Sébastien Desnoyers – Picard

Sébastien Desnoyers Picard is an Indigenous leader from the Wendat Nation in Quebec City, Canada and one of the leading global architects of the modern Indigenous tourism movement. A former elected Chief of his Nation, he has dedicated his career to advancing Indigenous led solutions that strengthen cultural sovereignty while driving measurable economic and social benefits for Indigenous communities.
As President and CEO of Destination Original Indigenous Tourism (DO-IT), Sébastien leads the world’s first global Indigenous tourism organization, bringing together the collective leadership of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, the American Indigenous Tourism Association, and New Zealand Māori Tourism. Under his guidance, DO-IT is reframing global perspectives on Indigenous tourism, shaping new international standards of excellence, and mobilizing countries to join a worldwide Indigenous led movement.
Known internationally for his data driven approach, Sébastien has championed the creation of research tools, global inventories, and evidence-based strategies that guide decision making, support policy development, and open pathways for Indigenous operators to thrive. His work ensures that Indigenous tourism is not only culturally authentic but is backed by robust metrics that demonstrate impact, growth potential, and long-term sustainability.
Previously, as Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, he led transformative initiatives such as Destination Indigenous and the internationally recognized Original Original campaign, redefining authenticity and elevating Indigenous tourism as a respected global sector.
A respected advocate and strategist, Sébastien collaborates with ministers, global institutions, and international media to ensure Indigenous peoples are visible, valued, and central to the future of tourism. His leadership continues to inspire countries to adopt Indigenous led models grounded in respect, equity, and tangible community benefits.

  

Pania Tyson-Nathan

Dame Pania is the Chief Executive of New Zealand Māori Tourism (NZMT) and has been involved in Māori business and economic development for 30+ years.
 She has leveraged her extensive knowledge in business to elevate NZ Māori Tourism as a pivotal contributor, active participant, and influential leader in today’s tourism industry in Aotearoa and internationally.
 ‘Our sector has transitioned from product deliverers to experience providers, experience being at the forefront of our export sector, tourism, trade and investment.’
 In 2023, she became a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Māori and business and was also bestowed the matai – the chief title – of Toluma’anave from the Satapuala village of Sāmoa.
She is married to her darling, Evan (Te Roroa), and together they have eight children and 13 mokopuna.

  

 Keith Henry

Mr. Keith Henry is a Métis person that was born in Thompson, Manitoba and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Mr. Henry achieved a B.Ed. from the University of Saskatchewan in 1995.
Mr. Henry began his career in 1995 with teaching positions and has become well known for his strategic administrative and negotiations skills. Since 1998 Mr. Henry has led numerous provincial, federal and industry negotiations on a variety of issues. He has been directly responsible for financial administration of a number of Indigenous non-profits and has a proven track record of success.
Mr. Henry has become an international Indigenous cultural tourism leader receiving recognition as the former CEO for Indigenous Tourism Association of British Columbia (ITBC). In April 2014 the inaugural World Indigenous Tourism Alliance award recognized the work of ITBC and Mr. Henry’s leadership. Mr. Henry has been spearheading the growth of authentic Indigenous tourism in Canada as he worked to redevelop the national Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada as elected chair when this organization incorporated in April 2015. In October 2015 Mr. Henry took the full time role as the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada’s CEO.
In Canada Mr. Henry continues to be recognized across the country as one of the leaders in Indigenous tourism and has led many new initiatives including the national strategy entitled “The Path Forward 2016-2021”, contributions to the development of national standards on market readiness and authenticity, cruise industry opportunities and the national Aboriginal tourism research project on the economic value of Indigenous cultural tourism. Mr. Henry was instrumental in the development of the national Indigenous tourism strategy The Path Forward 2016-2021 which will focus on increasing Indigenous market readiness, increasing jobs, and increasing revenues. Over the course of the last number of years Mr. Henry has been invited to numerous international locations to support Indigenous tourism strategies. 
Mr. Henry volunteers time in the Indigenous community and maintains several board positions including the former President of the Industry Council for Aboriginal Business, former chair of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada, current Chair for the Native Education College, member of the Minister’s Council on Tourism, former member of the Vancouver Board of Trade’s Aboriginal Opportunities Committee, member of the International Marketing Committee Destination Canada member, and current President of the BC Métis Federation.

