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602-264-6768
4041 N. Central Ave. Building B, Phoenix, AZ 85012

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. 

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS, CLASSES & PROGRAMS
Check Out What's Happening

Language Classes

Yá’át’ééh / Ha’u / Ske:g taṣ / Ti un Sengi / Aŋpétu Wašté / Hoat (Greetings)! The Phoenix Indian Center Language and Culture department is proud to offer free community-based Indigenous language courses that cover the basics of language syntax, common use phrases, along with culturally relevant stories and teachings. Classes are funded by the Administration for Native Americans grant.

O’odham Ñiok – Beginner O’odham Language Classes

Our Language and Culture dept is seeking dedicated O’odham language learners to join a new cycle of O’odham II starting Monday, March 2nd. Classes will be taught by instructor Gabriel J. Martinez on Monday & Wednesday evenings over the course of 5 weeks. This class will focus on spoken Tohono O’odham & Akimel O’odham dialects. Classes will be held in-person at the Phoenix Indian Center and on Zoom.

Schedule:

  1. Mon March 2 6:00PM-8:00PM (AZ time)
  2. Wed March 4 6:00PM-8:00PM (AZ time)
  3. Mon March 9 6:00PM-8:00PM (AZ time)
  4. Wed March 11 6:00PM-8:00PM (AZ time)
  5. Mon March 16 6:00PM-8:00PM (AZ time)
  6. Wed March 18 6:00PM-8:00PM (AZ time)
  7. Mon March 23 6:00PM-8:00PM (AZ time)
  8. Wed March 25 6:00PM-8:00PM(AZ time)
  9. Mon March 30 6:00PM-8:00PM (AZ time)
  10. Wed April 1 6:00PM-8:00PM (AZ time)

There is no cost to register. Registration is CLOSED.

Diné Bizaad – Beginner & Intermediate Navajo Language Classes

Registration TBA for Summer 2026.

 

For more information, contact Language & Culture Specialist, Melina Yellowhair myellowhair@phxindcenter.org

 

This website is supported by Grant Number 90NL0701 from the Administration for Native Americans the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Administration for Native Americans.

Community Events

The Two Spirit LGBTQIA+ Talking Circle Series is a culturally grounded space designed to support Indigenous Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ relatives (ages 15-24) in the Phoenix metro area, through community connection, healing, and empowerment. Rooted in traditional values of respect, storytelling, and collective care, the series provides a safe and affirming environment where participants can share experiences, strengthen identity, and build supportive relationships.

Our facilitator is Lenny Hayes (Sisseton Wahpeton) a member of the LGBTQ community and licensed counselor who invites relatives to join in the talking circles on the following days:

  • Via Zoom: March 19 from 6:00pm-7:30pm (AZ time) AND/OR
  • In Person at the Doubletree Hilton Mesa 1011 W. Holmes Ave, Mesa, AZ (right after the Phoenix Indian Center’s Suicide Prevention Convening) on April 23 from 6:00pm-7:30pm

Registration is limited, so please join us! Allies, welcome. Click here to register now!

AmeriCorps Elders Mentoring Program

About Our Elder Gathering Events

We want to provide a space for Indigenous Elders to build community and kinship with each other and with the Phoenix Indian Center. Activities include games, prizes, and a chance to meet others residing in the Valley area. Check back for more Elder Convenings!

This program is available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability (mental or physical), gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, pregnancy, genetic information (including family medical history), military service, or their submission of a complaint. 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.

Service members, volunteers, employees, and applicants for Federal employment who wish to file a discrimination complaint may do so by sending an email message to eo@AmeriCorps.gov or by leaving a voice message on the Civil Rights Hotline at 1-202-606-3461. Calls to the hotline will be returned within 24 hours.

You can learn more information at: https://americorps.gov/about/agency-overview/civil-rights

Cultural Classes

Pee-Posh Clay Workshop Series

Join Pee-Posh (Maricopa) and Kwatson cultural educator Yolanda Hart Stevens for a three-part workshop exploring Pee-Posh history, cultural teachings, and traditional art forms. *Each session builds upon the last in a step-by-step, immersive learning experience, so participants are encouraged to attend all three classes to fully benefit from the series.

