Sherry Rupert: Championing Cultural Tourism for Rectification and Cultural Preservation Through Indigenous Storytelling

What does it take to preserve a vital yet painful chapter of history? In this episode, Claytee White and scholar Su Kim Chung interview Sherry Rupert, former Indian Affairs Director for Nevada and Executive Director of the Nevada Indian Commission. Sherry, now CEO of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA), shares her remarkable journey as the driving force behind the restoration of the Stewart Indian School in Carson City, a site that once sought to erase Indigenous identities but now stands as a beacon of remembrance and education. From gathering alumni stories to creating innovative walking tours, Sherry recounts how she transformed the school into a vibrant cultural center that honors the resilience of Native peoples. She also discusses the challenges of funding, gaining community support, and sharing difficult histories authentically. Beyond her work at Stewart, Sherry reflects on her mission to amplify Indigenous voices through cultural tourism on a national scale. Discover how this important work connects past and present, and learn how you can engage with these stories. Tune in to hear Sherry’s inspiring perspective on preserving history to foster understanding and change.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An overview of Sherry Rupert’s career with Nevada’s state government.
• How she led the restoration of the historic Stewart Indian School in Nevada.
• Her partnership with Nevada state governors, including Brian Sandoval.
• Some background on Sherry, her early life, education, and her family.
• The inspiration behind her work for the Stewart Indian School.
• Unpacking the painful history of the school as a tool for assimilation.
• The walking tour featuring alumni stories that earned Sherry a Tourism Excellence Award.
• Ways to conduct research at the Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum.
• Details of the archives, exhibits, and Native art curated by Indigenous artists at the center.
• Key preservation challenges, like securing funding and addressing painful historical truths.
• How they preserved and honored the full stories behind the school and its alumni.
• Reflections on the importance of sharing the stories of Indigenous peoples.
• How visitors can explore the school’s rich history through exhibits, tours, and workshops.
• Sherry’s current work serving as CEO of AIANTA, advocating for Indigenous cultural tourism.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sherry L Rupert
AIANTA Team
NativeAmerica.travel
Stewart Indian School Cultural Center & Museum
Claytee D. White
Su Kim Chung

Women of Diversity Productions Inc.

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