Celebrating Community: The Ndée Bikíyaa Harvest Festival
Nestled in the heart of the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, Canyon Day is a small town where the horses meander down the main street, as if the majestic mountains surrounding the town have bestowed upon them a sense of ownership. The towering pines of the land whisper tales of ancient times, their branches swaying in the gentle breeze, setting the stage for the Ndée Bikíyaa Harvest Festival.
With a population of around a thousand, it feels like one big extended family coming together to celebrate a shared bounty at this annual tradition. The festival is a unique gathering, where the lively festivities and rich traditions created an atmosphere of togetherness and joy.
But what truly set this harvest festival apart was the vivid sea of colors that flooded the scene. Children, wide-eyed with anticipation, sported their "camp outfits," paying a vibrant homage to their heritage. They paraded through the festival grounds like little ambassadors of tradition, their smiles as radiant as the Arizona sun.
The heartwarming moments were endless. In a charming photo booth set amidst the cornfield, crafted from hay bales and rustic wood, families captured memories that would last a lifetime. I'll never forget the image of the White Mountain Apache Baby Girl, nestled beside her mother next to a mammoth pumpkin, a symbol of nature's abundance. As I aimed my camera to take my shot, the girl's curious eyes fixated on my lens. Her fascination with the device turned into an amusing distraction, and her family and I couldn't help but laugh. I offered to step aside so they could capture their moment together, and we shared a lighthearted moment of connection.
As school buses arrived, dozens of eager kids from neighboring towns unloaded and entered the scene with bags in hand, ready to explore the various booths and fill their bags with treasures, much like the excitement of trick-or-treating. In the background, the lively beat of a band added to the festive atmosphere, beckoning everyone to dance and celebrate together.
Amidst the joy, Miss Apache Youth captivated hearts with her grace, effortlessly transitioning between weaving her family's cultural legacy into baskets and weaving warm smiles into the festival's atmosphere. She would work on a basket for a while, allowing others a glimpse into her family's craft, then gracefully meander through the festival, spreading greetings and laughter, making everyone feel right at home.
Cafe Gozhoo, the Western Apache Cafe and Learning Center, turned a corner of the festival grounds into a bustling food hub. The tantalizing aroma of grilled steaks, corn on the cob, and sizzling potatoes wafted through the air, enticing everyone in attendance. The real secret behind these mouthwatering offerings? It was the tireless efforts of volunteers, working alongside an open wood-burning grill in the ground, to churn out 500 savory steaks, 500 ears of corn, and 1500 potatoes - a feast perfectly suited for a community united in celebration.
Yet, beyond the delicious food and vibrant colors, the festival emphasized well-being. Health took center stage, with a diverse array of health-focused vendors filling the grounds. From the White Mountain Apache Tribe Health Education to the Apache Diabetes and Wellness Program, Preventative Medicine, and the Fort Apache Heritage Foundation, they shared valuable insights and wellness knowledge. Even a booth dedicated to the art of harvesting and exploring the potential healing benefits of black walnuts, as well as one showcasing traditional fermentation methods for various kinds of foods, was a testament to the holistic approach to health that extended throughout the festival.
As the event progressed, a captivating fashion show unfolded on a sturdy rock and concrete runway. Beautiful women adorned in handmade outfits graced the stage, celebrating tradition and modernity in perfect harmony. The crowd watched in awe as vibrant colors and intricate designs came to life on the catwalk. The applause rang out like a thunderous ovation, a resounding tribute to the spirit of the Canyon Day community.
As the clock neared 2 PM, the festival was winding down. People had come from near and far to be part of this heartwarming celebration, forging a deep sense of community and belonging. The Ndée Bikíyaa Harvest Festival, rightfully named "The People's Harvest Festival," had proven itself to be more than just an event; it embodied a cherished tradition that touched their hearts, leaving them eager to return and experience its unique charm once more.
