Grand Canyon NP kicks off Native American Heritage Month with the release of season two of Grand Canyon Speaks, a podcast that features Native American voices to explore the history, culture, and stories that 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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Top photo by National Park Service
