Grand Canyon Speaks Grand Canyon National Park - National Park Service

In this episode, we talk to the Hopi painter Gerald Dewavendewa. Gerald is a lifelong artist. In this episode, we discuss his beginnings of art on the Hopi reservation, some Hopi traditions and customs, and the cultural influence behind his work.

In this episode, we talk to the traditional Zuni potter Noreen Simplicio. A strong advocate for youth empowerment, Noreen discusses the Zuni connection to Grand Canyon, her story of learning traditional pottery, and the value of respecting the landscape.

In this episode, we talk to Diné (Navajo) painter Janet Yazzie. We talk with Janet about how she developed the courage to be a full-time artist, the inspirations for her work, and her favorite parts about her job. Janet even did the art for this very podcast!

The first of a two-part series. In this episode, we talk to two alumni from the Zuni Youth Enrichment Program, Lashae Harris and Chasady Simplicio. LaShae is an embroiderer, while Chasady is a weaver. This conversation explains the Zuni Youth Enrichment Program, how each artist decided which art to pursue, and the value of keeping traditional art alive.

The second of a two-part series. In this episode, we talk to an alumnus of the Zuni Youth Enrichment Program, Cassandra Tsalate. A potter, she discusses how she connects to her community through her art and the empowerment she gains through her pottery.

Description:

In this episode, we talk to Grammy-nominated and award-winning Diné, or Navajo, musician Aaron White. The program was cancelled in person by lightning, so this is an online exclusive! Aaron discusses his career, growing up with music, and how he came to be a musician. Later, the discussion turns towards the Native American flute, which Aaron both plays and builds.