Date: October 20, 2014
Contact: Caleb Kesler, 928-567-3322 x227
National Park ServiceNews Release
For Immediate Release –October 20, 2014
Caleb Kesler, Chief Ranger, MOCA/TUZI, 928-567-3322 x227
Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot to Commemorate Native American Heritage Month with Indigenous Arts, Crafts, and Cultural Events
CAMP VERDE, AZ—in honor of Native peoples' contributions to American culture, Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monuments will host special events each weekend in November to commemorate National Native American Heritage Month.
Native Americans have added to every area of endeavor in American life. They built North America's earliest cities, domesticated its first crops, and developed its earliest great civilizations. Countless Native people have served in our Armed Forces and have fought valiantly for our country.
The National Park Service invites the public to participate in these events throughout November:
- November 1–2. Hubbell Trading Post, the oldest continuously operated trading post in the American Southwest, will present the Navajo Rug &American Indian Jewelry Show from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day. The show will take place at Montezuma Castle on November 1 and Tuzigoot on November 2. With special rug talks at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. each day, Trader Edison Eskeets will describe the history, symbolism, artistry, and stories of the rugs.
- November 2. National Park Service staff and volunteers will host a Día de los Muertos celebration between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at Tuzigoot. This Latino celebration of life originated in the ancient past among Native traditions. There will be a community ofrenda, or altar, as well as crafts and activities for children ages three and up.
- November 8. Native American flute player Aaron White will give flute talks and demonstrations at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Mr. White is a Native American Music Award recipient, Grammy nominee, and flute maker. Talks are at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- November 9. The Bird Dancers and Gourd Singers from the Yavapai-Apache Nation will demonstrate traditional Yavapai dancing at Tuzigoot National Monument. The dance will begin at 11:00 a.m.
- November 15. William and Ryan Gashweseoma will demonstrate old-style Hopi Katsina carving from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Montezuma Castle. Visitors will see how the dolls are carved and learn about their role in Western Puebloan culture.
- November 22. Montezuma Castle National Monument will host Fiberfest, an exploration of traditional Native spinning, weaving, and dyes. Hopi artisans Evan Dawavendewa and Adkin Kuwanyaioma will demonstrate from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
- November 29. Artisan Jerry Whagado will demonstrate the creation of Native American silver jewelry from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Montezuma Castle. Of Western Apache descent, Mr. Whagado was raised on the Hopi Mesas. His jewelry combines Hopi silver overlay with Apache designs and symbolism.
These events are sponsored by Western National Parks Association, a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service. Visitors' tax-free purchases in WNPA bookstores help WNPA provide direct support to 67 NPS units across the American West. More information can be found at www.wnpa.org.
Montezuma Castle National Monument is located at 2800 Montezuma Castle Road in Camp Verde, Arizona. Tuzigoot National Monument is located at 25 Tuzigoot Road in Clarkdale, Arizona. Entry to each park individually is $5 per adult, or $8 per adult for a combined ticket to both monuments. Children 15 years of age and younger are admitted for free. The National Park Service accepts all Federal Recreational Lands Passes, including the Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Golden Age Pass, Access Pass, and Military Pass. For more information, please call 928-567-3322, extension 0.
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