Planning a Native American Vacation in Phoenix
Valley of the Sun Highlights Tribal Nation Culture
May 14, 2009
With 22 Tribal Nations, Arizona has more Native American representation than any other state, and you can get a taste of their culture without ever leaving the Valley of the Sun.
Native American Resorts
The Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa is Arizona’s only Native American owned resort. It features 500 culturally themed rooms, golf, and an equestrian center. The Aji Spa is one of two Arizona Native American spas and one of seven spas in the state to score a Mobil Four Star Award. The Indigenous Collection of treatments were designed and performed by Pima and Maricopa Cultural Care Takers.
The Radisson Fort McDowell Resort and Casino sits on the land of the Yavapai Nation. Elements of Yavapai culture are evident throughout the property from the rooms, to the artwork to the china used in the restaurant.
Explore Native American Culture
No trip to Phoenix would be complete without a visit to the world-renowned Heard Museum. The Heard showcases the different cultures of Southwest Native Americans. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, baskets and a large Kachina collection.
Consult with Hopi jewelry artist Melissa Masayesva at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale to purchase her one-of-a-kind pieces or work by other Native American artists. Masayesva is known throughout the world for her silver overlay, sand-casting and repousse jewelry. As a bonus, the Native American Learning Center is located at the resort.
Book the Yavapai Experience withFort McDowell Adventures to learn the story of the Yavapai. The tour starts with storytelling around the campfire followed by a tour of the land. Attendees learn about the ancient culture, history, and heritage of Yavapai people and then participate in a one-mile nature walk where guides show how the Yavapai are connected to the land of the Sonoran Desert.
Try the foods of the local Tribal Nations
Kai, located at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort is the city’s only AAA five-diamond restaurant and features a menu based on Native American ingredients, preparations and traditions.
Anhala at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort features Native American cuisine, indigenous Mexican specialties and mesquite grilled items. Many of the ingredients come from the Yavapai Nation farms. Signature dishes include Yavapai Pecan Trout (trout crusted with Fort McDowell Farm pecans served with fiesta rice and carrots with a frangelico cream sauce), Southwestern Chowder (roasted green chili corn and roasted red bell pepper chowders garnished with avocado and fresh crema), Pan Seared Scallops (served with butternut squash ravioli drizzled with prickly pear jelly) and Rack of Lamb (served with blueberry bread pudding over an ancho chili demi with white and green asparagus).
Lon’s at the Hermosa Innuses ingredients cultivated from the Native Seeds/SEARCH organization. This group is dedicated to preserving the crop seeds that connect the Native Americans to their lands.
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