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May 31, 2024 Arizona American Indian Tourism Association to Host Indigenous Food Symposium and Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Phoenix, AZ, 5/31/2024—The Arizona Indigenous Food Symposium & Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience is a two-day pivotal event. It will take place November 22-23, 2024. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience first voice Indigenous food ways, culinary creations, conversations and the celebration of the diverse Arizona Native food traditions. The symposium brings together Indigenous communities from the region to share their rich knowledge, practices, and perspectives on traditional foods, plants, and medicines. This event is enlightening and inspiring, focusing on food sovereignty, environmental justice, health and wellness, and preserving cultural food practices and relationships with the land and natural resources. Topics highlighted at the symposium include gathering and preparing traditional foods, restoring indigenous food systems, climate resilience strategies, decolonizing food practices, and indigenous ecological knowledge. On the second day, the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) will present the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience, a vibrant celebration of Native American Heritage Month. This event guarantees a sophisticated, distinctive, authentic Arizona experience featuring Native Arizona cuisine, arts, and live performances. Attendees will be spectators and active participants in curated tasting stations and demonstrations. They will engage in interactive conversations with Indigenous chefs and demonstrators, transforming it into a sensory delight and a profound cultural experience. The Indigenous Food Symposium is more than an event. It's a pivotal platform that fosters dialogue, builds collaborative networks, and tackles crucial issues such as food sovereignty, environmental justice, health, and wellness. It plays a vital role in preserving cultural food practices and relationships with the land and natural resources, making it an event of utmost significance. Participants can engage in various presentations, panels, and workshops led by esteemed indigenous experts, elders, and community members. Key topics include: Gathering and Preparing Traditional Foods: Learn about traditional foods' harvesting, preserving, and cooking techniques through hands-on workshops and demonstrations. Restoring Indigenous Food Systems: Discover methods to rejuvenate traditional agricultural and culinary practices that have sustained indigenous communities for generations. Climate Resilience Strategies: Share and explore knowledge on adapting food practices to cope with changing environmental conditions. Decolonizing Food Practices: Discuss ways to remove colonial influences from food systems and restore indigenous autonomy over food practices. Indigenous Ecological Knowledge: Highlight the importance of traditional ecological knowledge in promoting food sovereignty and environmental stewardship. Both event days are curated and designed to sustain and reclaim Indigenous food traditions, promote food security, and strengthen connections to ancestral lands and waters. "We are excited to bring together so many knowledgeable and passionate individuals to celebrate and preserve our rich culinary heritage," said Zach Doka, President of AAITA. "These events will educate and empower our communities to continue these traditions for future generations." **About the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association** The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association promotes and enhances tourism opportunities for Arizona's American Indian communities. AAITA supports preserving and sharing Indigenous cultures, traditions, and lands through educational programs, events, and advocacy. For more information on the association, visit https://arizonaindiantourism.org/ **### Contact: Jeffrey Lazos Ferns
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ARIZONA INDIGENOUS CULINARY EXPERIENCE ANNOUNCES DATE Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience Saturday, November 18, 2023, 6-9 pm media contact: Jeffrey Lazos Ferns 602-299-9576 [email protected] The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) will present the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience on November 18, 2023, to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. The Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience delivers a unique and authentic Arizona event that will delight your senses. Native Arizona will take center stage at this culinary/cocktail-tasting event. In addition to traditional and contemporary Native cuisine, Native Arts will be showcased and live performances. Indigenous Chefs and Demonstrators will delight with curated tasting stations, demonstrations, and interactive conversations. We are excited and honored to announce the Indigenous Chefs and Food Way Demonstrators for our 2023 Indigenous Culinary Experience. We thank Bleu Adams, Chef and Director of IndieHub, who is curating and working with our chef line-up this year. We welcome Chef Denella Belin representing the Dine and Tohono O’odham Nations, Chef Renetto-Mario Etsitty of the Navajo Nation, James Beard Nominee Chef Jaren Bates Dine, Chef Roxanne Wilson of Emerson Frybread, Pastry Chef Reina Cruz with Spirit Mountain Coffee, the Hualapai Community, and Native Health Arizona. In addition, we welcome back Fashion Designer