Explore the Southwest's Indigenous Roots With Native Trails

Native News Network Staff in Entertainment. Discussion »

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – Get a rare glimpse into the Native American nations that span the Southwest during the 11th season of Native Trails, presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by the Scottsdale Center for the Arts. During these free noontime festivals Jan. 17 through April 6, attendees will be enthralled by Native American song and dance performances that showcase traditional instruments, customary attire and colorful stories.

Free Noontime festivals Jan. 17 - April 6

“The 11th season of Native Trails offers a first-hand look at Arizona's 20 plus Native American tribes,”

said Derrick Suwaima Davis, Hopi/Choctaw, artistic director for Native Trails and five-time world#45;champion hoop dancer.

“In one hour, we take our audience on a journey throughout the Southwest, allowing them to experience songs and dances ranging from a dance recognizing the role of the magnificent eagle to a contemporary, powerful hoop dance.”

Native Trails takes place from 12 to 1 pm on most Thursdays and Saturdays in the grassy outdoor amphitheater at Scottsdale Civic Center Park in pedestrian-friendly downtown. Performers from the Hopi, Dine, San Carlos Apache and Cree tribes guide attendees on a sensory journey that culminates in an audience-participation round dance.

Once a month, Native Trails will cater to a select group, including veterans (January 17), seniors (February 28) and students (March 21). Special guests, new cast members and appearances by Arizona Nations royalty also liven up each performance.

Additionally, opt for an on the spot lunch of cactus chili, mesquite muffins, blue-corn mush and fry bread or take home bread and soup mixes, as well as jewelry, textiles, pottery, instruments and large-scale paintings crafted by Native artisans.

Native Trails performances began in January 2003 as part of the City of Scottsdale's cultural tourism initiative, Culture Quest Scottsdale. The opportunity to experience Native American culture was the highest-rated arts and cultural desire revealed by the City's study of Scottsdale tourists, which is why the program was created. Last season had an average attendance of 362 people with 6,885 people total in attendance.

photo credit Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau;
posted December 20, 2012 6:20 am est