Highlights from the Labriola Grand Opening Open House
The Labriola Center supports the needs of over four thousand Indigenous students, over seventy Indigenous faculty, and twenty-three regional Tribal communities. It is the only Indigenous-led library center within a doctoral research university in the United States. The Grand Opening was more than a celebration of new space: it was a celebration of the victory for Native presence and permanent residency within a system of knowledge and research that has historically misrepresented and devalued our identities, experiences and ways of knowing.
The Labriola Center could not have accomplished what it has without the help of the Labriola family, the ASU and Indigenous community, our staff, and student workers. Thank you to our photographer, Phong Le for capturing the beautiful moments that occurred throughout the Grand Opening.
Labriola Grand Opening Reception and Lunch 12 pm - 2:30 pm
Prior to Wednesday, all student workers participated in setting up and prepping for the event. We put together tote bags with Labriola swag and lined up close to 80 chairs in our center.
Starting at 12 p.m. the Labriola Center commenced its Grand Opening and began with a blessing sung by Andrew Pedro (Gila River Indian Community). Following, there were remarks from several key speakers: Director Alex Soto (Tohono O'odham), University Provost Nancy Gonzalez, University Librarian Jim O'Donnell, Associate Vice President of Tribal Relations in the Office of Government and Community Affairs Jacob Moore (Lakota, Dakota, Tohono O’odham, and Akimel O’odham), Governor Stephen Lewis (Gila River Indian Community), Mural Artist Thomas "Breeze" Marcus (Tohono O'odham Nation), and an honoring of the Labriola family. Unfortunately, Frank Labriola, the founder of the Center was unable to attend, however his daughter and her family participated to represent their legacy at Arizona State University.
Governor Stephen Lewis spoke about his appreciation for the Labriola family and the establishment of the Center, because it has strengthened the relationship between the tribal community and the Labriola family. He attended Arizona State University and used the Labriola Center's library for his research. Jacob Moore expressed that with the new space, "the Center is not a house, but a home for the Indigenous students and community members."
Recently, the Center had a wall and glass mural created by artists DeWayne Manuel and Thomas "Breeze" Marcus. The mural embodies the past and present, where A mountain is surrounded by one of the largest metropolitan cities in the United States. A calendar stick floats above A Mountain and connects to an open book in the middle. This image represents the equality and conjoined experience of knowledge for the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) Indian Communities.The mural art wraps around the walls of the Center, with all four sacred mountains embracing the Labriola Center and its students.
After the honoring of the Labriola family, Chef Nephi Craig (White Mountain Apache and Diné) and Twila Cassadore (San Carlos Apache) prepared a series of meals with their team from Cafe Gozhóó, a Western Apache café that provides affordable healthy meals for their community in Whiteriver, Arizona. Cafe Gozhóó provides a safe space for those recovering from addiction and offers vocational training through the Rainbow's Treatment Center's Working 2 Wellness Program.
While guests ate their meal, musicians Randy Kemp and Phillip Epey played the flute and guitar and filled the room with original music.
Open House with DJ Reflekshin 3pm - 6pm
Afterwards, from 3pm to 6pm, the Labriola Center hosted DJ Reflekshin for the opening of the Center's Open House. DJ Reflekshin is an established turntablist and deejay in the Phoenix Valley. Originally from Shiprock, New Mexico, DJ Reflekshin set out to Phoenix, Arizona to make a name for himself as an artist and turntablist. At the Open House, DJ Reflekshin played classic hits from the 1980's and 1990's, evoking the era in which the Labriola Center was established.
Slices of cheesecake handed out by Blue Corn Cafe and Bakery. Blue Corn Cafe and Bakery is a Hopi owned bakery and cafe located in downtown historic Glendale, Arizona. In addition to strawberry, blueberry, key lime, cherry, and classic cheesecakes, they offer scones, zucchini bread, quiche, tarts, cupcakes, carrot cake, croissants, artisan bread, and so much more. Watch this video from AZ Family to view what kind of treats Blue Corn Cafe offers! The cafe and bakery run out of items quickly, so be sure to get there early in the morning before they're all gone.
Open House Live Performance with Adrian Thomas from One Way Sky 6pm - 8pm
Transitioning to the final set, Adrian Thomas from One Way Sky set up his looper and guitar and played a live acoustic set for the audience. There were over fifty people in the Center at this time, and more filtered in as Adrian played his music. The Rez, An Urban Eatery, provided tacos and taco salad. The Rez, An Urban Eatery offers vegan and gluten free meals and has become a favorite caterer at the Labriola Center.
