Ancestral Homelands of the Plains Tribes, including the Lipan Apache, Comanche and Tonkawa (Austin, TX) – Destination Indigenous (part of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada) proudly participated in South by Southwest 2025 (SXSW) from March 7 to 15, in Austin, Texas. This activation marks Destination Indigenous’s s third time at SXSW, following their successful engagement at SXSW Sydney in October 2024.
SXSW, recognized globally as one of the most prestigious creative industry events, is renowned for its eclectic mix of music, film, technology, and cultural programming. The event draws thousands of industry professionals, artists, and thought leaders from around the world. As part of this expansive cultural and creative hub, Destination Indigenous was honoured to have contributed to the broader narrative on the vital role Indigenous voices play in shaping the future of global creative industries.
Destination Indigenous contributed to this pivotal programming as part of a partnership with the First Nations House, organized by First Nations X. First Nations X is a collective initiative aimed at amplifying the voices and contributions of Indigenous Peoples worldwide to foster economic and social impact within Indigenous communities. This collaboration reflects Destination Indigenous’s broader commitment to establishing a global Indigenous network across creative and cultural platforms.
One of the key highlights of the activation was a thought-provoking panel discussion on Global Perspectives on First Nations Economic Empowerment, featuring Zane Buchanan, Creative Manager for ITAC. Buchanan was joined by Indigenous leaders from the United States, New Zealand, and Australia, engaging in powerful dialogue about economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and sovereignty in Indigenous communities.
The programming concluded with a captivating cultural performance, generously sponsored by Destination Indigenous. The event featured traditional storytelling and song by Hjalmer Wenstob, owner of the Cedar House Gallery in Ucluelet, and his brother, Timmy Masso. Tamara Littlelight, Director of Marketing at ITAC, had the honour of introducing the performance, which showcased the rich oral traditions of Indigenous Peoples.
With activations at SXSW Sydney in October 2024 and 2025 SXSW in Austin, Texas, Destination Indigenous continues to solidify its commitment to supporting Indigenous representation and creating impactful opportunities for Indigenous artists and professionals on the global stage.