April 14-16, 2024
Hilton Garden Inn, Missoula

Registration closes April 1, 2024.

Monday Pre-Social Before we celebrate 50 years of tourism and film, join us from 4:30 – 6 p.m. for a pre-social gathering for cocktails and networking. Sponsored by: Adara

Monday Awards Dinner Step into a night of celebration and reflection at the Montana Tourism Awards Dinner on Monday, April 15 from 6:15 – 8 p.m. As we honor the shining stars of our tourism industry, we invite you to dress in your best black and gold attire, commemorating 50 golden years of film and tourism in Montana. Your presence will truly add sparkle to this milestone evening. Evening attire: Black and gold Sponsored by: Windfall

Meet Joshua Quick: Conference Bag Designer Extraordinaire Introducing the creative mind behind our conference bags:  Joshua Quick. With a unique blend of talent and vision, Joshua brought our conference bags to life with their captivating design. Joshua is an illustrator based in Missoula. His design prominently features the conference name, complemented by artwork symbolizing Montana’s attractions: outdoor recreation, Native American culture, historical heritage, natural beauty and vast open spaces. Get ready to carry a piece of art while you navigate through the event. Check out Joshua’s work by visiting quickjosh.com. Sponsored by: Axiom IT Solutions

Keynote Spotlights:  Mariah Gladstone

“Tourism Experiences from the Landscape”

Join Mariah Gladstone, a celebrated innovator in unique food and foraging experiences, for our featured presentation, “Tourism Experiences from the Landscape.” Discover the rich Pikuni culture as Mariah shares her journey of blending the natural beauty and traditions of the reservation with the vibrant world of tourism. Learn how she connects Glacier Park visitors with the essence of Pikuni heritage through captivating activities.

Mariah’s innovative approach to cultural exchange goes beyond education; it deeply resonates with participants, enriching their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. From foraging for native plants to create gastronomic delights to sharing ancestral wisdom, her sessions exemplify authentic cultural representation.

This presentation is an invaluable opportunity for businesses and tourism professionals seeking to incorporate sustainable and culturally respectful practices into their operations. Gain insights into creating meaningful, culturally-rich experiences that honor and preserve traditions while appealing to a diverse range of tourists. Prepare to be inspired by Mariah’s skillful use of the landscape as an integral part of her storytelling, enhancing both the visitor experience and the value of sustainable, culturally focused tourism.

Breakout Session: “Recipe for Resilience”

In this immersive breakout session, “Recipe for Resilience,” Mariah guides you through the rich tapestry of indigenous food history and its contemporary resurgence. Uncover the transformative journey of native food systems from pre-colonial times to their adaptation through colonization and back to their roots in modern culture. This workshop is particularly insightful for businesses and tourism professionals looking to incorporate authentic, culturally significant culinary experiences into their offerings. Gain a deeper understanding of how these traditional practices can enrich tourism experiences, drive sustainable business models, and foster meaningful connections with indigenous heritage. Whether you’re in the hospitality industry, culinary arts, or cultural tourism, this session offers invaluable insights into leveraging indigenous foodways for cultural and commercial success.

Speaker Bio:  Mariah Gladstone Mariah Gladstone, Piikuni (Blackfeet) and Tsalagi (Cherokee), grew up in Northwest Montana on and near the Blackfeet Reservation. She graduated from Columbia University with a degree in environmental engineering and returned home, where she began her work on food advocacy. She developed Indigikitchen, an online cooking platform to revitalize and re-imagine Native foods. She then earned a master’s degree at the State University of New York-College of Environmental Science and Forestry at the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. Recognized as a Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellow, Gladstone has shared the importance of reconnecting to traditional foods at events throughout North America and abroad, as well as through appearances on “The Today Show,” CBC and more. Mariah spends her summers on the Blackfeet homelands providing a variety of cultural experiences to visitors in and around Glacier Park.

Thank You, Partners!

Sponsors

Questions? 

Contact:  Alana Cunningham, Public Relations Specialist
Montana Office of Tourism
406.841.2781
[email protected]

MTGovernorsConference.com