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

Cultural Awareness

Community Cultural Awareness & Responsiveness Training

Our Language and Culture Program Manager, Elicia Goodsoldier will provide a virtual Cultural Awareness and Responsiveness Training on Wednesday, December 18 from 1:30pm to 3:00pm for individuals from local departments, agencies, businesses, and schools servicing Indigenous community members. This training is meant to help organizations, business and agency staff members learn and find resources on issues relevant to working with American Indian and Alaska Native adults, children and families. We will discuss national and local data, Arizona’s 22 Tribal Nations, historical and intergenerational trauma, Federal Indian Policy and cultural resiliency along with strategies for supporting Indigenous communities. This workshop is free and will be virtual. Limited spots available. To register, click here

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2025
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Location: Virtually on Zoom

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

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

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

Historical and Intergenerational Trauma

Understanding Trauma-Informed care
Communities Impacted by Historical Trauma
Impacts of Federal Indian Policy
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s)
Cultural Resiliency
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.

Language Classes

Beginning Diné Bizaad (Navajo Language) and O’odham Language Classes

The Phoenix Indian Center Language and Culture department is proud to offer free 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. Fall 2024 class registration is currently closed.

Virtual and/or hybrid Beginning Navajo Language I and II and Beginning O’odham registration will launch in early Spring 2025. We invite you to check the Language and Culture homepage for upcoming classes.

Questions? Email Language and Culture Coordinator, Kami Ortiz kortiz@phxindcenter.org or call 602-264-6768 ext 130.

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.

For more information or questions email LanguageCulture@PhxIndCenter.org or call our Language & Culture Team at 602-264-6768.

Cultural Classes

Coming Of Age Series: Kinaalda Virtual Teachings

Yá’át’ééh! The Phoenix Indian Center is hosting a Coming-of-Age series that will share Navajo cultural teachings that are interwoven into the Kinaaldá ceremony. We invite our Native Community to hear the cultural sharing from various Navajo knowledge keepers. This virtual series will begin on September 07 and conclude on December 14. Please check which teachings you would like to join virtually, ‘

To register, click here
Event: “Understanding K’é (Kinship) & Ceremonial Protocol” with Paul Long Sr. (Member, Diné Hatałii Association)
Date: Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Zoom

Youth Késhjéé’ – Navajo Shoe Game

Celebrate the winter season with Késhjéé’! This youth cultural workshop, led by Kevin Belin, will teach children and youth about the origins and significance of Késhjéé’. The evening will include storytelling, cultural teachings, learning traditional songs and scoring practices through an interactive game of Késhjéé’.

To register, click here
Date: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Phoenix Indian Center, 4041 N. Central Ave. Building B, Phoenix, AZ 85012
For questions, call 602-264-6768 or email Kami Ortiz at kortiz@phxindcenter.org

AmeriCorps Elders Mentoring Program

Young Elder Holiday Gathering

Celebrating the Indigenous Spirit! Join us for our December Holiday Elder Gathering. Let’s end the year with some holiday cheer! Join the Phoenix Indian Center for our Young Elder Holiday Gathering Gathering. We’ll be gathering for a fun evening of raffles, arts and crafts, and kinship. The event will feature an informative presentation from our Prevention team, followed by a chance to relax, mingle, and enjoy the holiday spirit. It’s a great opportunity to connect with new and old friends and to celebrate each other! Dinner will be provided. Limited seating. Dress in your traditional best! We recommend wearing red, green, silver or gold.

Register Today: Click here
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 11
Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Phoenix Indian School Visitors Center
Address: 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012

About Our Elder Events

We want 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 learn about ways you can participate. Activities include games, prizes, and a chance to meet others residing in the Valley area. For information 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, 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

Community Events

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.