Ranger Jake once again organized an impressive and smooth running Native American Heritage Days at the North Rim Grand Canyon National Park. Demonstrators from several of the local tribes set up sharing basket making, jewelry making and pottery. Plus some outstanding music and dance.
Due to threatening skies and wind Thursday evening’s events were brought inside the Lodge auditorium. Friday the demonstrators came inside also. I’m not used to taking pictures inside so these aren’t the best quality.
Bill came up for the first day of activities on my day off. We hiked the 2 miles from my RV to the Lodge along the Transept Trail. Not too far along near the public campground I saw a couple sitting at a picnic table and heard the woman say, “Isn’t that Bill?” followed by the man saying, “Isn’t that Gaelyn?” Turned out to be the Carter’s from Kanab who knew us both, just not necessarily together. Chatted with them a bit then continued along the rim admiring the canyon view.
Derek’s three sons accompanied him and the youngest at 2-years old absolutely stole the show. Middle son had his arm in a cast so didn’t participate much this year.
Two of the boys performed the Eagle Dance.
Then Derek and his oldest son performed the Horse Dance.
Miss Hopi 2015 spoke about her mission to represent her people.
Then Derek brought out the hoops and it seemed there were too many until his littlest assistant came out and stole the show.
Ramson, a Hopi glass blower and speaker the first night talked about Hopi culture.
The second night Deon Ben, who I introduced, spoke about Navajo, or Dine, culture. This is an outstanding celebration of multi-cultures coming together at Grand Canyon’s North Rim every year the first Thursday and Friday of August.
