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.

Diné Bizaad – Beginner Navajo Language Classes

Thank you to Arlene Old Elk for sharing your time and knowledge. We encourage students who complete this course to attend the Beginning Navajo II in Winter 2025.

This class has concluded.

Diné Bizaad – Intermediate Navajo Language Classes

The instructor for this class is Kevin Belin. Classes will be held twice a week on Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm via Zoom. Limited Zoom seats available.

Registration has closed.

O’odham Ñiok – Beginner O’odham Language Classes

Ske:g taṣ relatives! The instructor for this course is Gabriel Martinez. This class will focus on the spoken versus Written O’odham language.

Classes will be held twice a week on Monday & Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm. Classes will start on Mon, Oct. 27 and finish on Monday, Dec. 01, 2025. Limited Zoom and In-person options available.

Registration has closed.

2026 O’odham II Language Class, Navajo I & Navajo II language classes registration coming soon!

For more information or questions, 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

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.

The Language and Culture department is excited to announce our annual Keshjéé’ (Navajo Shoe Game) on January 9-10, 2026. Step into a 2-night event of winter songs, storytelling, learning and connection. Facilitators & singers include Kevin Belin and Landon Succo.

Youth Keshjéé’

Date: Friday, Jan 9, 2026

Time: 5:00PM – 9:00PM

Location: Phoenix Indian Center

Youth participants <17 will learn about the origins and significance, scoring practices and partake in an interactive game of Keshjéé’ among their peers. This is a family learning event; children must be supervised at all times. Dinner will be provided for participants. Limited seating.

Registration required, click here to register.

Community Keshjéé’

Date: Saturday, Jan 10, 2026

Time: 6:00PM – 11:00PM

Location: Phoenix Indian Center (White tent in the parking lot)

Dress warmly & bring the family! Please bring your own chairs. Light Refreshments will be served. Arts vendors & food trucks onsite.

Phoenix Indian Center is excited to announce the 2nd annual Navajo Song and Dance on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Glendale High School. We humbly welcome all community members, singing groups and dancers near and far and esteemed tribal royalty.

Location: Glendale High School 6216 W Glendale Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301

Time: 10:00AM – 7:00PM

Invited singing group: Łeeyi’ Tó Singers

Masters of Ceremonies: Ray Kahn & Jonas Smith

Dancer & Singing Groups prizes, raffles, art vendors, food trucks and more!

More information to be announced.

Questions? Contact the Language & Culture Coordinator kortiz@phxindcenter.org 602-264-6768

AmeriCorps Elders Mentoring Program

AmeriCorps Elder’s Mentoring Program

Apply to be an Young Elder Mentor

The Phoenix Indian Center is seeking Native Elders, age 55 or older, in the Phoenix metro area to join our AmeriCorps Elder Mentorship Program. This meaningful initiative connects Elders with Native youth to foster cultural education, mentorship, and community support. Through this program, Elders will play an important role by attending youth council meetings, participating in community events, and offering cultural guidance at workshops such as Living in 2 Worlds Sumer Camp and other Phoenix Indian Center-led activities.

Who Is Eligible?

Young Elders, aged 55 years or older, who identify as Native American/American Indian
Must reside in the Phoenix metro area and be able to attend scheduled events and gatherings
Have a passion for mentoring Native youth

Program Benefits:

$100 stipend for each event attended
Mileage reimbursement
Opportunities to engage in meaningful cultural exchange
A chance to make a lasting impact on the next generation

How to Apply:

To submit an online application, click here.
To download a PDF version of the application, click here.
For more information about the program, click here.

Cultural classes taught by Elder Mentors

Join us for an evening of Hopi Storytelling with AmeriCorps Young Elder, Royce Dewakuku! Royce will share the Hopi Creation Story. Don’t miss this night of storytelling, culture, and connection. Native youth and the community are welcome to join us!

Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (AZ time)

Location: Virtually on Zoom. Click here to register.

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.

Please check back for upcoming Elder convenings! For questions, contact Language and Culture Specialist, Abby Buffalo at 602-264-6768 or 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

Cultural Classes

Cultural Classes & Workshops

Please be sure to check back for upcoming cultural workshops open to the community! For questions, contact Language and Culture Coordinator, Kami Ortiz at 602-264-6768 kortiz@phxindcenter.org.

Coming Of Age: Diné Cultural Teachings

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

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.

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.