Joan Miles-Long R.R. Raid with her models and a new collection on sustainable Native Fashion. In addition we are honored to have Laney Lupe, Miss Indian Arizona, 2023-24, Natiana King, 1st Attendant to MIA and Tonana Ben 2nd Attendant to MIA will all be attending the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience. Exquisite Native Chef tasting stations featuring traditional and fusion foods and cocktails crafted by Arizona’s most noted Native American chefs will take attendees on a journey of Arizona Indian Country via their senses. In addition to the Chef element this year, we will be introducing through this event Indigenous Agrotourism businesses within the Arizona Tribes. Indigenous agro-tourism offers a sustainable way to combine agriculture and indigenous culture, allowing visitors to learn, explore, and support indigenous communities economically. However, it is crucial to approach this tourism with respect for indigenous cultures, ensuring consent, adherence to protocols, and prioritizing community well-being. Indigenous Agrotourism experiences allow visitors to actively engage with indigenous farmers, participating in traditional practices such as planting, harvesting, and preparing meals. This immersive involvement deepens their understanding of the spiritual and cultural connections between indigenous peoples, their environment, and food systems. Moreover, indigenous agro-tourism has the potential to generate income for communities, contributing to development, education, healthcare, and cultural preservation. It also serves as a platform to raise awareness of indigenous challenges, fostering a sense of social responsibility among visitors. In essence, indigenous agro-tourism brings together cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship by providing enriching experiences for visitors while supporting the well-being of indigenous communities and their local economies.” The event, held 6-9 pm at the Scottsdale: Western Spirit Museum of The West in OldTown, is scheduled on Saturday, November 18, 2023. The event will bring together many Arizona Native communities with traditional and contemporary elements that highlight and celebrate the beauty and essential contributions of Arizona’s Native Peoples to Arizona’s culture and Tourism. Foodies, culture enthusiasts, and Arizona lovers won’t want to miss this chance to explore the tastes, sights, and sounds of Native Arizona. Tickets are 40.00 & $70.00 and can be purchased at www.arizonaindigenousculinaryexperience.com About the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association: The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) is a statewide, nonprofit 501(c) 3 membership organization established in 1994. Overseen by a nine-member board, AAITA involves American Indian businesses and professionals as organization members who voluntarily work together to increase tourism and tourism awareness on Arizona Indian reservations/communities. AAITA’s goals are to develop marketing strategies, seek funding resources, and support Tribes as they define and utilize tourism as a tool to revitalize culture, improve local quality of life, and provide empowerment to Indian communities; AAITA also promotes environmentally acceptable, culturally appropriate, and economically sustainable tourism programs; • Provide a visionary and leadership role for the American Indian communities in the development and management of tourism programs; • Assist Tribes and communities in the formulation of tourism policies; • Promote quality of hospitality and visitor resources while prioritizing preservation and enhancement of culture for future generations. About Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Within months of opening in January 2015, Western Spirit qualified as a Smithsonian Affiliate. The museum is also a recipient of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, enjoys a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and Yelp, and is continually recognized as the “Nation’s Best Western Museum” (2021 Editors’ Choice, True West magazine). Western Spirit features regularly changing and permanent exhibits of Western and Native American art and artifacts, entertaining events, and informative programs that bring the West’s heritage, culture, and community to life. For more information, visit www.scottsdalemuseumwest.org. Social Media: Twitter @SMoWest, Instagram @smowest, Facebook @scottsdalemuseumwest. ARIZONA NATIVE EDIBLE EXPERIENCE MOVES TO NOVEMBER IN CELEBRATION OF NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH Arizona Native Edible Experience Saturday, November 19, 2022, 6-9 pm media contact: Jeffrey Lazos Ferns 602-299-9576 [email protected] The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) moves the Arizona Native Edible Experience to the Month of November in celebration of Native American Heritage Month. The Arizona Native Edible Experience delivers a unique and authentic Arizona Experience that is sure to delight your senses. Native Arizona will take center stage at this culinary/cocktail tasting event where in addition to traditional and contemporary Native cuisine, Native Arts will be showcased, a silent auction, curated films, and live performances. Native Chefs will delight with curated tasting stations, demonstrations, and interactive conversations. Exquisite Native Chef tasting stations featuring traditional and fusion foods and cocktails crafted by some of Arizona’s most noted Native American chefs will take attendees on a journey of Arizona Indian Country, via their