On May 19, the O’odham Piipaash Language Program hosted its first virtual sandal-making class, which was offered to Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community members.

Daryl Lynn Jay of Hu’u Consulting was the instructor of the event, and the class also included virtual instruction for making O’odham strand necklaces.

According to Senior Multimedia Specialist Helema Andrews, the class went well and participants enjoyed learning the craft. Ten women registered for the class and eight participated overall. This was the second sandal-making class out of two offered in May.

“The interest has been overwhelming, and we will continue to provide these types of classes in the future,” said Andrews.

Andrews said that, for the most part, historically O’odham men and women didn’t wear shoes at all, but when a foot covering was needed, leather sandals would be worn. They were worn mainly for walking long distances, walking on rough terrain and for protection from the elements.

For more information on future classes, head to the SRPMIC Cultural Resources Department webpage at www.saltrivercrd.org.