Cahokia is on a Mission to Indigenize the Valley | Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2023
Written by: Trinity Miracle
An Indigenous-led and women-owned organization brings the “Indigenous Peoples’ Day PHX Fest” to the valley for it’s second annual celebration
On Monday, October 9th, hundreds gathered on Tohono O'odham land, what we know as Phoenix today, in celebration of Indigenous People's Day. Cahokia Socialtech and Artspace filled Margaret T. Hance Park with 130 Indigenous artists and vendors, a skateboard competition hosted by Seven Layer Army Skateboards, live performances, and art installations.
Black Owl Society performing on the Rez Fest main stage.
This year’s theme for the festival was "Indigenize the Valley," coming just after the Phoenix and Tempe City Councils approved a resolution declaring the second Monday in October of each year, Indigenous Peoples’ Day. While this news is huge in recognizing Indigenous communities and acknowledging the legacy of colonization, Arizona still has to catch up in observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day statewide, and honor all 22 Nations of Arizona.
Co-founders of Cahokia Candace Hamana (Hopi), 2020 Instituto Harvest Fellow Eunique Yazzie (Navajo), and Melody Lewis (Mohave, Hopi, and Tewa), are making Indigenous stories and art accessible in a state that continues to suppress Indigenous voices. Eunique and Melody joined Instituto in 2022 for our Praxis in Action video training series and shared that:
“When we take into consideration our full roles and our identities, we are able to plant the seeds and cultivate the approach for Indigenous collaboration.”
The Indigenous People's Day PHX Fest is the product of dreaming big, and remaining true to Indigenous collaboration.
Check out some of the moments from Indigenous People's Day PHX Fest 2023:
Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Lewis (middle), and Gila River Royalty.
Cahokia staff and volunteers building geodesic dome for the “Rise: Geodesic Dome Art Installation”.
Skateboarder competing in the “Downtown Showdown Skate Comp” under the Margaret T. Hance Park bridge.
Inside of the “Rise: Geodesic Dome Art Installation” showcasing the work of Carrie Sage Curley, Selina Andréa Scott, and Daniel Nez.
The Indigenous Pop-Up Market.
Cahokia staff and volunteers building geodesic dome for the “Rise: Geodesic Dome Art Installation”.