senses. The event, being held 6-9 pm at the Scottsdale: Western Spirit Museum of The West in OldTown is scheduled on Saturday, November 19, 2022. The event will bring together many Arizona Native communities with traditional and contemporary elements that highlight and celebrate the beauty and important contributions of Arizona’s Native Peoples to Arizona’s culture and Tourism. Foodies, culture enthusiasts, and Arizona lovers won’t want to miss this chance to explore the tastes, sights, and sounds of Native Arizona. Tickets are 40.00 & $70.00. This event is in conjunction and partnership with Western Spirit of the West’s programming that celebrates Native American Culture in special programs and its current Edward Curtis Exhibit. More information on the event and ticketing can be found at www.arizonanativeexperience2022.com About the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association: The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) is a statewide, nonprofit 501(c) 3 membership organization, established in 1994. Overseen by a nine-member board, AAITA involves American Indian businesses and professionals as organization members, who voluntarily work together to increase tourism and tourism awareness on Arizona Indian reservations/communities. AAITA targets the 22 Native American tribes in Arizona. AAITA also facilitates and hosts conferences for Native Americans, speakers on tourism issues, and assists Native American people in effective networking. About Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Within months of opening in January 2015, Western Spirit qualified as a Smithsonian Affiliate. The museum is also a recipient of the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, enjoys a 4.5 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and Yelp and is continually recognized as the “Nation’s Best Western Museum” (2021 Editors’ Choice, True West magazine). Western Spirit features regularly changing and permanent exhibits of Western and Native American art and artifacts, entertaining events and informative programs that bring the West’s heritage, culture and community to life. Featuring Light and Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward S. Curtis; Beaded Gauntlets from William P. Healey Collection and Dr. Rennard Strickland’s Western Poster Collection. For more information, visit www.scottsdalemuseumwest.org. Social Media: Twitter @SMoWest, Instagram @smowest, Facebook @scottsdalemuseumwest. ARIZONA NATIVE EXPERIENCE IMMERSES GUESTS IN INDIGENOUS CULINARY ARTS AND NATIVE ARTS SHOWCASE
The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) is set to deliver a unique and authentic Arizona Experience that is sure to delight your senses. Native Arizona will take center stage at this cocktail setting event where traditional and contemporary Native Arts will be showcased, and live performances will be shared, a silent auction and Native Chefs will delight with curated tasting stations, demonstrations, and interactive conversations. Our Guests of Honor are Veronica & Denise Homer from the Miss Indian Arizona Association, in recognition for their auspicious and important work for the Association. Their legacy work in tribal communities throughout Arizona and Indian Country is multi-generational and has created experiences for young Indigenous women of Arizona that continue to nurture and create positive social, educational, political and economic impacts in Indian Country, their respective communities and the public at large. Veronica Homer was the inaugural Miss Indian Arizona in 1961 and went on to be the first woman elected to serve as the president of the National Congress of American Indians. Denise Homer has been supportive and affiliated since the founding of the association and for the past 20 years has dedicated her public life and work as the Executive Director of the Association, ensuring its continuance, viability and legacy for future indigenous women and Arizona tribal communities. AAITA is honored to celebrate and recognize these two extraordinary women at the Arizona Native Edible Experience 2022. The event is being held from 6-9 pm at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 on Saturday, February 5, 2021. Included in the evening, guests will be able to experience the museum’s offerings, including the exciting exhibition “Light and Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward S. Curtis, which honors Native Americans through the lens of early 20th century photographer Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952). Unparalleled in scope, the exhibition features over 900 artworks and objects that celebrate the life and works of photographer, ethnographer, and adventurer Edward Curtis. Spanning three decades, Edward Curtis traveled the land west of the Mississippi from Arizona to the High Arctic, visiting over 80 Indigenous Peoples and creating thousands of images, audio recordings, and the earliest motion pictures of Native Americans, all while making tremendous contributions to the art and science of photography. Curtis’s 20 volume publication, The North American Indian, remains unmatched in American ethnographic annals for its scope, depth, empathy, and artistry. Light and Legacy: The Art and Techniques of Edward S. Curtis opened on October 19, 2021 and will remain on view through April 30, 2023. Arizona Native Experience Saturday February 5, 2022, 6-9pm Indulge in the uniquely Arizona Native Experience. Enjoy the offerings and company of indigenous chefs as you taste and savor our desert infused