NPC Painted Desert Campus, Holbrook, AZ
NPC Cultural Celebration
- Friday, April 24, 2026
- 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- NPC Painted Desert Campus, Holbrook, AZ
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Free Admission
Cultural Dance Performances
Traditional Food Demonstrations
Traditional Art Demonstrations
2026 Cultural Celebration
Friday, April 24 at the Painted Desert Campus in Holbrook, Arizona
10:00 AM -2:00 PM
L.A. Williams - Event Hostess
L.A. Williams is a well‑known Diné (Navajo) sports announcer and broadcaster from the Navajo Nation, widely recognized as “The Voice of Navajo Sports.” She is a trailblazing figure in Indigenous media, especially for her work broadcasting major sporting events entirely in the Navajo language (Diné Bizaad). L.A. Williams is more than an announcer—she is a cultural bridge, ensuring that Navajo people can experience major sporting moments in their own language, while also showing the world that Diné Bizaad belongs on national and professional stages.
Freddie Bitsoie - Keynote Speaker 10:00am-11am
Freddie Bitsoie is a proud Navajo and an award-winning chef. He is the former executive chef of Mitsitam Native Foods Café, located inside Washington, D.C.’s Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Bitsoie was previously the executive chef of Fire Rock Casino and is the winner of the Smithsonian’s Native Chef Competition. He has contributed to a number of Native American cookbooks, including America: The Cookbook (Phaidon, 2017) and James Beard Award–winner Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen (University of Minnesota Press, 2017). Above all he is the writer of “New Native Kitchen”. He currently lives in New Mexico. Chef Freddie will host a food preparation demonstration with samples for the audience.
Traditional Dance Groups will perform from 11:00am-2:00pm.
Two 30-minute performances for each group.
Dinetah Dancers
As performing ambassadors to the Great Navajo Nation, the Dineh Tah’ Navajo Dancers, under the direction of Shawn Price, are considered an outstanding group of young, talented, and disciplined individuals who continue to excel their cultural program having received many accolades; their unique program offers the finest in traditional and semi-contemporary performances. They have performed at many distinguished events and premiere venues throughout the country.
Dishchii' Bikoh' Apache Crown Dancers
Led by Joseph Tessay, the dance group is from Cibeque, Arizona. The Apache Crown Dance is a ceremonial dance that "celebrates ancestors, community, and traditions while honoring gifts from the Creator." The dancers embody the Gaan (Mountain Spirits), wearing masks and ornate wooden crowns replete with deep symbolism.
Soaring Eagle Dance Group
A Zuni dance troupe from Zuni, New Mexico that performs traditional and social dances. The group focuses on social, rather than religious, dances. They have described their work as traditional yet creative, often composing their own steps, hand gestures, and songs. Their performances often incorporate themes related to rain, healthy crops, good health, and longevity, designed to bring positive feelings to the audience.
*Bring your own chairs for the outside event in the lawn area
ϳܱپDzԲ Email Tonya Thacker | Tonya.Thacker@npc.edu.
