Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 13-17, 2023

Last week, the park hosted the Emergence Summit, the second Grand Canyon InterTribal Economic Summit. More than 60 participants were in attendance including Tribal vendors, tour operators, entrepreneurs, partners, and park staff. The purpose of the summit was to discuss ways the park and its many partners can best work together to improve economic benefits for the park, private companies, Tribal partners, nonprofit partners, and the surrounding communities.

Keynote speaker Natasha Hale (Navajo and Saudi Arabian and pictured above), cofounder of Change Labs, offered lessons from her 15 years of experience supporting Native entrepreneurs and economic equity on the Colorado Plateau.

“To move past these wrongs, we still have to keep talking about them. But I think we’re all eager to move past it,” said Hale. “That’s what Emergence is about – we want to be able to co-manage these lands, but we also want to be able to have access to that economic power.”

You can learn more about the summit from Grand Canyon Trust’s website here.

TODAY! Native American Heritage Month events

Today, November 16, there will be demonstrators at the Shrine of the Ages with a special evening performance at 7:30 p.m. There will be artists, speakers, and dancers all throughout the day and evening. See the attached flyer for more details.

There will also be a special performance by Grand Canyon locals next week. The Dupkia Hoyam Dancers will perform at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center Plaza at 1 p.m. on November 21.

New episode of Behind the Scenery podcast

The Behind the Scenery podcast from the Division of Interpretation and Education returns with a new interview with Colleen Lucero!

Colleen Lucero is the managing director of the Hopivewat Learning center and the founder of the Hopi Harvey Project, which preserves the stories of Hopi elders who worked for the Fred Harvey Company and helped to shape tourism at the Grand Canyon. On this episode, listen as Colleen shares stories about what inspired her robust career and speaks about her efforts to document, share, and preserve familial histories of Hopi elders through the Hopi Harvey Project with the help of cantaloupe a-la-mode.

You can listen to the episode on nps.gov or on the Apple Store.

Red Shawl Day is November 19

Red Shawl Day is every year on November 19. It is a day for remembering and honoring missing and murdered Indigenous people.

To recognize Red Shawl Day, NPS employees are encouraged to wear red this Sunday, November 19. You can also participate by wearing something red the weekend of November 18-19 to honor missing and murdered Indigenous people and show support for their loved ones.

Havasupai Gardens renaming anniversary

This week will mark the one-year anniversary of the renaming of Indian Garden to Havasupai Gardens.

On November 21 of last year, the U.S. Board of Geographic Names unanimously approved the new name to honor the Havasupai people who were forcibly removed from the area in the early twentieth century.

We cannot completely amend past injustices, but intentional actions like this are steps we can take toward creating a better future for all of us.

Astronomy Nights during the month of November

Today through next Monday November 20^th, there will be free astronomy programs every evening at 7 p.m. behind the South Rim Visitor Center. Park staff will present talks on constellations and other topics and there will be telescopes set up for night sky viewing.

Weeknight programs will end at 8 p.m., but the weekend programs Friday through Sunday will be longer, running until 9 p.m. Remember to bring red flashlights or headlamps to minimize light pollution and dress warmly, as you will be outside for the duration. You can find more details on our website.

Two Grand Canyon employees featured on NPR podcast

Two Grand Canyon employees were interviewed for the NPR podcast series, Endless Thread.

Ellen Brennan, Chief of Cultural Resources, and Jason Nez, Fire Archeologist, were featured in an episode entitled “The Grand Can-spiracy,” about a long-lived hoax that there are Egyptian artifacts and mummified remains hidden within cave systems in the Grand Canyon.

A fictitious newspaper article in 1909 sparked the theory, and despite the fact that it has been debunked multiple times, some people still believe the park is hiding these artifacts. You can find that podcast on NPR’s website here.

We’re hiring!

