Indigenous Peoples' Day festival celebrated arts and culture

Vendors sold everything from colorful trinkets to candles, artwork, earrings and traditional Native American clothing. The finds were colorful and varied. Natasha Yee

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Crowds gathered on a hot Indigenous Peoples' Day on Oct. 14 at Arizona Center in the heart of downtown Phoenix while the sun beamed down on the festivities. While many used to know this as Christopher Columbus Day, it has taken a decidedly different turn as of late. Cahokia, a local Indigenous-led platform that arranges immersive experiences through art installations and gallery exhibits, put on the festivities for all ages to enjoy.

Dancers decked out in brightly hued traditional garb showed off their moves while local vendors offered art and trinkets. Skaters, both young and old, did their tricks as onlookers oohed and aahed. The event brought together some of the local Indigenous community's most creative and passionate individuals to celebrate a culture that, though it permeates seemingly every corner of the Valley, often goes unnoticed. 

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Dancers spanning many generations, donned in bright attire, showed off their cultural traditions. The Indigenous Peoples' Day Fest Phx had so much lively culture to offer.

Natasha Yee

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The Homeland popup featured custom denim inked with precision using a ballpoint pen. Many Indigenous records, which played in the background, were also on display, but not for sale, to the disappointment of many.

Natasha Yee

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Renae Blackwater and Joel Bennett show off their respective art: Mnisapawin's beadwork quiltwork and attire, and Bussin Welding's hats and apparel.

Natasha Yee

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Bussin Welding's and Mnisapawin's unique designs are on display at the Indigenous Peoples' Day Phx Fest at the Arizona Center. Joel Bennett and Renae Blackwater are proud of their contributions to the community.

Natasha Yee

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One popup printed T-shirts on-site with "Indigenize," naming various American Indian tribes through its creative offerings. Visitors looked through the T-shirts, both fashion-forward and educational, curiously.

Natasha Yee

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Audiences, both young and old, enjoyed the show, playing instruments and clapping along as the entertainers did their thing. Shade helped protect everyone from the beaming sun during the heartwarming festivities.

Natasha Yee

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Screenprints are done on-site at the Indigenize pop-up at the Arizona Center. Visitors milled about, looking through funky fashion while the artisans explained their style and process.

Natasha Yee

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The young women at Holding Salt House showed off earrings, bracelets and other handmade jewelry. "This project represents our passion for arts in the community," they told New Times.

Natasha Yee

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Another performance featured dancers of all ages, playing instruments and moving their bodies to ancient music. Their colorful attire matched their bold movements to create a compelling show.

Natasha Yee

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Audrey Pekala poses with her artwork portraying various versions of what it means to be Indigenous, she said. Her work includes praying hands donning an all-seeing eye, and women with long, flowy hair and deep wisdom in their eyes.

Natasha Yee

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NAMA is a bookstore, yoga studio and plant nursery on University Drive in Tempe. Their display featured little herbs and vegetables, grown from seeds in their shop, as well as vintage clothing and a generous selection of interesting reads.

Natasha Yee

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Young hoop dancers displayed their skills, posing proudly after a beautiful performance while onlookers cheered them on. Performed as a show dance in many tribes, Native American hoop dancing is used to create shapes and tell stories.

Natasha Yee