Celebrating 10 Years of Scottsdale's Native Trails

Native News Network Staff in Entertainment. Discussion »

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - Native Trails, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with an extended season of 19 performances that include special appearances by Native American artisans and culinary offerings by local vendors.

The free noontime festivals kick off January 19 and run through April 14

"Making it to the 10th season of Native Trails shows that there is a sincere interest in and appreciation for the art of Native American music and dance, "

said Derrick Suwaima Davis, Hopi/Choctaw, artistic director for Native Trails and five-time world-champion hoop dancer.

"We have enjoyed sharing our rich heritage, which is a reflection of the unique geography of the beautiful Southwest, and look forward to seeing familiar faces and welcoming new guests in 2012."

Sponsored by the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Native Trails explores Native American culture through the art of song and dance and features traditional instruments, colorful dances, and customary attire that showcase the traditions of Southwestern tribes. Free performances take place from 12 to 1:30 pm on most Thursdays and Saturdays at Scottsdale Civic Center Park.

Attendees are immersed in Arizona's unique native cultures, including tribes such as the Hopi, Diné, Akimel Au-Authm and San Carlos Apache. The sensory journey ends in an audience-participation round dance, bringing the immersion experience full circle.

This season of Native Trails features Native American artisans who will make and sell items like flutes and paintings on site. Food will be a focal point during the event, with local merchants selling fresh and packaged items that combine staple ingredients used by the Hopi, Pueblo, Navajo and Zuni tribes. Attendees can take home traditional bread, muffins and soup mixes indigenous to the Southwest or enjoy local culinary delights during a sunny winter picnic while watching performances. Other highlights include special guests, new cast members and weekend appearances by Arizona Nations royalty.

Native Trails' grand finale coincides with the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts' OrigiNation: A Festival of Native Cultures. The event, which celebrates the indigenous cultures of Australia and New Zealand, includes appearances by Native Trails performers.

posted December 15, 2011 6:00 am est