School district hosting Native American cultural family night

Maricopa Unified School District is hosting a Native American family night on Tuesday to provide an opportunity for families to celebrate their culture together.

The event coincides with national Native American Heritage Month. Featured performers from Cesar Chavez and Fairfax high schools will dance both hoop and bird dances. They will also provide some native songs.

Special guests will be Miss Gila River, Daryl Lynn Jay, and Junior Miss Gila River, Starsha Angel Dosela.

MUSD’s Native American parent liaison, June Shull, organizes family events every other month. Each event has a different topic, for example, science or curriculum night. Shull started with the district in March by doing a parent survey to learn about their interests.

“The purpose of these family nights is to increase parental involvement with our Native American student population with engaging activities that families can participate in together,” said Shull.

The Native American Education Program’s parent advisory committee and Maricopa High School’s AmerInd Club will be making several traditional dishes to serve the families. Activities for the children include pinch pots and beaded jewelry, and the artwork for the event will be courtesy of Ak-Chin preschool students.

“This event is going to be a lot of fun. It’s a great opportunity for our Native American families to join together and celebrate their culture,” Shull said.

For further information, contact Shull at 520-568-5100, ext. 1035, or via email.

If you go:

What: Native American Cultural Family Night
When: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6 – 8 p.m.
Where: Maricopa High School multi-purpose room, 45012 W. Honeycutt Ave.

Photo courtesy of Gila River Indian Community