Cultural Communities / Countries of Origin: Indigenous

Pure Nativez Waila Band

We been entertaining our music since 2009 on the Tohono O’odham Nation and Tucson areas and Phoenix. We enjoy performing our music to all the audience and fans.

Jose Gallardo – Yaqui Handicrafts

Jose B. Gallardo was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and is a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona. “I’ve been a cultural participant for the last 32 years. I am proud to keep our culture and customs going in teaching people and our youth about our beliefs traditions.”

Yaqui Ceremonial: Deer Dancers

The deer dance of the Yaqui and Mayo people of Sonora, Mexico, is not a performance but a ceremonial and sacred blessing. Thanks to many decades of respect between TMY organizers and the Yaqui/Yoeme people, this blessing has been shared at the festival, one of the only places it can be seen outside of its … Read more

South Image Waila Band

Ben Jose organized South Image in 2006 as a family group. Currently we are of three family members and two additional members. We enjoy sharing our gift of music in good spirit, in hopes that all who hear it will receive joy and celebrate life. We play Waila music, which consists of five different dance … Read more

Traditions Thursdays: A Yaqui Blessing: Xavier Flores in Conversation

In this conversation learn about a ceremony with longstanding significance to Tucson Meet Yourself: a Yaqui ceremonial blessing. Since 1974, this blessing has been offered by members of the Pascua Yaqui at the close of TMY; the relationship of trust between the Yaqui and Yoeme people and festival organizers is such that TMY is one … Read more

Tradition Tuesdays: Clay Stories, Haha’atadkam

Haha’atadkam means “one who makes pottery” in the O’odham language. This artform for both ornamental and utilitarian purposes is a lesser known form of the Tohono O’odham people, who are often celebrated for their basketweaking. In this conversation and demonstration, learn about the history and practice of Tohono O’odham pottery and the story each pot … Read more

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