Desert View Rededication - May 22, 2016
<p>Superintendent David V. Uberuaga and Diana Sue Uqualla.
</p><p>The National Park Service (NPS) and its partners held a re-dedication ceremony at the Desert View Watchtower on Sunday, May 22, 2016. The ceremony, a National Park Service Centennial event, commemorated the grand re-opening and rededication of the Watchtower from a souvenir shop to a cultural heritage place.
</p><p>Representatives from the NPS, Grand Canyon Association, Grand Canyon's InterTribal Advisory Council (ItAC), and the American Indian Native Alaskan Tourism Association (AIANTA) were present. "Thanks to the hard work of the ItAC and our partners, this project re-envisions how visitors experience Desert View and the entire park. This will lead the NPS into the next century," said Grand Canyon Superintendent Dave Uberuaga.
</p><p>The ceremony took place between 10:30 and 11:30 am, and was free and open to public. The following speakers participated:
</p><p>Dianna White Dove Uqualla,
Ceremonialist, Havasupai Tribe
</p><p>David V. Uberuaga
Superintendent, Grand Canyon National Park
</p><p>Susan Schroeder
CEO, Grand Canyon Association
</p><p>Emerson Vallo
Board Member, AIANTA
</p><p>Ed Hall
Transportation Specialist/Tourism Coordinator
Bureau of Indian Affairs
</p><p>Diane Chalfant
Deputy Superintendent
Grand Canyon National Park
</p><p>Sammye J. Meadows
Author, Editor, Non-Profit Consultant 
</p><p>Cultural demonstrations took place throughout the weekend
•Bill Thomas, Jr. (Navajo moccasin maker)
•Ed Kabotie (Hopi musician, artist, and grandson of Watchtower's original artist, Fred Kabotie)
•Diana Sue Uqualla and Havasupai youth (dances),
•Duran Gaspar (Zuni silversmith)
•Jimmy Yawakia (Zuni fetish maker)
•Bobby Silas (Hopi potter)
•Tim Edaakie (Zuni potter)
</p>
Desert View has been transformed into a place to celebrate, share, and learn about inter-tribal cultural heritage. The revival of Desert View as a cultural heritage site provides opportunities for the public to connect with Grand Canyon National Park's Traditionally Associated Tribes through displays and the Cultural Demonstration Series.
Grand Canyon NPS
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