Desert View Watchtower Rededication - May 22 2016

 

The National Park Service (NPS) and its partners held a re-dedication ceremony at the Desert View Watchtower on Sunday, May 22, 2016. The ceremony, a National Park Service Centennial event, commemorated the grand re-opening and rededication of the Watchtower from a souvenir shop to a cultural heritage place.

Representatives from the NPS, Grand Canyon Association, Grand Canyon's InterTribal Advisory Council (ItAC), and the American Indian Native Alaskan Tourism Association (AIANTA) were present. "Thanks to the hard work of the ItAC and our partners, this project re-envisions how visitors experience Desert View and the entire park. This will lead the NPS into the next century," said Grand Canyon Superintendent Dave Uberuaga.

 

The requested video is no longer available.

 

The ceremony took place between 10:30 and 11:30 am, and was free and open to public. The following speakers participated:

Dianna White Dove Uqualla,
Ceremonialist, Havasupai Tribe

David V. Uberuaga
Superintendent, Grand Canyon National Park

Susan Schroeder
CEO, Grand Canyon Association

Emerson Vallo
Board Member, Alanta

Ed Hall
Transportation Specialist/Tourism Coordinator
Bureau of Indian Affairs

Diane Chalfant
Deputy Superintendent
Grand Canyon National Park

Sammye J. Meadows
Author, Editor, Non-Profit Consultant

 

The cultural demonstrations that took place throughout the weekend

• Bill Thomas, Jr. (Navajo moccasin maker)
• Ed Kabotie (Hopi musician, artist, and grandson of Watchtower's original artist, Fred Kabotie)
• Diana Sue Uqualla and Havasupai youth (dances),
• Duran Gaspar (Zuni silversmith)
• Jimmy Yawakia (Zuni fetish maker)
• Bobby Silas (Hopi potter)
• Tim Edaakie (Zuni potter)

 

Desert View has been transformed into a place to celebrate, share, and learn about inter-tribal cultural heritage. The revival of Desert View as a cultural heritage site provides opportunities for the public to connect with Grand Canyon National Park's Traditionally Associated Tribes through displays and the Cultural Demonstration Series.

 

U.S. Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke.

Secretary Zinke Promotes Indian Artists

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke recently highlighted the importance of the Indian Arts and Crafts Act by recording a public service announcement to promote authentic American Indian and Alaska Native (Indian) art and craft products from members of federally recognized Tribes.

The Indian Arts and Crafts Act, which makes it illegal to fraudulently market art and craftwork as Indian made when it is not made by an Indian as defined by the Act.

 

Duration:

10 minutes, 48 seconds

Perched on the edge of Grand Canyon, a surprising stone tower celebrates ancient mysteries of the Southwest. The Desert View Watchtower is a monument to a time, a place and a people. Discover what inspired architect Mary Colter to build the Watchtower in 1932.