Podcast: Play in new window | Download (27.0MB) | Embed
Gift shops are an important source of revenue for cultural centers, museums and other Native-owned destinations. But expectations from the public put buying pressure on gift shops to offer tacky Native-themed items like plastic tomahawks, foreign-made dream catchers and T-shirts with stereotypical graphics. We take a look at Native stereotypes in tourist hotspots and discuss the best practices for profitable enterprises.
Guests:
Andrew Thomas (Navajo) – product specialist at Shumakolowa Native Arts at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Charlene Teters (Spokane) – academic dean at the Institute of American Indian Arts
Gail Chehak (Klamath) – outreach and membership coordinator for American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association
Break 1 Music: Nose Flute Dub (song) Paula Fuga (artist) Lilikoi (album)
Break 2 Music: Niizh Straight (song) Niizhoo Sullivan (artist) Rez Kid Rhythm (album)