Americans for Community Action, Inc.; Hopi Office of Revenue Commission; First Mesa Consolidated Villages; Museum of Northern Arizona; NAU - Center for American Indian Economic Development; NAU - Arizona Hospitality Research and Resource Center; Arizona Office of Tourism; Coconino Community College Small Business Development Center; Kutztown SBDC; and many other organizations.

How it works

NANACT fosters understanding and an appreciation of Native lifeways and arts by creating and promoting “trails” connecting visitors to Northern Arizona with Native artisans.  Visitors will be encouraged and enticed to go beyond usual attractions to experience the unexpectedly exhilarating scenic beauty, rejuvenating lifestyle, timeless discoveries, and vibrant variety of Native tribal lands.

Why NANACT works

Most tourists to rural tribal lands are Arizona residents.  They first go at the suggestion of family or friends, but they usually like what they experience and the average visitor returns 12 times.  Word of mouth advertising is good, but limited.  NANACT provides better exposure, including information and maps via the Internet so many more visitors are enticed to come.  Besides attracting more Arizona residents, NANACT’s target market includes the 21 million domestic visitors from elsewhere in the U.S. and the 2 million international visitors coming to Arizona each year.

How participants are helped

Native artisans are assisted first by being part of a large regional network.  The bigger it gets, the more noticeable it becomes to tourists, an untapped market of potential customers.  Besides more opportunities to connect with new customers, participants also receive business skills training to help them grow profits.