Honoring Indigenous Heritage

Flute Performance with Aaron White

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Grammy nominated musician, Aaron White, will be returning to the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve! Aaron White, who is a flute musician and guitar player, is part Northern Diné from the Blacksheep Clan and Northern Ute tribe Whiteriver Band. His band, Burning Sky, was nominated for the 2003 Grammy of Best Native American Album and Won Group of The Year at the Native American Music Awards in 2004. Aaron White will be performing flute and speaking on the history of the flute.

Basketry Demonstration with Joshua Yazzie

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Learn from Joshua Yazzie about basketry-weaving and experience the beauty of this art form and learn from his years of dedication and expertise!

Joshua Yazzie is an enrolled member of the Gila River Indian Community (District 5 VahKi) and also plays a key role at the Huhugam Heritage Center, where he curates collections. He has initiated the Akimel O’Otham Weavers Circle to unite fellow O’otham members in celebrating and preserving this cherished tradition.

Pottery Demonstration from August Wood

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member August Wood is a local traditional artist who creates baskets and clay pots. He is returning to the Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve to teach about clay pottery making. Learn from August the traditional techniques used in making clay pottery by utilizing natural materials commonly used by the Akimel O'odham.

Desert Ecology Tour

10 a.m. & 12 p.m.

Join DVPP staff member for an engaging guided tour that will educate you about the native life in the Sonoran Desert! Learn more about native plants and animals of the Sonoran Desert as well as how indigenous people have historically survived off the desert ecosystem!