OK, you missed Native American Heritage Days again. I’ve posted about this event several times, but every year brings something a little different. This event has been held for 20 years during the second week of August.
Several people from tribes affiliated to Grand Canyon came together and shared at this 20th Native American Heritage Days. Arts and crafts demonstrations took place on the lawn next to the Grand Lodge for two days. This year, Zuni potter Eileen Yatsattie shared her exquisite pottery and examples of the types of clay used. Debra Onsae demonstrated Hopi arts and crafts. Henry and Cody Nez demonstrated their Dine silversmithing skills and showed some gorgeous jewelry, which I refrained from buying. Representing the Kaibab Paiute, Glendora Homer demonstrated how plants and fibers are used to make cordage.
Jessica Lomatewama demonstrated Hopi traditional basket weaving. And in the parking area Ramson Lomatewama demonstrated his blown glass work which I find absolutely amazing as he incorporates old designs with a new art form.
Dine flute player Milton Tso always entertains the crowd with both his music and incredible sense of humor. Plus he got a few kids to help him out as well.
The Cedar Creek Apache crown dancers were a new addition this year. They impressed all who attended swinging those huge head pieces as though they were lighter than air.
World Hoop dance champion Derrick Suwaima once again mesmerized the crowd as he energetically added five hoops or more to create a representation of the world and our cultural commonalities.
First time performers at an evening presentation by the Havasupai medical duo James Uqualla and White Dove had people riveted to their seats as they danced, sang and shared stories about the essence of life and being at one with yourself and your environment.
The second night’s entertainment by Curtis Quam and Octavius Seowtewa explained the Zuni emergence and migration history as told by some of the discovered rock art in Grand Canyon. Unfortunately the slide presentation wasn’t easy to photography.
Every year, people from some of the local affiliated tribes come to the North Rim to share in a cultural celebration at Native American Heritage Days. I hope you’ll be able to join us next year.
