Native Trails Breathes New Life into Sacred Traditions
Free noontime festivals explore Native American song, dance and
culture
www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Explore the cultural and environmental footprint of the Southwest’s
Native American nations during the 14th season of Native
Trails, presented by the Fort
McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale
Center for the Performing Arts. Through song, dance and
storytelling during free noontime performances January through March,
Native Trails will share with audiences a message passed on to tribal
youth – the importance of preserving and conserving the land and its
resources.
“Some of my fondest memories are from when I was a child, spending time
with my grandparents,” said Derrick Suwaima Davis (Hopi/Choctaw),
artistic director for Native Trails and seven-time hoop dance world
champion. “There was no running water, no electricity, yet we worked
with the environment to live. As Native people, we were inspired by
nature and given the responsibility of stewardship. Through our song,
dance, food, architecture and being in harmony with nature – working
with the seasons, the sun and the moon – we desired prosperity for all
beings and for everyone to reach their full potential. Today I believe
in doing the best I can with the least amount, and incorporating the
traditional ways I was taught, while encouraging healthy behavior and a
prosperous life for future generations and all on the circle of life.”
For centuries, Native Americans have lived off the land, even as the
world has evolved and brought new challenges to the environment. Tribal
elders continue to show younger generations their traditional ways,
teaching them to lead healthy lives, while respecting and working in
harmony with nature. This year, Native Trails shares a message of
stewardship through the songs and dances of various tribes, including
the Hopi, Diné (Navajo), Akimel Au-Authm and San Carlos Apache.
Enjoy these free noontime performances on the lawn at Scottsdale Civic
Center Park most Thursdays and Saturdays between Jan. 9 and March 31,
2016. Elaborate performances showcase a variety of dances, including the
intricate Hoop Dance and the Round Dance, an audience-participation
dance celebrating the connection of all people and cultures.
“The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is proud to once again be the title
sponsor of Native Trails,” said the Nation’s President Ruben Balderas.
“The Tribal Council knows local residents and visitors alike will enjoy
learning about the various native tribal cultures, and partaking in the
exciting exhibits and shows. Native Trails is truly a unique,
once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Delve further into American Indian culture while visiting with vendors
and artisans selling jewelry, baskets, pottery, instruments and
paintings at the festivals. Every Saturday, featured artisans will share
their trade with the audience. Don’t forget to munch on some fry bread
from the White Eyes Fry Bread food truck.
Native Trails performances began in January 2003 as part of the City of
Scottsdale’s cultural tourism initiative, Culture Quest Scottsdale. The
program was created following a City-conducted study that revealed
Scottsdale tourists craved experiencing American Indian culture during
their visit. That has proved true each season; last season (January –
April 2015), 6,497 people attended the event.
For more information on Native Trails (including black-out dates), visit www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com
or contact the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at 480-421-1004
or toll-free at 800-782-1117.
Please reach out to one of the media contacts listed below for access to
images and b-roll.
Contacts
Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Stephanie Pressler,
480-889-2719
Communications Manager
spressler@scottsdalecvb.com
or
Clare
Hahne, 480-889-2709
Communications Coordinator
chahne@scottsdalecvb.com
