NIHI lab-mates volunteer at the Navajo Indigenous Fair

Nihi Lab was so grateful to take a car full of students to volunteer at the Tohono O'odham 87th Rodeo and Fair. The Rodeo & Fair has something for every age and interest and remains a signature occasion for the Nation to share its Himdag (way of life) with neighbors and guests, inviting everyone to experience the beauty, resilience, and community spirit of the Tohono O’odham. The trip to the Tohono O’odham tribal nation reservation is roughly an hour and a half away from Tucson with the fair being held in their major town of Sells. Though many of the University of Arizona students and faculty have heard of the Tohono O’odam Nation in our land acknowledgment, few have actually been to Sells, Arizona, and so it was an exciting opportunity to connect with our local tribal community. 

In the late morning, we all got into a car for the long drive out of town with hats, sunscreen and water in hand! As the Tucson cityscape transformed into open range lands filled with towering saguaros and mountains, PhD student Melissa explained what she had learned about the Tohono O’odham Nation from her partner, who works for the nation. Once there, we took the dirt road to the fair ground, welcomed by the sun, smells of fair food, and the O’odham gourd singers.  We were then able to volunteer/run food to the elders' tent as part of the free community meal sponsored by Tohono O’odham Department of Natural Resources. After we were done, the lab was able to try the signature chili popovers and fair rides! We were so grateful to take part in the nation's Himdag (way of life) and enjoy the celebration of the Tohono O’odham community.