Grand Canyon NP kicks off Native American Heritage Month with the release of season two of Grand Canyon Speaks, a podcast that highlights the voices of indigenous communities whose history, culture, and stories are intrinsically linked to the Grand Canyon’s landscape.

The Grand Canyon Speaks podcast, a production supported by the National Park Service, invites listeners to explore the rich tapestry of Indigenous artistry, storytelling, and tradition surrounding the Grand Canyon. Through conversations with artists, community leaders, and cultural advocates, the podcast reveals the powerful bond between art, community, and the land, showcasing the voices of those who carry forward their traditions and inspire others to do the same. Each episode, recorded live before a visitor audience, features a member from one of the 11 associated tribes.

Grand Canyon Speaks is a program visitors can hear about the lived experiences of tribal members who call the canyon home. (Photo by NPS)

Gerald Dewavendewa

Hopi painter Gerald Dewavendewa shares how his childhood in a Hopi village shaped his view of art. His art celebrates his community, depicting vibrant stories and landscapes that are both personal and communal. He has worked with museums including the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, and has written and illustrated a children’s book called “The Butterfly Dance.”

"Codex Taawa: Passage From The Fifth and Fourth World" Matted Print by Gerald A.A. Dawavendewa

Noreen Simplicio

Zuni potter Noreen Simplicio is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment. She speaks of learning her craft in high school and how she perfected her techniques—both traditional and contemporary. Respect for the landscape is a key part of her work and honoring of her heritage. Her pottery seeks to preserve Zuni culture while adding some of her own contemporary features.

A piece by Zuni potter Noreen Simplicio representing the Zuni Pueblo

Janet Yazzie

Navajo artist Janet M. Yazzie is renowned for her vibrant contemporary paintings that reflect her deep connection to Navajo traditions and the surrounding landscapes. Drawing inspiration from her roots, Janet’s work captures the beauty of Arizona’s wildlife and night skies with a kaleidoscope of colors. Her work was used for the Grand Canyon Speaks podcast logo.

Grand Canyon Speaks logo by Dine (Navajo) painter Janet Yazzie

Zuni Youth Enrichment Project

Lashae Harris, an embroiderer, Chasady Simplicio, a weaver, and Cassandra Tsalate, a potter, are all alumni of the of the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project (ZYEP), a community program designed to connect Zuni youth with their cultural roots. The artists credit ZYEP for guiding them to a craft that allows them to honor their heritage in a personal, creative way. They discuss how traditional art helps them feel empowered and connects them to their community.

LaShea “Shea” Harris took home the top prize in the “Personal Attire” category at the Bernalillo Indian Arts Festival in Bernalillo, NM, where she showcased her Zuni embroidery. (Photo by ZYEP.org)

Aaron White

Aaron White (Northern Ute/Diné) is a Grammy-nominated guitarist, singer/songwriter, Native American flutist, and flute maker. He co-founded the groundbreaking group Burning Sky, earning a Grammy nomination and Native American Music Award. Known for blending Native American flute with acoustic guitar and drums, his work has been featured in award-winning films. As an accomplished flute maker, his creations are showcased at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, AZ.

Northern Ute/Diné musician Aaron White

Gregory Hill

Hopi carver and toymaker Gregory Hill offers a different perspective on art as he discusses his work reviving the Patukya, a traditional spinning top. Gregory’s creations inspire childlike wonder in adults, reconnecting them to a sense of joy and simplicity. His efforts have sparked a resurgence in traditional Hopi toys, encouraging other artists to join in preserving this unique form of art.

Toymaker Gregory Hill makes a Patukya (Photo by Grand Canyon Trust)

Zane Jacobs

Zane Jacobs, who is Diné, is the first traditional, local president of Flagstaff Pride. Zane reflects on his experiences growing up near the Grand Canyon and his journey from volunteer to president. His leadership focuses on promoting acceptance, inclusivity, and strengthening Flagstaff’s LGBTQIA2S+ community.

Zane Jacobs, President of Flagstaff Pride

Ciara Minjarez and Shalitha Peaches

Ciara Minjarez and Shalitha Peaches, both members of the White Mountain Apache tribe, discuss food sovereignty. Their work emphasizes the importance of connecting Indigenous communities with traditional food sources, a journey they see as “elders in training,” readying themselves to pass on vital knowledge. Ciara Minjarez is Indigenous Foodways Program Manager at Local First Arizona. Shalitha Peaches is Distribution Manager at Ndee Bikiyaa, The People’s Farm.

Shalitha Peaches works to educate young members of the community about the nutritional value of local Apache wild foods. (Photo by NPS)

Keia Gasper and Jaynie Lalio

Keia Gasper and Jaynie Lalio, 2023-2024 Zuni Royalty, talk about their roles as representatives of the Zuni community. The Zuni Royalty Organization (formerly the Miss Zuni Organization) is dedicated to promoting Zuni culture and traditions among the youth. These titles provide a platform for young Zuni individuals to showcase their talents, promote health, education, and community engagement, and serve as cultural ambassadors for the Zuni people. Keia and Jaynie share how their duties have shaped their character and strengthened their connection to Zuni culture and the Grand Canyon’s sacred landscape.

Zuni Royalty Keia Gasper (Photo by Daryl Tom)

Top photo by National Park Service