  

BOARD DIRECTORY

Marilyn Jensen

Travis Owens 

Travis Owens (Cherokee Nation) oversees cultural tourism and community relations for Cherokee Nation Businesses. In his role, Travis manages five museums, including the newly opened Cherokee National History Museum. Travis also manages the restoration of historic sites, interpretive planning, infrastructure development, site planning, cultural art, events, and marketing. While working for the Cherokee Nation, Travis has worked to develop restoration plans from multiple historic properties, managed the remodel of four gift shops, managed the development of five museums and is currently working on development plans for an additional historic property. In his role, Travis also oversees corporate sponsorship and employee volunteerism for Cherokee Nation Businesses and its more than 6,000 employees. Before joining Cherokee Nation Businesses in early 2008, Travis worked for the Cherokee Nation Commerce Department and primarily focused on rural community development through tourism, including agritourism, entrepreneurial development and Scenic Byway development. Travis holds a Bachelors of Business Administration with a specification in Tourism Management and Masters of Business Administration. Travis currently serves on the board of directors for Preservation Oklahoma and the American Indigenous Tourism Association. Travis has also served on the board for Fab Lab Tulsa and the Tulsa Children’s Museum. In 2016, Travis was named one of Oklahoma Magazine’s 40 under 40.

Sherry Rupert

Sherry L. Rupert (Paiute/Washoe) is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Indigenous Tourism Association and has nearly 25 years of executive-level experience managing and promoting Indigenous Tourism. As CEO of the American Indigenous Tourism Association, the only national association dedicated to Indigenous tourism, she is the leading voice when it comes to advocating for travel and tourism as a significant economic driver in Native Nations and communities across the U.S. and its territories. She also holds leadership positions on various national boards including the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and the National Park Service Advisory Board Tourism Committee. She is a former member of the Business Advisory Council under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Travel Association Board, and a Co-Chair of the America250 Hospitality and Tourism Advisory Committee. In 2024, Sherry joined the inaugural board as a U.S. representative of the newly-formed global organization, Destination Original Indigenous Tourism, where she serves as one of three key architects in its creation. Indigenous Tourism Businesses, the first-ever ever study of its kind. She also curates a robust educational program for tribes and indigenous-owned hospitality enterprises around the country. 
In 2025, she led the charge for the landmark expansive and inclusive move from the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association to the American Indigenous Tourism Association, ushering in a new era for Indigenous tourism across the U.S. and its territories. Prior to assuming the role of CEO, she served as President of the American Indigenous Tourism Association’s Board of Directors since 2012. During that time, she was instrumental in working with Congress to pass the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience (NATIVE) Act. Sherry previously served as the Executive Director of the State of Nevada Indian Commission, reporting directly to the Governor of Nevada to serve as a liaison to the state’s 28 tribes, bands and colonies and served as the Chairperson on Nevada’s Indian Territory, Nevada Commission on Tourism. She has won numerous awards and accolades for her work, including for her work in preserving the site of the Stewart Indian School as a museum and cultural center and coordination of the popular Stewart Father’s Day Powwow, the largest three-day Powwow in Northern Nevada. She successfully raised $5.7 million in state appropriations to establish a museum and cultural center at the historic site. She led the development and implementation of the Stewart Indian School Master Plan (Interpretive Plan, Market Study, and Business Strategic Plan) for the State of Nevada. Sherry also created and implemented the award-winning Stewart Indian School Trail, a self-guided cell phone walking tour of the Stewart Indian School campus in 2008. As CEO of the American Indigenous Tourism Association, the organization has received industry recognition to include the Clyde Warrior Civil Rights Recognition presented by the Native Professional Advancement Center in 2024 and was awarded by Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Bright Ideas in Travel list for its partnership with the U.S. Forest Service Community Navigator program. Sherry was also recognized in 2024 by Leisure Group Travel’s Women in Tourism Leadership Spotlight, highlighting her contributions to Indigenous and cultural tourism across the U.S. In 2025, the American Indigenous Tourism Association was recognized by Wanderful’s Bessie Awards as 2025 Collaboration of the Year for its partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the Community Navigator Initiative. Sherry holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Finance Major from the University of Nevada, Reno and has completed professional training courses and programs to support her work in advancing cultural tourism in the United States.

