Tohono O'odham Nation to open cultural center

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona is opening its Cultural Center & Museum on Friday.

The $15.2 million facility in Topawa features artifacts dating back 5,000 years. Many of the items were repatriated to the tribe by other museums.

The first exhibits at the 38,000-square-foot complex showcases the works of O'odham artists Monica Chana, Cody Chavez, Jamie Encinas, Shamie Encinas, Keith Norris, Louann Shannon and Delia Velasco. They theme is "O'odham Brown — What It Means to Me."

Another exhibit is called the O'odham Veterans Gallery. It honors the tribal members who have served in the military.

The grand opening festivities start on Friday and continue on Saturday.

Get the Story:
Culture and history go on display Friday (The Arizona Daily Star 6/13)