Walnut Canyon National Monument

Join Zuni artist Jimmy Yawakia at Walnut Canyon National Monument to learn about his rich cultural history, and how he carves his fetishes. Jimmy will be sharing the steps and techniques he takes to create his carvings, and their significance to the Zuni culture. His carvings will be for sale.

Jimmy was born and raised in Pueblo of Zuni. He has been carving Zuni Fetishes for over 30 years.  Jimmy is self-taught, and draws inspiration from the history of his Zuni People. While demonstrating, he is “passionate about sharing the rich culture and traditions of our Zuni people that have a great significance bond with the national parks.” Jimmy’s carvings have been showcased in the book The Fetish Carvers of Zuni. He has been featured at many juried shows where he most recently won first place with Cornelia Agate presenting the Zuni Immigration Story at the Herd Museum in Phoenix, AZ.

We are excited to welcome back Diné artist and cultural demonstrator Janet Yazzie for this fall’s Cultural Demonstration Program at Walnut Canyon National Monument.  Janet will be demonstrating her rich and vibrant artwork and sharing about her culture at the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center from Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3. She will be available from 10 am – 4 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10 am – 3 pm on Sunday.

Janet M Yazzie, Diné Artist, hails from the Navajo Nation, having spent her formative years in Greasewood Springs. Currently calling Flagstaff, AZ home, she draws inspiration from her roots. Her clans are Kinłichii’nii (Red House) and Ma’iideeshgiizhnii (Coyote Pass). Janet infuses her canvases with a kaleidoscope of colors. Her art reflects a deep reverence for the world’s wonders, capturing the essence of life’s beauty that surrounds us. Janet is a dedicated member of “Art of the People”, where she actively participates in sharing art with the community, embodying a commitment to accessibility and cultural enrichment through her art.

The Flagstaff Area National Monuments Cultural Demonstration Program is supported by the park’s non-profit partner the Western National Parks Association.

Traditional Hopi wood carver Eric Kayquaptewa will be demonstrating at Walnut Canyon National Monument from Friday, May 8 - Sunday, May 10. From Hotevilla on 3rd Mesa in Northern Arizona, Eric has been carving for over 30 years. He will share his skill and knowledge with visitors during this program. Eric's traditional carvings will be for sale during this event. 

We are excited to welcome mother and son Diné Silversmith's Carol Hatathlie and McHale Alcott to Walnut Canyon National Monument for the Cultural Demonstration Program. Join Carol and McHale from Friday, May 15 – Sunday, May 17. The purpose of the Cultural Demonstration Program is to elevate the voices of members from the traditionally associated tribes. Demonstrations allow visitors to the Flagstaff Area National Monuments the opportunity to meet Indigenous artists while they practice traditional and modern crafts. McHale and Carol will be demonstrating from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center.

Carol is a third-generation silversmith from Tuba City, Arizona. An award-winning silversmith, Carol learned from her family. She specializes in Navajo handmade sterling silver contemporary and traditional style setting jewelry. Her jewelry’s design features a family design that is over 60 years old. This design is her family’s legacy and hallmark. She is excited to demonstrate with her son McHale.

McHale was born and raised in Arizona. His mother’s clan is Kin’yaa’aanii’ (Towering House), born for the Ash’ii’h’i Clan (Salt People). Silversmithing has been present in his life since his early childhood. When he was 10 years old, his father began to teach him how to grind stones like turquoise. He later learned from his father the different stages of making a bracelet. Throughout his life, his family including his father, mother, and grandparents have paved the way for him to become the artist he is today. McHale takes pride in passing along the knowledge and teachings of his parents and grandparents to his children and future generations.   

The Flagstaff Area National Monuments Cultural Demonstration Program is supported by the park’s non-profit partner the Western National Parks.

A bird walk and poetry workshop hosted by poet Jodie Hollander and park ranger Ryan carpenter at Walnut canyon National Monument. Binoculars and support provided by Western National Parks

We are excited to welcome Diné Silversmith McHale Alcott to Walnut Canyon National Monument for the Cultural Demonstration Program. Join McHale from Saturday, May 23 – Monday, May 25. The purpose of the Cultural Demonstration Program is to elevate the voices of members from the traditionally associated tribes. Demonstrations allow visitors to the Flagstaff Area National Monuments the opportunity to meet Indigenous artists while they practice traditional and modern crafts. McHale will be demonstrating from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Monday at the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center.

McHale was born and raised in Arizona. His mother’s clan is Kin’yaa’aanii’ (Towering House), born for the Ash’ii’h’i Clan (Salt People). Silversmithing has been present in his life since his early childhood. When he was 10 years old, his father began to teach him how to grind stones like turquoise. He later learned from his father the different stages of making a bracelet. Throughout his life, his family including his father, mother, and grandparents have paved the way for him to become the artist he is today. McHale takes pride in passing along the knowledge and teachings of his parents and grandparents to his children and future generations.   

The Flagstaff Area National Monuments Cultural Demonstration Program is supported by the park’s non-profit partner the Western National Parks.

Join Diné potter DeeAnn Walker at Walnut Canyon National Monument from Friday, May 29-Sunday May 31 for the Cultural Demonstration Program. DeeAnn will be demonstrating her hand-etched and horsehair pottery as well as her silversmithing. She has been a potter for 35 years, and a silversmith for 30. DeeAnn will be demonstrating at Walnut Canyon on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. On Sunday, she will be available from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 

Originally from Dinnebeto, Arizona, DeeAnn learned her artwork from watching a friend that made traditional pottery. From there, she refined her skills, and has continued to work as a potter since. DeeAnn has many artistic talents including pottery, silversmithing, and beading. She takes pride in teaching her grandchildren, passing down her knowledge and skill to the next generation of her family.

Since time immemorial, Native people have called Walnut Canyon home. During traditional times, a thriving community lived within the canyon, building cliff dwellings in natural geologic formations. Participants on this hike will descend into the canyon, have the opportunity to view the cliff dwellings, and learn about the Ancestral Puebloans' rich cultural history. 

This hike requires pre-registration, and has limited spaces available for participants. Please call (928) 526-3367 to register. 

The hike is a 1.5 miles round trip. The trail descends 180 feet into the canyon. Participants then walk on a narrow, uneven, and rocky surface to view the cliff dwellings. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, wear sun protection, bring plenty of water, and dress in layers.  

Since time immemorial, Native people have called Walnut Canyon home. During traditional times, a thriving community lived within the canyon, building cliff dwellings in natural geologic formations. Participants on this hike will descend into the canyon, have the opportunity to view the cliff dwellings, and learn about the Ancestral Puebloans' rich cultural history. 

This hike requires pre-registration, and has limited spaces available for participants. Please call (928) 526-3367 to register. 

The hike is a 1.5 miles round trip. The trail descends 180 feet into the canyon. Participants then walk on a narrow, uneven, and rocky surface to view the cliff dwellings. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes, wear sun protection, bring plenty of water, and dress in layers.