 Arizona |
This spring and summer, experience the history and culture of the Arizona desert Southwest in a series of intriguing expeditions which will immerse you in the lifeways and lore of Native Americans. Live in a teepee, ride horseback through Navajo Country, or visit Fort Apache and the remote, seldom visited Skeleton Canyon where Geronimo surrendered his meager band of 34 Apaches after months of eluding 5,000 U.S. soldiers. Whether gathered informally around a campfire or attending formal traditional ceremonies, you and your students or family will gain a new appreciation of Native American ways.
Among the most active learning experiences are those offered by Journeys Into American Indian Territory which presents opportunities to “...step into a world that few non-Indians ever touch” The director, Robert Vetter, is an anthropologist by profession, and designs his programs to “...build a bridge of understanding between Indian and non-Indian peoples”. Mr. Vetter makes it clear that he does not offer “tours” in the traditional sense; it is not a way to go “look at Indians,” but rather, it is an opportunity to travel to events attended by Indian people, learn about the past and present of various cultures, and share in the traditions and daily lives of Indian peoples.
One of the most popular expeditions, is A Ride Through History Into the Navajo Nation. Travel for a week on horseback and in wagons in the high plateau region of Northern Arizona, making camp every night in a new location. Spend an evening with a Navajo family, camped adjacent to their hogan, join sheepherders at work, learn about tending horses, and enjoy the natural beauty of an area that includes arid plains, mesas and beautiful mountains.
Journeys for Kids: In-School Fieldtrips on Native American Lifeways help teachers breath new life into units on American Indians. Vetter provides curriculum materials and hands-on activities which encourage participation in the lifeways of Indian Peoples. For example, in the Plains program, students learn to set up a tipi (large enough for 50 children), learn traditional stories, songs, and dances, and create Indian crafts.
For further information on these and other “Journeys” programs, call 1-800-458-2632.
Other Arizona adventures include “The Pai and the Grand Canyon”, a hike or horseback ride into the Grand Canyon to meet the Navsupai and see their waterfalls, and “The Apache in the White Mountains”, offered by Discovery Passages and co-sponsored by the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff. Participants generally sleep in tepees, hogans or wickiups, although non-camping options are available on some trips for a surcharge. For information, call Discovery Passages, 520-717-0519.
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