Native American culture took center stage at the Two Waters Courtyard in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community on Sept. 22 for an all-day Native American Recognition Day celebration.

“Tonight is all about us celebrating different tribes across the state and the country,” said SRPMIC Events Assistant Sommer Lopez as the Two Rivers chicken scratch band boomed an infectious waila groove in the moonlit distance.

Lopez said that this event was a moment for the Community to see what other cultures and tribes all are about, including by scoping out some Native arts and crafts at the artisan market.

The scene outside the Round House Café during the daytime celebration was soundtracked by a live blues performance from the Sir Harrison Band, led by Diné guitarist Harrison Begay. As guests stepped into the courtyard, they were greeted by a Red Bull can–shaped Mini Cooper (which included free Red Bull!) and a bright-red Harkins Theatres popcorn truck with free popcorn. There was also a lemonade and cookie giveaway from The Ranch Mobile Eatery, which hails from Sacaton in the Gila River Indian Community.  

If people still were hungry after all that, the Round House had a special menu with traditional foods for $10. After an afternoon food coma, there surely must have been more room for a free Salt River Rez Dog in the evening. This special hot dog came with red chili, beans, cheese and plenty of other toppings.

Vendor and SRPMIC department booths were on-site during the evening. The night at Salt River, which began with the Rice Intermediate School Apache Culture Club’s Apache Crown Dancers, was a cultural experience to talk about for days.

But NARD wasn’t just about other cultures. The Young River People’s Council O’odham & Piipaash dancers had the Community joining hand in hand by the time they were finished. The Pascua Yaqui Deer Dancers were next, and they politely asked everyone in the courtyard not to record them, leaving their visit to the Community in memories. After a promo giveaway, the Two Rivers waila band rounded out the celebration with a familiar and familial sound.