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National Park Service: Sunset Talk – Grand Canyon Speaks

On Tuesday and Thursday, the Sunset Talks are “Grand Canyon Speaks” presentations, in which members of Grand Canyon’s Native American Communities share their rich history, culture, and personal connections to Grand Canyon, through storytelling, singing, and hands-on-learning.

Today’s interview is with
Marvene Dawahoya – Hopi Basket Weaver
Nuvadi Dawahoya – Hopi Kachina Carver

Masters of their crafts, Marvene, and Nuvadi love coming to the canyon to share their artforms, personal stories, and culture. They welcome questions and conversations from everyone who stops by. Come by to watch sunset and hear their stories.

Marvene was taught how to weave baskets by her step-mother, Doris, and has been creating sifter baskets from yucca since 2016. According to Marvene, yucca is considered to be a sacred plant – there is a process that a Hopi woman has to go through in order to be able to handle yucca and make the baskets. Marvene says she is privileged to be able to make yucca baskets and she draws her inspiration for her designs from the natural things in life.

Nuvadi “Snow” Dawahoya was born into the Hopi reservation in 1976. He began carving kachina dolls in 1995. His kachinas are carved from cottonwood roots and with a variety of sharp knives. The wood is sanded smoothly and textured with a wood burner.

“I was inspired and learned to craft my dolls from watching other family members. Although some of my work is traditional, I have created my own style of carvings. I am well known for my Butterfly Maiden and the Warrior Mouse kachina. I am proud and honored to be artistically gifted with this special talent. I am also extremely enthusiastic about sharing my kachina dolls with all who respect and appreciate my artistic abilities and my cultural background.” —Nuvadi Dawahoya

During the summer of 2025, Sunset Talks by park rangers will take place at the Desert View Amphitheater on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 6:45 pm.  Enjoy a program with a beautiful sunset backdrop. The talks start an hour before sunset, and end with enough time to take pictures and enjoy the view.

Dress warmly for this outdoor event. Seating is on stone benches. 

  • Date Custom 07/01/2025
  • Allowed Ages 6+
  • Audience Kids (6 - 8 years), Tweens (9 - 12 years), Teens (13 - 18 years), Adults
  • Genre Arts, Culture & Social Science, Field Sciences
  • Type Exhibit/Presentation, Field Trip/Outdoor Activity

The event is finished.

Date

Jul 01 2025
Expired!

Time

6:45 pm - 7:45 pm

Cost

Free with Park Fee

More Info

Read More

Labels

Coconino

Location

Grand Canyon National Park - South Rim
,Grand Canyon, AZ, 86023
Website
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/south-rim.htm

Organizer

National Park Service
Website
https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
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