Scottsdale's Native Ties

​Scottsdale’s Native Ties 
by Jeffrey Lazos Ferns

Nestled in the Sonoran Desert, Scottsdale, Arizona, is more than just a picturesque city; it is a vibrant hub for Native art, culture, and fashion. The origins of this cultural tapestry can be traced back thousands of years to the Indigenous peoples who first inhabited the region, such as the Hohokam (also known as Huhugam). These early communities cultivated the land, creating intricate canal systems and leaving a strong and beautiful legacy behind. The O’odham descendants of the Huhugam continue to inspire today via their artistry, craftsmanship, and cultural practices. 

The Sonoran Mountain Preserve, a sprawling natural area surrounding Scottsdale, holds significant ties to the Hohokam. These ancient people lived harmoniously with the land, developing advanced agricultural techniques and utilizing native plants for food, medicine, and art. The Preserve's rich biodiversity remains a living testament to its ingenuity and deep connection to the environment. The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation also has a long and deep connection to the Sonoran desert and McDowell Mountains. Their ancestors once occupied about 10 million acres across southern, central, and northern Arizona. They lived, hunted, cultivated, gathered plants, and sought spiritual guidance from these lands and water from the sacred Verde River.

As European settlers arrived in the 19th century, they were captivated by the unique artistic expressions of the Native American tribes, including the O’odham, Navajo, Hopi, Apache, and more. This interest led to a burgeoning market for Native arts and crafts, which found a significant foothold in Scottsdale. By the early 20th century, the city had established itself as a center for art and culture, attracting artists and collectors alike.

Scottsdale's establishment as an art colony in the 1930s further cemented its reputation. Artists flocked to the area, drawn by its natural beauty and the rich cultural heritage of the Native tribes. This era saw the rise of art galleries and studios dedicated to showcasing Native art, ranging from traditional pottery and weaving to contemporary paintings and sculptures.

A pivotal figure in Scottsdale’s fashion scene was Lloyd Kiva New, a Cherokee designer who brought Native American fashion to the forefront. In the 1950s, Lloyd Kiva New opened a boutique in Scottsdale, introducing innovative designs that fused traditional Native American patterns and techniques with contemporary fashion. His work garnered national and international attention and inspired a new generation of Native designers to explore their cultural heritage through fashion. He was the Founding President of the Institute of American Indian Arts in Sante Fe, and his legacy is still relevant. The  Institute continues to foster the artistic development of generations of Native American students in all disciplines of the Arts. 

Scottsdale's unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting Native culture is also evident in its culinary scene. The city celebrates indigenous foodways by incorporating Sonoran Desert ingredients like mesquite, prickly pear, and cholla buds into contemporary dishes. Local chefs often draw from Native American traditions to create menus that honor the land and its original inhabitants. This dedication is something to be appreciated, as it offers residents and visitors a taste of the region’s rich heritage. Each November, celebrating Native American Heritage Month, the City supports the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience. Its host venue is the beautiful LEED-certified Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. The event is a curated experience. Indigenous Arizona Chefs create contemporary and traditional dishes with ancestral ingredients in a celebratory and elegant atmosphere. 

A highlight of Scottsdale’s cultural calendar is the two-day Arizona Indian Festival, held annually as part of Scottsdale’s Western Week. This two-day festival brings together all 22 Arizona tribes in one setting where visitors can experience the distinctive cultures of Native Arizona, including their dwellings, traditions, ceremonial performances, and arts and crafts. In addition, this vibrant event celebrates the diverse cultures of Arizona’s Native American tribes through a packed stage performance of music, dance, and storytelling featuring the most remote tribal participation of the Havasupai from the bottom of the Grand Canyon.  The festival provides an immersive experience for attendees, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Native traditions.
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In fashion, Scottsdale has become a nexus for Native designers who blend traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Events like the Scottsdale Fashion Week, feature collections from Native designers, highlighting the innovation and creativity within the community.
Today, Scottsdale stands as a living testament to the enduring legacy of Native American culture. It is a place where art, tradition, culinary excellence, and contemporary expression converge to create a vibrant, dynamic cultural landscape, inviting all to connect with its rich history.

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