The Hubbell Trading Post, recognized as the oldest continuously operating trading post in the Southwest, is set to launch a traveling cultural program across Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico in 2026.
Presented by Western National Parks (WNP), the event series will feature authentic Navajo weavings, handcrafted jewelry, and live demonstrations at three iconic national park sites, according to a press release.
Visitors at the participating locations will have the opportunity to engage directly with Diné (Navajo) artists and explore a curated selection of sterling silver jewelry and textiles, including works from Master Weavers.
The program includes interactive talks and live weaving demonstrations designed to provide an immersive window into Indigenous heritage and cultural preservation.
Diné Trader Wallace James Jr. and renowned weaver Tonita Yazzie are at the heart of these sessions. James Jr. shares personal history and insights into the sacred meanings behind traditional patterns, while Yazzie demonstrates the complex skills required for Navajo textile production.
“My knowledge of Navajo weaving was passed down from generation to generation,” James Jr shared.
“Not just the techniques, but also the history of my family at Hubbell’s. My talk helps share that story with a broader audience, as well as the deep and sacred meaning of the patterns, techniques and crafting of Navajo rugs and weavings.”
The 2026 tour schedule begins at Lake Mead National Recreation Area on April 4–5, followed by a stop at White Sands National Park on April 25–26.
The series will conclude at Petroglyph National Monument on June 6–7, with each event supporting both the artists and national park educational programs.
Western National Parks, a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service since 1938, developed this program to enhance the visitor experience and foster appreciation for protected lands.
The organization works to create advocates who aim to preserve these special places through meaningful cultural connections.
This initiative highlights the growing trend of experience-driven travel in national parks. For concessionaires and nearby gateway communities, these high-value cultural programs attract diverse audiences and encourage longer stays, demonstrating how integrating Indigenous storytelling can enrich the educational value and appeal of public lands.