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

There are no upcoming language class opportunities at this time.

If you are interested in becoming an O’odham language instructor, please contact the Language and Culture Coordinator at kortiz@phxindcenter.org

Diné Bizaad – Beginner & Intermediate Navajo Language Classes

Beginning Navajo I with Kevin Belin (April 13 – May 9, 2026)

Registration for this class cycle is now closed.

Beginning Navajo II with Kevin Belin (May 11 – June 11, 2026)

Limited virtual seats are available.

To register for this online class, contact  Language & Culture Specialist, Melina Yellowhair at 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

Join our Two Spirit LGBTQIA+ Talking Circle! This is a culturally grounded space designed to support Indigenous Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ relatives in the Phoenix metro area, through community connection, healing, and empowerment. Rooted in traditional values of respect, storytelling, and collective care, the talking circle 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 2SLGBTQ community and licensed counselor who invites all relatives to join in the in-person talking circle on April 23 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM at Doubletree Hilton Mesa 1011 W. Holmes Ave, Mesa, AZ (right after the Phoenix Indian Center’s Suicide Prevention Convening)

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 55+ to build community and kinship with each other and the Phoenix Indian Center. Activities include arts n crafts, Bingo, Price is Right, raffle giveaways, and a chance to meet other Young Elders residing in the Valley area.  Elder Gatherings will resume in August 2026. For more information on Elder programming contact Language & Culture Specialist, Renae Blackwater RBlackwater@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

Cultural Classes

There are no upcoming cultural classes at this time.

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

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.