Source::xinhua
Indigenous communities from Phoenix and the surrounding southwestern regions of Arizona took center stage at the Phoenix Art Museum as they kicked off Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrations on Wednesday night. The event showcased captivating dance performances, cherished traditional customs, intricate arts, and the rich culinary heritage of these Indigenous peoples.
The launch party, along with a series of engaging events, including indigenous film screenings scheduled for Saturday, marked the beginning of this year's Indigenous Peoples' Day festivities in the capital city.
Indigenous Peoples' Day serves as an occasion to honor the profound history and culture of Native Americans while also acknowledging the hardships they have endured throughout their history. It is a moment to pay tribute to the continued contributions that Native Americans make to American society. In 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden issued an official proclamation, solidifying the significance of this holiday.
In a significant move earlier this year, in April, Kate Gallego, the Mayor of Phoenix, and the Phoenix City Council made history by designating the second Monday in October as an official city holiday to commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day. This decision underscores the city's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the heritage of Indigenous peoples.
In a statement last month, organizers of the celebrations expressed their hope that this year's festival theme, "Indigenize the Valley," would inspire other metropolitan areas to follow suit and raise awareness about Indigenous contributions and ingenuity dating back to Arizona's statehood, tracing back to ancient times.
Among the highlights of the event was Nubia Guzman, an indigenous handcraft artist originally from Mexico, who not only showcased her art but also offered visitors free lessons in creating traditional handcrafted jewelry. Participants had the opportunity to craft earrings, necklaces, and bracelets and take their finished products home as gifts.
Guzman, an esteemed local small business owner and former art teacher, expressed her excitement at being invited to participate in the opening ceremony of Indigenous Peoples' Day. She noted that her traditional handmade crafts garnered significant attention, bringing her immense joy. She also emphasized how indigenous culture has become an integral part of U.S. culture, with indigenous residents fully integrated into society.
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