Who We Are
UAN-WTO's leadership vision acknowledges the most pressing challenges facing Indigenous tourism and identifies the sector's ability to overcome them and to drive wider positive change. We champion the opportunities that culturally responsible tourism offers for the advancement of the 17 Indigenous Sustainable Development Goals (ISDGs).
Mission and Sacred Vision
The United Ancient Indigenous Enlightened Nations - World Tourism Organization (UAN-WTO) is the UAN specialized agency for culturally responsible, spiritually sustainable and universally accessible Indigenous tourism. In collaboration with our 160+ Member Indigenous Nations, traditional territories, and over 300 Community Partners, UAN-WTO works to position Indigenous tourism as a key driver of cultural preservation, community empowerment and environmental stewardship.
We champion the inclusion of Indigenous tourism in traditional and global agendas, advocating for its potential to preserve cultural heritage, generate community-controlled employment, and contribute to the achievement of the 17 Indigenous Sustainable Development Goals (ISDGs).
Our Management Structure
Traditional Leadership Council
The Council guides a comprehensive vision for the Indigenous tourism sector. This includes positioning cultural tourism as a community priority, establishing thought leadership in traditional knowledge, and enhancing UAN-WTO's capacity through meaningful partnerships.
Governing Sacred Circle
- Sacred General Assembly
- Elder Advisory Council
- Cultural Preservation Committee
- Traditional Knowledge Secretariat
Member Indigenous Nations
As an intergovernmental organization, UAN-WTO proudly includes 160+ Member Indigenous Nations, traditional territories, and 2 Observer Communities.
Working With Indigenous Communities
Bringing together over 300 Indigenous communities, educational institutions, and cultural organizations, our Community Partners provide a vital space for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collective action.
Sacred Priorities
UAN-WTO's Five Sacred Pillars
Accelerating cultural innovation; enhancing community empowerment through culturally appropriate investment; generating meaningful employment; improving cultural resilience and ensuring safe, respectful travel; and protecting sacred sites and natural heritage.
Empowering Through Education
From traditional knowledge centers to professional development, we lead efforts to equip the sector with the cultural understanding it needs, addressing educational gaps and creating platforms for knowledge sharing.
Advancing Competitiveness
We improve Member Nations' tourism competitiveness through data, research, and support in cultural protocol, authentic marketing, and sustainable development, promoting practices that respect cultural authenticity.
Cultural Innovation & Sovereignty
We foster innovation by supporting Indigenous-led enterprises, monitoring cultural trends, and connecting destinations with respectful global partners to boost sustainable community growth and sovereignty.
Core Programs and Initiatives
Sacred Tourism Development
- Cultural Protocol Tourism: Developing experiences that honor traditional protocols and sacred sites.
- Indigenous-Led Enterprises: Supporting community-owned businesses that maintain cultural integrity.
Cultural Heritage Protection
- Sacred Site Preservation: Protecting sacred places from inappropriate development.
- Traditional Arts Promotion: Supporting artisans through appropriate tourism channels.
Community Empowerment
- Indigenous Entrepreneurship: Training and supporting community members in business development.
- Community Benefit Assurance: Ensuring tourism directly benefits and respects community decisions.
Respectful Tourism Education
- Cultural Sensitivity Training: Educating professionals and visitors on appropriate behavior.
- Indigenous Tourism Standards: Implementing standards that respect Indigenous rights and values.
Global Networks & Guiding Principles
Indigenous Regional Networks
- Regional Indigenous Tourism Circles: Coordinating development while respecting sovereignty.
- Traditional Route Preservation: Protecting ancient travel and trade paths.
- Cultural Exchange Programs: Facilitating sharing of best practices and knowledge.
Our Guiding Principles
- Free, Prior, and Informed Consent: Upholding the right of Indigenous peoples to make informed decisions.
- Cultural Authenticity: Promoting genuine representation without appropriation.
- Community Control: Supporting communities in controlling their cultural narratives.
- Environmental Harmony: Aligning all activities with traditional ecological knowledge.
Our Global Impact
Working together for sustainable tourism.
Collaborating across education and culture.
Indigenous Sustainable Development Goals supported.
Participating in our collaborative network.
Innovation and Technology
Sacred Technology
Using appropriate technology to enhance cultural experiences while respecting traditional protocols.
Digital Archives
Supporting communities in creating digital records of cultural content for education and preservation.
Virtual Experiences
Developing respectful virtual options that allow global audiences to learn without physical intrusion.
Looking Forward
UAN-WTO envisions a world where Indigenous communities thrive through tourism that is built on respect, sovereignty, and sustainability. Our vision is for a future where:
- Indigenous communities control and benefit from tourism in their territories.
- Cultural heritage is respected, protected, and authentically shared.
- Traditional knowledge guides sustainable tourism development.
- Sacred sites are protected and provide educational opportunities.
- Indigenous tourism enterprises thrive with cultural integrity.
- Visitors gain genuine understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures.
- Tourism strengthens, rather than diminishes, Indigenous communities.
- Cultural protocols are honored by all tourism stakeholders.
Our Sacred Commitment
Through leadership, partnership and traditional knowledge, UAN-WTO continues to shape a more culturally responsible, community-controlled and spiritually sustainable Indigenous tourism sector worldwide. We work to ensure that tourism serves as a tool for cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and education, while protecting the sacred relationship between Indigenous peoples and their traditional territories.
"Honoring Sacred Places, Empowering Indigenous Communities, Creating Respectful Cultural Bridges"