Language & Culture

Community Based Language Class Videos

Recent cycles of the community-based O’odham / Diné Bizaad (Navajo) language classes were archived for educational purposes, promotional purposes and online formats; all of which will be done in respect and acknowledgement with tribal communities.

To access  language class recordings, please fill out the Indigenous Language Class Recordings Agreement.

Please answer ALL demographic questions. After completing the questionnaire, the requestor will be emailed access of all video playlists via the Phoenix Indian Center YouTube channel.

The following cycles are available to view:

• Winter 2023-2024 – Y1C2: Cycle 1 Beginning Navajo I: Winter 2023 with Instructor Kevin Belin
• Spring 2024 – Y1C2: Cycle 2 Beginning Navajo I: Spring 2024 Classes with Instructor Carol Uentillie
• Spring 2024 – Y1C2: Cycle 2 Intermediate Navajo 2: Spring 2024 – YouTube with Instructor Kevin Belin
• Fall 2024 – Y2C1: Beginning O’odham Cycle 1: Fall 2024 with instructor Gabriel Martinez
• Winter 2024 – Y2C1: Beginning Navajo II Cycle 1: Fall 2024 with instructor Dr. Andy Nez
• Winter 2024 – Y2C1: Beginning Navajo I Cycle 1: Fall 2024 with Instructor Roselyn Johnson
• Spring 2025 – Y2C2: Beginning O’odham Cycle 2: Spring 2025 with instructor Gabriel Martinez
• Spring 2025 – Y2C2: Beginning Navajo I Cycle 2: Spring 2025 with instructor Belinda Begaye
• Spring 2025 – Y2C2: Beginning Navajo II Cycle 2: Spring 2025 with instructor Kevin Belin

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.

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.

Beginning O’odham Language Classes

Skeg Tas Relatives! We will be seeking dedicated O’odham language learners to join our community-based language classes this fall! To be placed on our interest list for upcoming classes, or for more information, contact 602-264-6768 or email CChee@PhxIndCenter.org

Diné Bizaad – Navajo Language Classes

Yá’át’ééh relatives! We will be seeking dedicated Navajo language learners to join our community-based language classes this fall! To be placed on our interest list for upcoming classes, or for more information, contact 602-264-6768 or email CChee@PhxIndCenter.org

About Our Elder Gathering 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 about upcoming events, call 602-264-6768 or email LanguageCulture@PhxIndCenter.org

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:
Abby Buffalo, Language & Culture Support Specialist, at 602-264-6768 Ext. 246 or email abuffalo@phxindcenter.org

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

Online Registration is now open: Click here to register! All times in AZ standard time.

Questions? Contact kortiz@@phxindcenter.org or 602-264-6768.

In the Fall of 2024, the Phoenix Indian Center Language and Culture Department hosted its first Coming of Age series to teach urban Diné youth about the Táchééh & Kinaaldá ceremonies.

In preparation of their own Navajo coming of age ceremonies, a girls and boys cohort participated in a series of storytelling sessions that were led by various Diné Knowledge Keepers. The youth cohorts handcrafted the following essential items for their future ceremonies:

• Tłaakał (Traditional Skirt)
• Tsii’ Tł’óół (Diné Hair Tie)
• Ádístsiin (Mixing Sticks)
• Alkąąd (Navajo Cake)
• Kélchí (Moccasin)
• Sis Łíchi’ii (Sash Belt)
• Bow and Arrow
• Bow Guard Stamping
• Bandolier Bag

Axhéhee’ Nitsaago to the youth and families that shared their experiences in this once in a lifetime opportunity. 

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.