Check out the current NPS position openings below:

• GS-5/7 Seasonal Archeological Technicians: USAJOBS – Job Announcement
• GS-5 Seasonal Wildlife Technician: USAJOBS – Job Announcement
• GS-7 Seasonal Paramedics: USAJOBS – Job Announcement
• GS-7-9 Supervisory Recreation Fee Technicians: USAJOBS – Job Announcement
• WG-6 Small Craft Operator: USAJOBS – Job Announcement
• GS-13 Supervisory Interdisciplinary (General Engineer, Landscape Architect, Architect) : USAJOBS – Job Announcement

• Jonah Hill (L) is a Hopi silversmith who makes jewelry from a variety of materials, including silver, copper, brass, and even volcanic rock! Jonah has been an artist for over fourteen years, and has worked as a river guide, environmental educator, and an ethnobotanist before becoming a silversmith.
• Darrance Chimerica (R) is a Hopi Kachina carver who has been practicing his craft for over twenty years. He creates his Kachinas in the traditional way using cottonwood roots and does not use power tools – he carves all of his works by hand. He also uses paints made from mineral pigments collected by hand.

Both Darrance and Jonah will be at the Desert View Watchtower November 18 & 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, November 25, and Sunday, November 26, Navajo painter Jerrell Singer and Yavapai-Apache silversmith Jerry Whagado will be at the Desert View Watchtower from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Julia McDowell

Inner Canyon Paramedic

I grew up outside of Philadelphia, PA before moving to Boston for college. While majoring in Computer Science, I spent a lot of time playing volleyball, hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and working at an overnight summer camp in the Adirondacks. I was studying abroad in New Zealand in March 2020 when COVID hit and became the catalyst for my career transition. I moved back to Boston and looked for jobs to stay active and involved. Already certified as an EMT-Basic, I started working on an ambulance in a busy urban EMS system. After two years of COVID, heart attacks, strokes, traumas, and so much change and excitement, I graduated as a Paramedic, now able to treat cardiac arrhythmias, provide pain medication, and better understand the pathology of emergencies I encountered. While working with patients is my favorite, I also taught new EMTs and Paramedics both in the classroom and ambulance in addition to certifying nurses and doctors in American Heart Association classes. I continued my computer science work by designing and implementing websites for EMS companies and platforms. Wanting to combine my love for the outdoors and medicine, NPS was the perfect fit for my next adventure. I spend my off days traveling, hiking, crocheting, baking and watching Greys Anatomy.

How long have you lived and/or worked at GRCA? Where are you based out of?

I’ve lived and worked at the canyon since July 2023. I’m based out of the South Rim. Most workdays, you’ll find me inside the corridor based at Havasupai Gardens or Phantom Ranch, checking permits and doing medical calls. I also do backcountry patrols (Hermit is my favorite so far!), work on the South Rim ambulance, and am training to be a flight paramedic.

What have you enjoyed the most about working and/or living at GRCA so far?

While I’m still adapting to the rural setting here, I’ve enjoyed traveling and exploring the surrounding areas, like Sedona and Zion. I’ve met some amazing people here with fascinating stories and experiences from around the world. Being a 5-minute run away from gorgeous sunsets on the rim is an added benefit.

What are some of your favorite local spots to visit in or around the South Rim? What are you looking forward to this fall season?

Shoshone Point is my favorite South Rim sunset spot. As we get closer to winter, I’m looking forward to skiing at Snowbowl and seeing my family during the holidays. I’m also excited for the hot drink selection that will be on rotation: hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, and hot coffee. Lastly, I’m hoping to meet more folks at GRCA and establish more of a community on the rim!

South Rim District Report Available

Curious what South Rim Patrol has been up to lately? Read the latest issues of the South Rim District Report below!

• South Rim District Report ending 10-21-2023
• South Rim District Report ending 11-4-2023

Residential Holiday Lights Walk -December 1

Residents of Randy Thompson Circle and Bob Mahn Street are announcing the third annual Holiday Lights Walk. The event will occur on Friday, December 1 from 6-8 p.m. and will feature holiday lights, hot cocoa, and more.

