Native American Tourism Summit Spotlights Economic Power

The third annual summit at Crazy Horse Memorial examined the growing economic influence of indigenous tourism in South Dakota and beyond.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Native American

Native American Tourism Summit Spotlights Economic Power

Live Poll

Would you plan a trip to visit Native American cultural sites in South Dakota?

The Third Annual Native American Tourism Summit was hosted at Crazy Horse Memorial on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Speakers, led by Rupert, CEO of the American Indigenous Tourism Association, addressed the growth and power of Native American tourism.

Why it matters

Native American tourism is projected to contribute $67 billion to the global economy by 2034, and one in four indigenous-owned U.S. businesses operates in tourism-related fields. For South Dakota, the summit highlights how indigenous culture and tourism are closely tied to the economy of the Black Hills and Badlands.

A 2020 study found indigenous-owned tourism businesses contributed $11.6 billion to the U.S. economy that year, with one in four such businesses operating in tourism-related fields. Visitor spending in the Black Hills and Badlands between September 2025 and August 2026 was estimated at $2 billion, though the methodology behind that estimate was not described.

The players

Rupert

Rupert serves as chief executive of the American Indigenous Tourism Association, a national organization that promotes indigenous-owned tourism businesses.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse Memorial is a monument carved into a mountain near Crazy Horse, South Dakota, honoring Lakota leader Crazy Horse and preserving Native American culture.

The details

Speakers addressed the summit's panel on the growth and power of Native American tourism, joined by Thompson, Gussiaas, Bad Warrior-Ganje, Abourezk, Ambrosino, and Red Eagle. The summit aligns with the Crazy Horse Memorial's mission to preserve and promote indigenous culture in the Black Hills and Badlands region.

2020: A study found indigenous tourism businesses contributed $11.6 billion to the U.S. economy.
September 2025 to August 2026: Visitor spending in the Black Hills and Badlands was estimated at $2 billion.
Wednesday, Nov. 4: The Third Annual Native American Tourism Summit was held at Crazy Horse Memorial.
May 1 to Oct. 13: Crazy Horse Memorial dance and storytelling performances take place daily.
2034: Native American tourism is projected to contribute $67 billion to the global economy.

Cultural Context

The summit extends the Black Hills Powwow, which has been held every October for 38 years, into a formal discussion of indigenous tourism's economic role. South Dakota's 9.6% Native American population share places the state fourth among states, a factor that shapes its tourism identity.

Visitors planning trips to the Black Hills and Badlands can attend daily Crazy Horse Memorial performances from May 1 to Oct. 13. Those interested in cultural events may also consider the Black Hills Powwow, held each October.

The takeaway

Indigenous-owned tourism is a substantial economic force, and visitors to South Dakota can support it by seeking out tribally owned attractions and cultural programming. Planning around seasonal events such as the Black Hills Powwow can make a trip both educational and economically meaningful.