Events

Annual celebrations include Archaeology Month in March, National Native American Month in April, Native American Heritage Month in November, International Museum Day, Blue Star Museum Program (Military Appreciation) and Arizona State University Homecoming, Open Door and Pow Wow events.

Throughout the year the preserve offers special educational activities including wildflower and wildlife tours, local indigenous food demonstrations and tastings, cultural and social lectures and workshops, readings by local book authors on southwest past and present cultures, and hands-on, interactive activities for children.

Local community participation includes demonstrations and talks at museums, educational events and city celebrations including Pueblo Grande Museum Ancient Technology Day, Arizona Arts Educators’ Expo, Arizona Archaeological Expo and Arizona’s Educator’s Roundtable.

Flute-making Class with Aaron White

Saturday, February 25, 2023
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

SOLD OUT!

Please check back for future dates!

We are excited to offer the unique experience of handcrafting a flute with Native American artist, Aaron White. Using local materials, either cedar or rivercane, Aaron will guide you through the process of shaping, sanding, decorating, sealing and song-making your very own flute. 

An award winning Artist/Singer/Songwriter, Grammy nominated musician Aaron White has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years. Born in Oakland, California, Aaron grew up on and off the Northern Ute reservation. He is of two Nations, the Dine of Northern Arizona (Blacksheep Clan) and The Northern Ute tribe Whiteriver band. 

The cost of the class includes instruction and all materials by Aaron, and access to the museum and trail.

We are thrilled we could schedule this class here at the preserve!

Aaron White: Live Performance

Performance times: 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. 

Grammy nominated musician Aaron White has been entertaining audiences for over 25 years. His intersection of Native American Flute, Acoustic Guitar with World Music overtones awaken the inner soul of those who hear his music. Two worlds influence is his sound: the Traditional way of Native America along with modern music.

White and his group Burning Sky, were nominated for Best Native American Recording at the Grammy Awards in 2003, and winner of the 2003 Group of the Year from the Native American Music Awards.

Life in the Desert Tours

Tour times: 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Life in the Desert Tours: The Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve offers a deeper look at the nature and ecology of the Sonoran Desert through its Life in the Desert Tours.

These tours focus on the plants and wildlife that are in full bloom in the spring months and teach visitors about how cultural traditions would have incorporated them into their daily life.

August Wood - Traditional Basketry Demonstration

Demonstration and talk: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member August Wood is a local traditional artist who creates baskets and clay pots. August will be at the preserve for an informational discussion and demonstration about Pima baskets. Experience the traditional techniques used to weave natural desert materials into baskets of all shapes, sizes and designs. 

Jonah Littlesunday: Live Performance

Performance times: 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
                                   11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
                                   12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Jonah Littlesunday has emerged as one of the most distinctive performers of the Native American flute. Inspired by themes that all human beings cherish - love, peace and unity – Jonah draws upon the solitude of his ancestral lands to create a meditative soundscape that heals the soul.

Life in the Desert Tours

Tour times: 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

These tours focus on the plants and wildlife that are in full bloom in the spring months and teach visitors about how cultural traditions would have incorporated them into their daily life.