Weekly Edition | February 14, 2012 | By: NP writer

Navajo President, Ben Shelly delivering his speech to a crowd of 200.

Happy Birthday Arizona

PHOENIX- On Saturday Navajo officials promoted Navajo tourism at the opening ceremonies at the Arizona Best Fest in honor of the Arizona Centennial Indian Village. The celebration provided the opportunity to teach and share the rich culture and history of American Indian tribes in Arizona.

Today Arizona marks 100 years, a century since U.S. President Taft’s signature declared Arizona the 48^thand last contiguous state in the Union.

The Navajo President spoke to a crowd of 200 “We are continuing to educate people about who the Navajo people are through sharing our culture. Tourism offers the opportunity for visitors to visit our homeland,” adding  “Arizona has a rich history because Native American tribes have been here before statehood. Before Arizona became a state, it was a territory. We have elders who are close to 100 years old and to me, that is an amazing history,” President Shelly said.

The Navajo Nation emphasized to continued progressing between two cultures in one state. “We progressed with the State of Arizona and we are continuing to progress forward as a Nation,” President Shelly added.

Among the presenters at the event was the Navajo Nation Division of Natural Resources, Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation,Navajo Nation Museum and Navajo Nation Tourism, in a joint effort, they built a female and male hogan and displayed the Chilchinbito rug. Demonstrations of hair tying, corn grinding and weaving were also on display.

Governor Jan Brewer said “Arizonans are determined. Our people are Western strong. With the Centennial upon us, let us proudly celebrate the obstacles we have overcome, the progress we have made and the opportunities we have created over the past 100 years. Let us also celebrate the years still to come. There is a bright future that awaits. May God continue to bless and protect you and your families, our 100-year-old State of Arizona and the United States of America.”

The Old West survived

In History, On February 14, 1912, after nearly 49 years as a U.S. territory and thousands of years as a sacred home to indigenous peoples, Arizona became the 48th and last of the contiguous states to enter the Union of the United States of America.

At the time of its statehood, Arizona epitomized the economic promise of the American West. Rich in natural resources, the state was earning its reputation as the home of the Five C’s – copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate. Its people reflected the rich history and heritage of the Southwest, from the influences of its Native American and Hispanic cultures to the adventurous spirit of its early prospectors, ranchers, and farmers. All embraced Arizona’s rugged and rich environment to create a unique and prosperous lifestyle