Grand Canyon National Park to Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month

The Dishchii'bikoh Apache Group performing at Grand Canyon's 2010 Native American Heritage celebration.

NPS Photo by Erin Whittaker

News Release Date: November 3, 2011

Contact: Shannan Marcak, 928-638-7958

Grand Canyon, Ariz. -- On, Wednesday, November 16, Grand Canyon National Park will be celebrating National Native American Heritage Month with a day of special presentations and demonstrations.

Each year, November is recognized as National Native American Heritage Month. American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are a special part of the tapestry of our Nation's history. As keepers of a rich and ancient cultural heritage, Native Americans share with all of us the beauty of their art, power of their songs and grace of their people. 

Grand Canyon's Native American Heritage Month celebration will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Shrine of the Ages located on the South Rim.Visitors are encouraged to utilize the Village Route (Blue Route) Shuttle which stops both eastbound and westbound at the Shrine of the Ages.Parking may also be available nearby in parking lot A.  

All are invited to participate in this special day of programs and demonstrations as we recognize and celebrate the many accomplishments, contributions, and sacrifices made by First Americans.

---

Wednesday, November 16, 2011 

9:00 a.m. Presentation of Colors
Cameron Veterans Color Guard - Diné Nation 

Traditional Havasupai Opening Prayer
James Uqualla - Havasupai Tribal Member 

9:30 a.m. Opening Remarks
Barclay Trimble - Deputy Superintendent - Grand Canyon National Park  

9:45 a.m. Traditional Stories of the Grand Canyon (Hopi)
Fred Nanacasia & Phyllis Kachinhongva - Hopi Tribal Member & Elder

10:15 a.m. Traditional Stories of the Grand Canyon(Na vajo/Diné)
James Peshlakai - Diné Nation Tribal Elder    

10:45 a.m. The Navajo Long Walk
Ravis Henry - Canyon de Chelly NM - Diné Nation

11:45 a.m. Traditional Stories of the Grand Canyon (Havasupai)
Rex Tilousi - Havasupai Tribal Elder 

12:15 p.m. Demonstration: Apache Crown Dance
Dishchii'bikoh Apache Group - Cibecue, AZ 

2:00 p.m. Unity in Cultural Diversity
Dr. Lula Stago - Training Consultant - Diné Nation

4:00 p.m. Traditional Havasupai Closing Prayer
James Uqualla - Havasupai Tribal Member

4:15 p.m. Retrieving of the Colors
Cameron Veterans Color Guard - Diné Nation                                      

Event MCs Tina Yazzie & Mae Franklin
National Park Service - United States Forest Service - Diné Nation

To learn more about Grand Canyon's Native American Heritage Month celebration, please call the park's Diversity Program Coordinator Mariah Cisse at 928-638-7375, or Tina Yazzi, Vice-Chair of Grand Canyon's Diversity Council at 928-638-7761. 

To learn more about Native American Heritage Month, please go to http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/; and to read this year's National Native American Heritage Month Presidential proclamation, please visit the Whitehouse web site at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/11/01/presidential-proclamation-national-native-american-heritage-month-2011.                            

-NPS-

 

• 

  (Video) Apache Crown Dancers at Grand Canyon (01:29)

  The Dishchii'bikoh Apache Group performing at Grand Canyon National Park's 2010 Native American Heritage Celebration.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 29 seconds