cocktails in an event rich in elements of traditional and contemporary Native performances. Admission is $25.00 pp and includes food tastings, and no host bars. Foodies, culture enthusiasts, and Arizona lover will not want to miss this chance to explore the tastes, sights and sounds of Native Arizona. Tickets can be purchased at www.arizonanativeexperience2022.com . This event is part of the Arizona Indian Festival running February 5-6, 2022, in Oldtown Scottsdale. More info on the Arizona Indian Festival can be found at www.arizonaindiantourism.org . The Arizona Native Edible Experience is made possible with generous sponsorship from The Arizona Office of Tourism, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, and the City of Scottsdale. About the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association: The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) is a statewide, nonprofit 501(c) 3 membership organization, established in 1994. Overseen by a nine-member board, AAITA involves American Indian businesses and professionals as organization members, who voluntarily work together to increase tourism and tourism awareness on Arizona Indian reservations/communities. AAITA targets the 22 Native American tribes in Arizona. AAITA also facilitates and hosts conferences for Native Americans, speakers on tourism issues, and assists Native American people in effective networking. media contact: Jeffrey Lazos Ferns 602-299-9576 [email protected]   Title- FREEDOM RUNNER (Gallery Print of watercolor and ink painting) The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 should be considered the first war for religious freedom in what today is called the United States of America. In preparation for this war, runners (it was illegal for a Native American to own a horse under the rule of Spain) were dispatched throughout the Pueblo villages of Northern New Mexico and Northern Arizona (500 miles that messengers ran by relay) . The runners delivered knotted chords to the war chiefs of each village with the instructions to untie a knot at the dawning of each day... when the last knot was untied, the villages were to simultaneously revolt throughout Pueblo country... (With no disrespect to the struggles of any other tribes & nations), the Pueblo nations of Northern New Mexico and Northern Arizona (Hopi, Tewa, Zuni, Towa, Keres & Tiwa) are the only group of Native Americans in written history to oust an established European colony from their homeland. Our 'Independence Day' is acknowledged every year on August the 10th. The Anniversary of the Pueblo Revolt! ...The Santa Fe Plaza should therefore be approached with the same reverence and respect given to ground zero in New York City. There our fathers and mothers consecrated the earth with their blood over and over again. -Ed Kabotie for auction at the Arizona Native Experience Please welcome Ed Kabotie to the Arizona Native Experience event. He will be performing at the event and has generously donated a painting to our silent auction. - Biography My name is Ed Kabotie. I am from the village of Shungopagi and the Tewa village of Khap'o Owinge (Santa Clara Pueblo). On the day I was born, snow clouds hung over the mountains to the west of Santa Clara, so my aunt named me 'Okhuwa P'ing' (Cloud Mountain). My vision as an artist is to express the virtues of my Native American cultures. These expressions take the forms of overlay jewelry, watercolor paintings, traditional pottery, and trilingual (English, Hopi & Tewa) musical compositions. My heritage is my inspiration. I am a third generation artist. Both my father and my grandfather before me were artists. My earliest memory is sitting with my father at the kitchen table of our home, with buffalo dance songs in my head, painting a picture to give to my dad. I am currently seeking to improve my skills and techniques in order to more effectively communicate my vision to the world. Awards 2009 Listener's Choice Award (Male Artist of the Year) - KUYI Radio 2010 Recipient - Wolfus Family Fellowship - Wheelwright Museum 2011-2018 Artist in Residence - Museum of Northern Arizona 2015 Best River Song - Sierra Club Grand Canyon Campaign Yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking with Bahe Whitethorne Sr. founder of "Art of the People". This Native Artists collective created a painting titled "Star People" which has been generously donated for auction to the Arizona Native Experience on February 8, 2019. Art comes from the heart, and "Art of the People," a collective of indigenous artists founded by Bahe Whitethorne, Sr., strives to share the heart story of Navajo religion, philosophy and way of life through live-painting demonstrations. They will be painting at both the Arizona Native Experience and the Arizona American Indian Festival. Click in to hear more about "Star People" and please join us. Click here to learn more of "Art of the People" www.artofthepeople.org/  Excited to introduce to our Arizona Native Experience and Arizona American Indian Festival followers and friends that Gabriel Ayala is confirmed as part of the performing artists line up at the Arizona Native Experience. A member of the Yaqui people of Southern Arizona, guitarist Gabriel Ayala is an accomplished classical musician. He is positioned at the forefront of a new generation of Native American musicians, breaking all native and non-native stereotypes with his trailblazing assortment of music genres and accolades. Ayala performs regularly throughout the United States and Internationally. Locally, he has appeared