By Admin
April 11, 2025
Northern Arizona University’s Flagstaff Mountain campus sits at the heart of the Colorado Plateau—a region steeped in culture and history and home to five Indigenous tribes. Given this unique setting, it was only a matter of time before a course was created to bridge Indigenous culture and the hospitality industry.
The concept originated within the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) and aligns with NAU’s strong commitment to Indigenous communities. Initially envisioned as a class focused on tribal gaming, the course evolved into a broader exploration of Indigenous hospitality.
According to Precilla Comisario Cox, lead academic advisor and primary instructor, the idea grew through collaboration with Indigenous community members, hospitality industry partners, and students. “Hospitality is deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions—whether it’s caring for elders, ensuring everyone is fed, or organizing family and community gatherings,” Comisario Cox explained. “I wanted to learn what matters most to Indigenous peoples and shape the course so that students from any field could apply it.”
Currently, the course highlights the cultures of Native American, Native Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian communities, examining their close ties to tourism and hospitality.
The curriculum is split into two parts: the first offers foundational knowledge of Indigenous history and culture, while the second applies that knowledge across different segments of the hospitality field.
“We’re going to explore the culinary side, focusing on Indigenous-owned restaurants and the concept of food sovereignty. Guest speakers will join the class for live food demonstrations,” said Comisario Cox. “Then we’ll move into areas like lodging, spas, tribal gaming, marketing,
event planning, and end with parks and guided tours. We also plan to cover sustainable, eco-, and cultural tourism.”
The course has been in development for over a year and a half. While it’s launching this fall with space for 35 students, there are already plans to expand access with an online version for statewide and distance learners.
This course is truly one of a kind, combining academic insight with community values and real-world application.
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