Native Voices Program Description

The Native Voices on the Colorado River program works with affiliated tribes to identify what information they would like river guides and their passengers to know. 

The following elements are included in program components:

• How tribal groups refer to and identify themselves
• Tribal relationships with the Grand Canyon and surrounding region
• Tribal perspectives on the archaeology and history of the Grand Canyon and surrounding region
• Tribal perspectives on the cultural landscape, including indigenous and political maps
• Tribal stories, information, or knowledge that would be important and culturally relevant and appropriate to share with visitors to understand tribal relationships with the Grand Canyon and surrounding region.

Certain stories for some tribes are told only in the winter, spring, summer and fall.  Some stories or information are restrictive to traditional ceremonies. It is also critical to understand that not all cultural knowledge can or should be divulged.  Some information is privileged and can only be shared under specific conditions with certain individuals. 

The Native Voices on the Colorado River program works closely and respectfully with the affiliated tribes to determine what cultural information should be shared with the public, how it should be presented, and what concerns or limitations there may be regarding this information.

Native Voices on the Colorado River

Joelle Clark, Program Director
Northern Arizona University
PO Box 15200
Flagstaff, Az. 86011

joelle.clark@nau.edu
tel 928.523.8797
fax 928.523.9135