As part of its annual Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards, Phoenix Indian Center named Native Art Market as the 2022 Business of the Year.

The market, which features artists, performers and demonstrations, also sells authentic Indigenous handmade jewelry and provides a safe cultural space to meet, interact with and support Native American communities.

“It’s amazing [to be named Business of the Year]. We’re really happy that somebody recognized us and everything we’re doing for our Native community,” said co-founder Denise Rosales (Navajo), who runs the market with daughter Heather Tracy (Navajo). “We’re not just here selling stuff, we’re a cultural experience.”

Native Art Market’s outdoor market just began its fifth season at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s Pavilions at Talking Stick shopping center. It has operated an open-air brick-and-mortar market at 7215 E. Main St. in Old Town Scottsdale since 2020.

The outdoor market is open on Saturdays from November through March, and the Old Town location is open every day.

“We really appreciate the SRPMIC for allowing us to host our event there. One of our biggest supporters is our Native community,” said Tracy. Phoenix Indian Center presented the awards at a ceremony on November 30 at the Heard Museum. According to the PIC website, the awards are given in nine different categories, and nominees demonstrate dedication, leadership and commitment to the advancement and development of the cultural, educational, social, economic or political welfare of the American Indian community.