(Grand Canyon, AZ) - The National Park Service invites the public to the 18th annual Native American Heritage Days on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

This event, which celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, the Arizona Strip and the Grand Canyon, will begin with a morning nature walk on Thursday, August 11, 2011, and will end with a special evening program on Friday, August 12.

Native American Heritage Days began in 1993 as “Paiute Days” which celebrated the Paiute as the last Native American group to occupy the North Rim of what would become Grand Canyon National Park. In 1997, the event was

expanded to include all Native American groups with cultural ties to the Grand Canyon. Today, eleven tribes maintain strong cultural connections to the canyon.

Throughout Native American Heritage Days, special programs will be offered by tribal members and non-tribal members on a variety of subjects, ranging from ethno-botany to Native American flute playing and dance. Programmed activities will take place in various locations throughout the North Rim developed area. Visitors may inquire at the North and South Rim visitor centers for a complete list of event activities, as well as their times and locations.

Support for this event is provided by the Grand Canyon Association, Forever Resorts, Flagstaff Area Parks and Pipe Spring National Monument.

For additional information on Native American Heritage Days, please contact District Interpretive Ranger, Robin Tellis, at (928) 638-7739.