Get a glimpse at the traditions and cultures of the Native American nations that span the Southwest during the 11th season of Native Trails.
The free noontime festivals run most Thursdays and Saturdays, Jan. 17 through April 6, at the grassy outdoor amphitheater at Scottsdale Civic Center Park.
Performers from tribes such as the Hopi, Diné (Navajo), San Carlos Apache and Cree take the stage for song and dance performances that showcase traditional instruments, customary attire and colorful stories. The shows culminate in an audience-participation round dance.
“In one hour, we take our audience on a colorful, visual journey throughout the Southwest, allowing them to experience a selection of songs and dances ranging from a dance recognizing the role of the magnificent eagle to a contemporary, powerful hoop dance,” said Derrick Suwaima Davis (Hopi/Choctaw), artistic director for Native Trails and five-time world-champion hoop dancer, in a release.
Food, such as cactus chili, mesquite muffins, blue-corn mush and fry bread — is available. Native artisans also sell jewelry, textiles, pottery, instruments and large-scale paintings on site.
Native Trails is presented by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and produced by Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. For information (including black-out dates), call (480) 421-1004 or visit www.ScottsdaleNativeTrails.com.
