Language & Culture

PHOENIX INDIAN CENTER

Cultural Enrichment

We believe in the importance of ensuring the revitalization of our Native languages, and that our culture and traditions continue to pass on to the next generations. We have several Native language experts on staff and we contract with others to provide classes, workshops and events to the community. We have experts in cultural awareness to provide workshops and training for groups and organizations looking to embrace cultural diversity.

Check out our upcoming events! For questions about workshops call 602-264-6768.

LANGUAGE CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Seeking Navajo Language Instructors & Coaches

Our Language & Culture Program is seeking Navajo Language Instructors and Instructional Coaches to contract with for upcoming Navajo Language Classes. Come teach our urban Diné community!

Navajo Language Instructor(s): Will be responsible for teaching Navajo language classes and coordinating with the Language and Culture team in planning and implementation. They will assist in participant recruiting and registration, interface and support students and family in all areas of project. Other duties include tracking and submitting attendance, data collection and facilitation for reporting.
Instructional Coaches: Will assist the teacher in all facets of daily classroom management and maintain a proper environment for learning in-person at the site. They will assist in setting up materials and equipment including computers and other electronic devices for student use including assisting the teacher in maintaining student progress, attendance records, and any reporting needed for project.

To apply: Send a resume and letter of interest to Carol Oritz: cortiz@phxindcenter.org

For questions: Call 602-264-6768 or contact Elicia Goodsolider: egoodsoldier@phxindcenter.org

Native American Elders Mentoring Program

History Of The Cherokee Nation

Join Dr. Laurie Eldridge (Cherokee Nation), and Council Member of the Valley of the Sun Cherokees, for an overview of the history of the Cherokee Nation from pre-contact to the Trail of Tears. First 35 seats reserved for youth participants willing to attend in-person at the Phoenix Indian Center. All other registrants can attend via zoom. Food will be provided to in-person attendees. To register, click here

Date: Friday, July 26

Time: 1 PM – 3 PM

Location: Hybrid through Zoom and In-Person at the Phoenix Indian Center, 4041 N. Central Ave. Building B, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Elder’s Luncheon Events

The Phoenix Indian Center hosts lunch events open to Native Elders. The purpose of these events is to provide a space for Elders to build community and kinship with each other and with the Phoenix Indian Center. These are opportunities to learn about upcoming PIC events and ways you can participate. Lunch events include games, prizes, and a chance to meet others residing in the Valley area.

For information about upcoming events call 602-264-6768.

AmeriCorps Elder’s Mentoring Program

The Phoenix Indian Center is looking for Native Elders, who are 55 years of age or older, in the Phoenix metro area to participate in a program geared toward supporting and mentoring Native youth through cultural education and preservation.

This mentorship will require a commitment to attend events, youth council meetings, community gatherings, and general advisement in Living In 2 Worlds workshops and other Phoenix Indian Center events as determined by project leads. You will also receive a stipend for your time! We hope to hear from you soon.

To submit an online application, click here.

To download a PDF version of the application, click here.

For questions contact:
Iyona Freeland: ifreeland@phxindcenter.org or call 602-264-6768.

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information and military service. Compliance information and/or history can be requested from Elicia Goodsoldier, Language and Culture Manager at egoodsoldier@phxindcenter.org or by calling 602-264-6768.

Community Events

History Of The Cherokee Nation

Date: Friday, July 26

Time: 1 PM – 3 PM

Location: Hybrid through Zoom and In-Person at the Phoenix Indian Center, 4041 N. Central Ave. Building B, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Elder’s Luncheon

The Phoenix Indian Center is hosting a lunch event open to Native Elders. The purpose of this event is to provide a space for Elders to build community and kinship with each other and with the Phoenix Indian Center. Lunch provided. Enter a raffle for bringing a friend! Learn about upcoming PIC events and ways you can participate. Enjoy games, prizes, and a chance to meet others residing in the Valley area. For information call 602-264-6768. Register today, click here

Seasonal Storytelling

Each season the Phoenix Indian Center offers special culturally based storytelling events using experts to share cultural teachings. Some past events included Navajo Shoegame, Winter string games etc. We are planning future storytelling events. Check this page often for updated information about upcoming sessions.

Boys with Braids

The significance of having long hair is sacred amongst all American Indians. It connects us to our cultural identity, our spirituality and our ancestors. While all tribes are different and have varying stories and traditions about what having long hair signifies, they have teachings and a cultural connection. Long hair promotes self-esteem, self-respect, and pride. Long hair is a form of self expression that reinforces a connection to one’s family, tribe, community and traditions. Click here to download the Boys with Braids resource sheet for teachers.

Language Classes

Welcome to our Language Classes website. Please scroll this tab to see available courses and information. For questions call (602) 264-6768.

Beginning Navajo Language Class For Children

Class Dates: June 11 – July 18, 2024
Registration is closed for this course
About The Course:

The Phoenix Indian Center is hosting a summer session of Beginning Navajo Language. We are seeking dedicated children and youth (0-18 years of age) to register for this 6-week virtual course. Participants are encouraged to attend 10 or more of the 12 classes. Classes will be held twice a week via Zoom from 6 PM to 7 PM. The instructor for this series is Albert Chase. Space is limited to 50 participants. Questions? Connect with us by emailing LanguageCulture@phxindcenter.org or calling 602-264-6768.

Cultural Classes

Navajo Language Instructors & Coaches

The Phoenix Indian Center is seeking Navajo Language Instructors and Instructional Coaches to contract with for upcoming Navajo Language Classes.
Come teach our urban Diné community! Please note the following:

Navajo Language Instructor(s): Will be responsible for teaching Navajo language classes and coordinating with the Language and Culture team in planning and implementation. They will assist in participant recruiting and registration, interface and support students and family in all areas of the project. Other duties include tracking and submitting attendance, data collection and facilitation for reporting.

Instructional Coaches: Will assist the teacher in all facets of daily classroom management and maintain a proper environment for learning in-person at the site. They will assist in setting up materials and equipment including computers and other electronic devices for student use including assisting the teacher in maintaining student progress, attendance records, and any reporting needed for project.

To apply, send a resume and letter of interest to Carol Ortiz, Office Manager
Email: cortiz@phxindcenter.org

For questions contact Elicia Goodsoldier, Language & Culture Manager
Email: egoodsoldier@phxindcenter.org

Phone: 602-264-6768.

Cultural Awareness

American Indian Cultural Awareness Workshops and Training

We offer American Indian cultural competency training and workshops for departments, agencies, businesses, and schools. Trainings and workshops are designed to help non-American Indian child welfare workers, foster families, business and agency staff members learn and find resources on issues relevant to working with American Indian and Alaska Native adults, children and families. Participants benefit by learning about American Indian history, relevant Federal laws, and cultural considerations. We offer 1 hour, 2 hour or 3-hour presentations based on requestors’ need.

You may call the Phoenix Indian Center, (602) 264-6768 or email info@phxindcenter.org, to learn more and to schedule your cultural competency workshop.