This hands-on clay workshop welcomes participants of all ages to explore pottery and clay sculpture while connecting with Indigenous creativity and cultural expression. Throughout the series, participants will learn about traditional Pee-Posh art forms and designs, foundational clay techniques, including hand-building, shaping, refining, glazing, understanding clay properties, and the firing process. You will also create your own clay beads and, on the final day, design and string a unique necklace combining glass and handmade clay beads.

All classes will be held at the Phoenix Indian Center on the following dates:

Thursday, March 26 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Saturday, March 28 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Saturday, April 11 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Registration Link: Pee-Posh Clay Workshop Series Tickets, Multiple dates | Eventbrite

 

Elders 55+ Cook with Chef Pyet DeSpain

Join us for a flavorful experience rooted in tradition, story, and community! This live cooking demonstration with Chef Pyet DesSpain of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation invites Indigenous young elders to learn how ancestral ingredients and techniques come together to nourish both body and spirit. Open to Indigenous Young Elders 55+

Watch, listen, and taste as Chef Pyet shares the cultural significance behind each dish, the stories carried through food, and the ways Indigenous cuisine continues to thrive today. Participants will receive a copy of Pyet’s debut cookbook, Rooted in Fire, celebrating Indigenous Fusion cuisine rooted in Native American and Mexican foodways through recipes and storytelling, the book honors ancestral knowledge while inviting readers to reconnect with culture, land, and generational cooking traditions.

Date: Saturday, March 28

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Location: Phoenix Indian Center

Click Here to register today!

For more information, contact the Language & Culture team at languageculture@phxindcenter.org 602-264-6768.

Cultural Awareness

About the American Indian Cultural Awareness and Understanding Historical and Intergenerational Trauma Workshops & Trainings:

The Phoenix Indian Center offers American Indian cultural awareness and responsiveness training and workshops for departments, agencies, businesses, and schools. Trainings and workshops are designed to help non-Indigenous workers, 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. This also includes an in-depth look at Understanding Historical and Intergenerational Trauma in Indigenous Communities. Participants will benefit by learning:

Cultural Awareness

  1. Overview 22 tribes in AZ
  2. Discuss appropriate terminology
  3. Local, state and national data, information and statistics
  4. Cultural considerations and values
  5. Appreciation vs. Appropriation
  6. Historical and intergenerational trauma and risks
  7. Role and impact of mainstream media
  8. Discuss cultural identity (Urban vs Rural Considerations)
  9. Explore cultural resiliency and strategies

Historical and Intergenerational Trauma

  1. Understanding Trauma-Informed care
  2. Communities Impacted by Historical Trauma
  3. Impacts of Federal Indian Policy
  4. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s)
  5. Cultural Resiliency
  6. Strategies for Support

We offer 1 hour, 2 hour or 3-hour presentations based on requestors’ need.

To best gauge your trainings needs, we request that you fill out the following form with as much information as possible. We will contact you within 48 hours to schedule a follow-up meeting. Requests must be made no less than 3 weeks prior to your requested date with the exception of November dates. We receive many requests for training conducted in November which is designated as American Indian Heritage Month therefore, we are requesting no less than 6 weeks advance notice.

To request a training session, click here 

For more information, you may contact:

Elicia Goodsoldier, Language and Culture Program Manager

egoodsoldier@phxindcenter.org or LanguageCulture@phxindcenter.org

Phoenix Indian Center: (602) 264-6768 ext. 118

 

 

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.

Contract Positions

Part-Time Contract Instructional Coaches & Information Technology (IT) Specialists

We are no longer accepting applications for the Part-Time Contract Instructional Coaches & Information Technology (IT) Specialists positions at this time.

Thank you for your interest in supporting our Navajo and O’odham language classes. Please check back — these opportunities may reopen in the future.

a 501(c) 3 non-profit recognized by the IRS. Tax ID Number: 86-6006566