Super Bowl XLIX Fans Capture Glimpse of Navajo
Super Bowl XLIX Fans Capture Glimpse of Navajo
Scottsdale, AZ. – Exposure.
That’s what the Navajo Nation received during the Arizona Indian Village, which was one of several sanctioned events that was held just prior to Super Bowl XLIX in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
The Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department, the Navajo Nation Museum, the Navajo Tourism Department and the Navajo Nation Shopping Center all collaborated to help promote the Navajo Nation as a primary tourism destination on January 29-31, 2015 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.
No expenses were spared as Navajo artists showcased their finest exquisite handmade pieces while Navajo artists sang beautiful Navajo melodies to snowbirds and out-of-town guests who were in the Phoenix valley to support their favorite football team.
Thousands of visitors from out of state flocked the Phoenix metropolitan area to capture a glimpse and taste of Arizona prior to the Super Bowl. Many Seattle Seahawk fans and New England Patriot fans viewed artwork from top caliber Navajo artists, doused themselves in Navajo two-step songs and savored Navajo cuisine allat the Arizona Indian Village.
It rained during part of the event, but it wasn’t enough to dampen the lively spirit of the participants and attendees. In fact, many Navajo artists and entertainers embraced the rain as a blessing. Moreover, some dancers from other tribes even danced on the grass barefoot.
Navajo Nation Museum Director Manuelito Wheeler, stated, “As native people, we always look at rain as a blessing.We did our best to showcase the Navajo Nation and I am very pleased and thankful to all of the groups who assisted and participated to make this unique event successful.”
Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department Manager Martin L. Begaye echoed his support of the Arizona Indian Village.
Begaye said, “We worked collaboratively with other departments and entities to promote the Navajo Nation as a primary tourism destination. If you were not able to experience the Arizona Indian Village prior to the Super Bowl, please mark your calendar to visit the Navajo Nation in the very near future. Many people from throughout the world enjoy our unparalleled scenery; however, the true beauty of the Navajo Nation is our unique Navajo culture and heritage.”
Don Clark of Boise, Idaho stopped at the Arizona Indian Village event to listen to the beat of the drum.
“I don’t like the city too much,” Clark said. “I’m down here to do some stone masonry work for a few months and I thought I’d stop by. I’ve visited all the reservations in Arizona and I’ve really enjoyed learning about all the tribes and their way of life.”
Nancy and Joe Shore of Wisc Rapids, Wisconsin are snowbirds who also visited the Arizona Indian Village. They have visited Canyon de Chelly National Monument and would like to see other parts of the Navajo Nation in the future.
“We’re adventurous,” said Nancy Shore. “We own an antique shop in Wisconsin so while we’re down here we enjoy going to flea markets and festivals.”
And then there were other visitors who were in the Phoenix valley to support their favorite football team and they just happen to hear a distant drum paying homage to Navajo’s unique past.
Such was the case for Seattle Seahawks fan Jenise Silva of Seattle, Washington. Jenise said she’s always enjoyed going to Indian festivals and especially enjoyed eating frybread with grilled pork on a wet Friday afternoon. Silva said it rains a lot in Seattle so she felt at home not only because of the weather, but because of the warm hospitality that she experiencedat the Arizona Indian Village.
There was an abundant nuance of flavors as Navajo chefs served piping hot frybread with steam corn to the ever popular Navajo tacos. In fact, most of the traditional food that was at the Arizona Indian Village were made by Navajos from throughout the Navajo Nation.
Navajo Sand Painter Wallace Ben said he especially enjoyed fry bread and steam corn on a brisk and chilly day, noting, “It tastes as good as eating at the Northern Navajo Fair.”
Ben was one of several artists who showcased his artwork. Ben travels throughout the country to sell his sandpaintings. He said most of his sandpaintings are sold to high-end clients in California and celebrities such as Clint Eastwood and Robert Redford, to name but a few.
There were also unconventional artists who participated such as Nate Tsosie of Page, Arizona who specializes in airbrush on metal. More precisely, it is called KustomKulture Brushed Metal.
Tsosie explained, “I’m not too sure of the progression it’s making east from California, but I believe I’m helping to promote it in a very exclusive way. Currently, I believe I may be the only Native American Airbrush Artist to attempt this style…making it unique with Native and Navajo designs. Of all the art shows that I’ve been to, I’m always told that people have never seen anything like it.”
He said that most of his work is geared toward the Navajo people, however, most of his work is bought and collected by non-Navajos.
“I think my art is a direct reflection of who I am and my Navajo heritage and culture is honored through my work,” Tsosie said. “I’ve been told that I have a style that is very universal and can adapt to any audience. Having a degree in graphic design is valuable and helps me determine who exactly I want to target with each piece whether it’s the younger, hip-hop or a more traditional elder type of audience.”
Tsosie remarked there are different styles for different cultures or audiences, noting, “I learned the ‘wheel concept’ of being an artist…catering to different audiences. I’m like a hub and have several spokes for certain types of clients. I like to be versatile. There’s a style that Native people like that’s somewhat different than Hispanic communities. The same for older, younger generation and even different parts of the country.”
Even with the advent of modern technology, Tsosie said word of mouth has served as his most powerful marketing tool.
Speaking of where his strength derives from, Tsosie gives credit to his family and friends.
“I’m forever humbled by the generosity of my family and friends who’ve supported me. My wife Crystal and three kids have been extremely patient with me and support me wholeheartedly. I thank them with all my heart. All praise and glory to my Redeemer….God….My Rock and Strength!”
Tsosie said he was extremely honored to be one of several artists at the Arizona Indian Village.
“Anytime I’m able to get out in the public and showcase my abilities is always fun and creates an awareness of a fairly new type of art form (airbrush) not commonly seen in the native art scene,” he added.
When he’s not traveling to shows throughout the country, you can catch him at a tribal fair showcasing his airbrushed shirts.
Miss Navajo Nation Mckeon Dempsey was a true gem as she captivated passersby with her grace and elegance.
Dempsey said she especially enjoyed educating tourists about the Navajo culture, noting, “Some people thought we were all one tribe. I explained how each tribe is unique and we have our own language and way of life. They thought we were all the same.”
She said others were astonished at what it takes to become Miss Navajo Nation.
Arizona Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) President Donovan Hanley explained that the Arizona Indian Village had been several years in the making.
“The Arizona Indian Village was a success,” Hanley stated. “Years of planning went into this grand event and we did an exceptional job at showcasing Native Arizona.”
Hanley said the AAITA celebrates any opportunity to educate and network within the travel industry.
“We had three days of great performances, artwork, food and blessed weather,” he added. “AAITA knew this was the festival to remember. We have more experience under our belt and are moving forward to promoting our Native Arizona destinations to the millions of people yet to visit us.”