Indian Affairs Seeks Applications for Tribal Tourism Cooperative Agreement

WASHINGTON - The Office of Indian Economic Development is accepting applications for a $1.5 million cooperative agreement to provide technical assistance to Tribal Tourism Grant Program and Office of Native Hawaiian Relations applicants, which are comprised of tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations under the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act of 2016, also known as the NATIVE Act.

"Tribal tourism showcases the rich cultures, histories and traditions of tribal communities while creating jobs and strengthening local economies," said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland. "Under President Trump's leadership and Secretary Burgum's commitment to expanding economic opportunity, Indian Affairs is investing in practical partnerships that help tribes grow their tourism industries, attract more visitors and build long-term prosperity. This cooperative agreement will provide tribes with the technical assistance they need to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that preserve their heritage while supporting economic self-determination for future generations."

The selected recipient will provide targeted capacity-building support to help increase visitation to tribal tourism enterprises and expand cultural heritage tourism and economic development opportunities in tribal and Native Hawaiian communities. The recipient also will provide tools, strategies and technical expertise to strengthen tourism destinations while facilitating coordination between the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce in planning and implementing tourism initiatives. The cooperative agreement will provide funding on an annual basis, subject to appropriations, for up to five years.

The Office of Indian Economic Development administers the cooperative agreement through its Division of Economic Development as a competitive discretionary grant program. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by August 28, 2026. The Notice of Funding Opportunity and application instructions are available under funding opportunity BIA-NATIVEACT-2026-OIED.

Questions about the funding opportunity may be directed to Dennis Wilson, lead grant management specialist with the Division of Economic Development, at 505-917-3235 or [email protected].

The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs advises the Secretary of the Interior on Indian Affairs policy, oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration, leads consultations with federally recognized tribes and coordinates Indian Affairs matters across the executive branch.

The Office of Indian Economic Development supports the economic development of American Indian and Alaska Native communities by expanding access to capital through grants, loan guarantees and technical assistance. For more information about its programs, visit the Office of Indian Economic Development website .

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