Cultural Demonstration Celebration!

 

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Grand Canyon National Park and Grand Canyon Conservancy invites you to celebrate the 11th anniversary of the Cultural Demonstration Program

The Cultural Demonstration Program was established to elevate the voices of members from the Tribes traditionally associated with Grand Canyon. Through live demonstrations, visitors to Grand Canyon National Park can engage with Indigenous artists as they share both traditional and contemporary arts. 

Started in 2014 with just four demonstrators, the program has grown significantly over the past decade. Today, it includes more than 200 Tribal members representing all 11 traditionally associated Tribes and collaborates with numerous Tribal organizations.

“Grand Canyon has been a home and sacred space to 11 different Tribal groups within the Southwest. Native peoples and their ancestors have lived in this area since time immemorial. Grand Canyon is not just a national park, it is a sacred place and home to many. The Cultural Demonstration program has transformed Desert View into a place to celebrate, share, and learn about inter-tribal cultural heritage." -Superintendent Ed Keable

 

Event Schedule

The events will take place Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25, 2025, at Desert View Watchtower.

Saturday, May 24th

Cultural Demonstrations

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Enjoy demonstrations by 12 amazing Indigenous artists

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Morning Ceremony

9:30 AM — Plaza outside Desert View Watchtower

• Morning Prayer with Darance Chimerica (Hopi)

• Morning Welcome from NPS Ranger Dan Pawlak

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Presentation

10:00 AM — Plaza outside Desert View Watchtower

• Ann Marie Salt (Diné)

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Singing Performance

1:00 PM — Plaza outside Desert View Watchtower

• Nala Nelson (Diné)

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Closing Ceremony

3:00 PM — Plaza outside Desert View Watchtower

• Ending Prayer with Maya Edaakie (Zuni)

• Ending Remarks by NPS Ranger Kelli Jones
  

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Sunday, May 25th

Cultural Demonstrations

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Enjoy demonstrations by 12 amazing Indigenous artists

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Morning Ceremony

9:30 AM — Plaza outside Desert View Watchtower

• Morning Prayer with Daryl Shack (Zuni)

• Morning Welcome from ALCC Intern: Lakin Epaloose (Zuni)

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Closing Ceremony

3:00 PM — Plaza outside Desert View Watchtower

• Ending Prayer with Maya Edaakie (Zuni)

• Ending Remarks by ALCC Intern: Meranden Numkena (Hopi)

 

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Grand Canyon Speaks - Sunset Talk

6:45 to 7:45 PM — Desert View Amphitheater

• Interview with Park Ranger Dan Pawlak manager of Grand Canyon National Park's Cultural Demonstration Program.
  
  

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Cultural Demonstrators

9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday — May 24 and 25, 2025

Meet Indigenous artists. Chat, watch and learn about their arts and culture —inside the tower, or outside - on the grounds. Demonstrations include beading, weaving, ceramics. and silversmithing.

• Donald Decker (Yavapai-Apache multimedia artist)
• Daryl Shack (Zuni stone fetish carver)
• Benina Kallestewa (Zuni stone fetish carver and jeweler)
• Leann Lee (Zuni mixed-media artist, paintings and graphics)
• Keith Edaakie (Zuni mixed-media artist, paintings and graphics)
• Darance Chimerica (Hopi Katsina carver)
• Davis Maho (Hopi textile weaver)
• Karen Abeita (Hopi potter)
• Damon Tso (Diné potter)
• Jerrel Singer (Diné landscape painter)
• Stephanie Dann (Diné photographer)
• Ann Marie Salt (Diné traditional hair design)

 

The 10th Anniversary of Grand Canyon National Park's Cultural Demonstration Program took place inside and around the Desert View Watchtower on Saturday, July 6, 2025.

NPS/M. Quinn