TOP 5 | ADVENTURES NATIVE AMERICAN EXPERIENCES Fort Apache Historic Park Learn about the Apache heritage and lifestyle at the tribe’s traditional holy home, cultural center and museum. Extend your experience by touring the Kinishba Ruins a few miles down the road. wmat.nsn.us/fortapachepark Hubbell Trading Post Feel the old wooden floor give slightly and squeak beneath your feet as you enter the oldest, continuously operating trading post on the Navajo Nation. As your eyes adjust to the dim lighting of the “bullpen,” you might catch a trader negotiating a deal with a Native American artist for their art. nps.gov/hutr Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise The only enterprise of the Navajo Nation that specializes in handmade Navajo jewelry, such as bracelets, rings, belts necklaces and more, Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise also offers woven rugs and represents many artisans on and off the Navajo Reservation. gonavajo.com Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise Come visit the largest Indian Reservation in the United States. The Navajo Nation Hospitality Enterprise owns and operates three properties in the heart of Indian Country — Quality Inn Navajo Nation, Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital and the Navajo Travel Center. explorenavajo.com
WORLD HOOP DANCE CONTEST Hoop dancing is a stunning display of athleticism, artistry and cultural pride. Dancers choreograph movements that have them weaving themselves in and out of as many as 50 hoops to create different animal likenesses. Native Americans from the U.S. and Canada compete in this event every year, and women recently were granted admission as well. Dancers are judged on precision, timing/rhythm, showmanship, creativity and speed. Heard Museum, Feb. 13 and 14, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community The SRPMIC operates two casinos on its land under the Casino Arizona brand name. It also operates Salt River Fields at Talking Stick — home of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies — the first Major League Baseball spring training facility to be built on Indian land. srpmic-nsn.gov