Keith Henry

Dale Aotea Stephens

Dale Aotea Stephens serves as the Chair of New Zealand Māori Tourism and of Destination Original Indigenous Tourism.
He brings a wealth of experience championing Māori aspirations in both the public and private sector as a director on a range of Māori investment and social agency entities. Drawing on his extensive experience in the public sector and background in human resources, investment and consultancy, Dale has guided government agencies and led organisations as CEO in NZ and Asia Pacific. He has previously served on numerous private sector boards across a range of business interests.
Dale and his wife Tarina (Te Atiawa) are proud parents of six and live in Ōtautahi Christchurch. His deep appreciation for learning has granted him various academic accolades in Business Management, Master of Public Policy, te reo Māori and a Master of Laws.

Jean – Philippe Le Moigne

Jean-Philippe Le Moigne is the Director of Development at Destination Original Indigenous Tourism (DO-IT), bringing more than 20 years of international experience in Indigenous-led tourism development, sustainable tourism, and protected area management.
He holds a Forest Engineering degree with specialized training in Sustainable Tourism and Rural Development, Ecotourism, Recreation and Public Use in Protected Areas, and Indigenous Tourism. He also earned a Master’s degree in Tourism Management and Territorial Development, and has conducted research and published on Indigenous Tourism, territorial governance, and sustainability.
Throughout his career, Jean-Philippe has worked extensively across Latin America and the Caribbean, collaborating closely with Indigenous grassroots organizations, community leaders, and public institutions. He has also contributed to ecotourism initiatives in protected areas in Asia, combining applied research with hands-on, field-based implementation.
From 2018 to 2025, he served as the Agent for Latin America and the Caribbean for the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance (WINTA) and has contributed to key Indigenous Tourism publications developed by UN Tourism, supporting the advancement of Indigenous-led tourism frameworks at the international level.
He specializes in the design, coordination, and implementation of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and works effectively in multicultural and multilingual environments. His expertise spans tourism planning, sustainability, protected areas, rural development, Indigenous governance, outdoor recreation, and education, always grounded in a commitment to Indigenous self-determination, cultural integrity, and long-term territorial impact.

  

MARILYN JENSEN

    Yadutín & Dùsts’á àle, is Inland Tlingit/Tagish Khwáan from the Carcross/Tagish First Nation; 
    belonging to the Dakhl’aweidí Clan under the Tagish Kéet Hit (Killerwhale House) in the Southern 
    Yukon Territory. She presently serves as President of the Yukon First Nation Culture and Tourism 
    Association. She has taught First Nation Governance at Yukon College and works closely with many 
    Indigenous communities as a consultant focusing on Indigenous self-determination. 
    
    She continues to teach engaging workshops for Government on indigenous history, land claims, 
    self-government for 20 years and for numerous First Nation Governments and organizations.
  

Hoki-mai Chong 

Hoki-mai is the Chief Advisor at New Zealand Māori Tourism (NZMT), where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s governance and strategic direction. He fosters strong relationships with NZMT’s Board, members and key stakeholders, including Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry of Māori Development), where he previously held senior leadership positions.
He has also held various roles on the governing bodies of his iwi (Waikato), which administers the collective assets of its 80,000 iwi members.
Hoki-mai is of both Chinese (Fujian province, China, via Singapore), and Ngāti Korokī-Kahukura descent