All residents are welcome and more information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Kaibab Learning Center announces Christmas Ball fundraiser event

Help support children of the Grand Canyon community and the Kaibab Learning Center by attending the 2023 Christmas Ball! A fun night of live music, bowling, games, raffles, and a silent auction will be offered.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 2 from 4:30-8 p.m. at the Squire Resort in Tusayan. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Save the date! Community Blood Drive on December 12

The Rec Center will again be hosting a community blood drive through Vitalant on Tuesday, December 12 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Appointments are suggested, and to schedule, individuals can visit the following website  with blood drive code: “grandcyn.”

Vitalant is the sole supplier to 96% of Arizona hospitals including the Flagstaff Medical Center. All donors are critically needed right now to help hospital patients through the busy holiday season. More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

South Rim

Xanterra

• Maswik Lodge Cafeteria, 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Maswik Pizza Pub, 4-10 p.m.
• Canyon Coffee House at the Bright Angel Fountain, 7 a.m.-11 a.m.
• Bright Angel Fountain grab and go, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Burger, Breakfast 6-10:30 a.m., Lunch 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Dinner 4-9 p.m.
• Fred Harvey Tavern, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Arizona Steakhouse within Bright Angel Lodge-dinner 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. daily, lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.
• El Tovar Dining Room and Lounge-Breakfast, 6:30-10 a.m., Lunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dinner, 4:30-9:30 p.m., Lounge, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Patio (limited menu), 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• The Grand Canyon Kennel, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Grand Canyon Rec Center, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Delaware North

• Yavapai Lodge Tavern and Patio, 12-9 p.m., Yavapai Lodge Coffee Shop, 7 a.m. -2 p.m., The Yavapai Dining Hall, breakfast, 7-10 a.m., dinner, 5-8 p.m.
• Canyon Village Market, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Deli 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• Camper Services laundry and shower: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Other

• Grand Canyon Clinic: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Bright Angel Bikes, Rental: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Café 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Visitor Center (GCVC): 7 days a week from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Conservancy stores: Visitor Center Plaza 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, Kolb Studio, Verkamps and Yavapai Geology Museum 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• The Grand Canyon Community Library: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Grand Canyon Food Pantry: Monday 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday 6-8 p.m., Saturday 2-4 p.m.
• Canyon Closet: Monday and Wednesday from 12-2 p.m.
• Canyon Community Yoga at Grand Canyon Rec Center: Mondays-6-7 p.m., Wednesdays-6:30-7:30 p.m. (full schedule available here, locals use discount code: GCLOCALS when registering)

Desert View

• Desert View Trading Post Coffee and Ice Cream and Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Desert View Watchtower, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. daily (starting Sunday, Nov. 5, the GCC store and DV Watchtower will move to winter hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily)
• The Desert View Deli, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Desert View Convenience Store (adjacent to gas station), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

North Rim

• Service station gas pumps, 24 hours
• Hwy. 67 to North Rim open until November 30 (or following the first major snow event)
• As of Nov. 15, Cottonwood water is now OFF for the winter season, Manzanita water remains ON year-round.

Please visit the Grand Canyon National Park website for a complete list of closures and available amenities.

• Keynote speaker Natasha Hale at the second annual Emergence Summit (Photo courtesy of Jamie Arviso)
• Apache Crown Dancers on the North Rim (NPS Photo/E. Whittaker)
• A ranger places a new sign at Havasupai Gardens in 2022 (NPS Photo/J. Schwartz)
• A ranger holds a laser during a night sky program (NPS Photo)
• Rangers jumping for joy! (NPS Photo)
• Jonah Hill working with metal (Photo courtesy Jonah Hill)
• Darrance Chimerica carving by hand (Photo courtesy Darrance Chimerica)
• Julia McDowell, Inner Canyon Paramedic (Photo courtesy of J. McDowell)
• Engine 81 is given its first wash by a young firefighter (NPS Photo/K. Ross)