at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, National Museum of the American Indian, Musical Instrument Museum and the Oscar Meyer Theater in Madison, Wisconsin. Recently, he was a featured artist at President Barack Obamaʼs Inaugural Ball. He has been recognized by the former State of Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, now Director of Homeland Security, for his musical achievements. In addition, he has also been highly honored with the University of Arizonaʼs Tanner Award that recognizes significant professional career success and contributions and leadership benefiting American Indian communities. Not only is Gabriel recognized locally and in the United States but he has also had the opportunity to play for Pope Benedict XVI at the canonization of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha in Rome, Italy. He was also the featured performer at the “Festival Internacional de la Guitarra Academica” in Venezuela with performances in Caracas, Guarenas, Guatire and on National Public Television throughout Venezuela. As Ayala continues to travel throughout the United States and other countries, he serves as an advocate for education for all youth. He does this through guitar workshops, motivational speaking, presentations in various minority communities. He sets an example for native communities by instilling his values of living a traditional lifestyle while abstaining from Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco. Gabriel believes in leading our children in the right direction through his philosophy, “Love your children, Honor your elders, and Respect your women”. Gabriel wants to share the gift of music with as many people as possible. And he serves as an example and delivers a message to children, letting them know that they can become whatever they dream. Gabriel currently resides in Tucson, Arizona. Tarra Lazos Creative Arizona Native Experience Arizona American Indian Festival Experience Scottsdale The Saguaro Scottsdale More information and music can be found at: http://www.ayalaguitarist.com/ Introducing Freddie Bitsoie Executive Chef for the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC. We are excited to feature Freddie Bitsoie at our Arizona Native Experience event in February. Check out Freddie's work on his website http://www.freddiebitsoie.com/ and here is a short video of his passion and work in Indigenous foods circles. http://www.freddiebitsoie.com/rezervations-not-required-1 Tarra Lazos Creative Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian Arizona American Indian Festival  ARIZONA NATIVE EXPERIENCE IMMERSES GUESTS IN UNIQUELY ARIZONA CULINARY AND ART SHOWCASE
The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) is set to deliver a unique and authentic Arizona Experience that is sure to delight your senses. Native Arizona will take center stage at this cocktail setting event where traditional and contemporary Native Arts will be showcased, curated films and live performances will be shared and Native Chefs will delight with curated tasting stations, demonstrations and interactive conversations. Native Arts/Artists including Piersten Doctor (Navajo) and exquisite Native Chef tasting stations featuring traditional and fusion foods and cocktails crafted by Twila Cassadore (San Carlos Apache), Mario Renneto Etsitty (Dine/Navajo), Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz (Xicana/Tewa) and Freddie Bitsoie (Dine/Navajo), will take attendees on a journey of Arizona Indian Country, via their senses! The event, being held 6-8 pm at the Saguaro Hotel in downtown Scottsdale on Friday, February 8, 2019, and aims to bring together many Native communities with traditional and contemporary elements that highlight and celebrate the beauty and important contributions of Arizona’s Native Peoples to Arizona’s culture. Foodies, culture enthusiasts, and Arizona lovers won’t want to miss this chance to explore the tastes, sights and sounds of Native Arizona. Tickets are $60.00 and can be purchased beginning www.arizonanativeexperience.com . This inaugural event is the kickoff event for the Arizona Indian Festival running February 9-10th, 2019 in Scottsdale Civic Center Park. More info on the Arizona Indian Festival can be found at www.arizonaindiantourism.org . Arizona Native Experience Friday February 8, 2019, 6-8pm Indulge in the uniquely Arizona Native Experience. Enjoy the offerings and company of indigenous chefs as you taste and savor our desert infused cocktails in an event rich in elements of traditional and contemporary Native performances. Admission is $60.00 pp and includes food tastings. No host bars. About the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association: The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) is a statewide, nonprofit 501(c) 3 membership organization, established in 1994. Overseen by a nine member board, AAITA involves American Indian businesses and professionals as organization members, who voluntarily work together to increase tourism and tourism awareness on Arizona Indian reservations/communities. AAITA targets the 22 Native American tribes in Arizona. AAITA also facilitates and hosts conferences for Native Americans, speakers on tourism issues, and assists Native American people in effective networking. media contact: Jeffrey Lazos Ferns 602-299-9576 [email protected] |
AuthorJeffrey Lazos Ferns of Tarra Lazos Creative, producer, curator specializing in deep cultural experiences in Arizona. Archives
May 2024
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