Grand Opening Open House Labriola's Library Aides' Perspectives
Mafi Pamaka (Tongan):
The Labriola grand opening celebration was just that: a beautiful ceremony celebrating the positive evolution of the Labriola National American Indian Data Center and its employees. From the beginning of my shift to the very end, we were on our feet navigating guests, informing interested bystanders, and just making sure the whole event went smoothly. Being a west campus employee, it's always a treat to be able to participate in the wonderful events put on by the center at its Tempe location. There's always vibrant conversations being had, Indigenous foods, and joyous laughter taking place. When directing guests to the room in which lunch would be taking place, I had the delightful opportunity to interact with a few esteemed guests and had a great conversation regarding the foods of my heritage. I am the daughter of a Tongan man and a white American woman, so it's always lovely to talk with other Indigenous peoples on the importance of different aspects in our culture in food and cooking that keeps us connected to our traditions. Moving past our conversation, we were able to enjoy the delicious traditionally inspired cuisine provided by the Cafe Gozhoo crew which included; wheatgrass shooters, a sunflower cracker taster, cooked full body quail, various dips, marinated bison steaks, salad, quinoa, a jubilee of roots and sweet potato casserole, a blue corn mush dessert with blueberries and round chocolate balls covered in crushed grains.
Tonana Ben:
The Labriola grand opening celebration was a joyous occasion that consisted of welcoming the ASU community, students, and alumni to celebrate the grand opening of our space. The morning reception welcomed tribal leaders, singers, and ASU faculty to join us in kicking off our grand opening day of celebration. It was a pleasure to have so many respected individuals attend our opening ceremony and to hear the amazing history and progression of Labriola. I was very honored to welcome the crowd with Miss Indigenous at ASU who led the land acknowledgement. After the morning celebration, I was very excited to attend the luncheon catered by Cafe Gozhóó and enjoyed the delicious marinated bison steaks and blue corn mush dessert. The afternoon portion of the ground opening consisted of a more relaxed environment with DJ Reflekshin and cheesecakes! I really enjoyed the open floor and witnessed different dance battles occur. Towards the end of the day of the grand opening I was so excited to see more people flood into our doors. We ended the night with dinner catered by ‘The Rez Urban Eatery” and listened to music by One Way Sky. It was an eventful day filled with excitement and celebration.
Falcon Reed (Tohono O'odham and Diné):
Labriola's new open study space in Hayden Library was introduced to students in November. On April 3rd, its Grand Opening was certainly a grand celebration of what the Labriola stands for. The entire day, there was recognition for its important work with community and data. I was there during the start of the day and the end of the day’s operations. When setting up food and arranging furniture, I couldn’t help but be happy for the staff’s efforts to shine and for so many people to celebrate a positive achievement for Native Community in Higher Education.
Towards the end of the day, our center was filled with familiar faces and new ones all excited to see One Way Sky perform. The population in attendance had surpassed our expectations. Help was needed at the catering table where a light dinner was being served with exceptionally high demand. Dinner was provided by The Rez, An Urban Eatery right before the show. Chef Mario and multiple staff sprung to action once we realized that more food needed to be made. I was assigned at the catering table, restocking supplies and informing people to select one entree with their sides in order to save food for everyone else in the seemingly growing line. Everyone that I had talked to at the table was understanding of the situation and from there people began to enjoy the food.
While the stellar performance was happening, a calmness brushed over in the room. As One Way Sky called for an impromptu section, Labriola’s own Eli came up front and played alongside them. After a couple of moments of skilled guitar improvisation, Director Alex Soto came to the stage and blessed the crowd with his raps along with Labriola worker Nataani Hanley Moraga (Lakota and Diné). The excellence in musicianship from Indigenous minds in an Indigenous space filled the room with a priceless feeling.
Tait Wilson (Black and Tohono O'odham):
Our space operates on a daily basis with a steady amount of students and guests that spend some time here for their specific needs. When we throw events like this, the staff does its best to anticipate the wants and needs of our guests. Our Grand Opening Ceremony was no exception. All hands were on deck from everyone involved and for my specific roles throughout the day, it was centered on providing attention and care to all the people who came into our space: this work ranged in different aspects from greeting and ushering our guests, prepping & plating food & beverages, and answering any inquiries they had about our space, its origins, or Indigenous tribes and our cultures.
Being Indigenous with a community-centered mindset requires respect and awareness to give the greatest regard to your elders, show empathy where it's needed, and heighten an awareness that moves outside societal norms. You are called to remain humble, be helpful, and embrace humor because laughter is a big part of native culture.
Elishua Shepherd (Diné):
For catering, Chef Mario from The Rez, An Urban Eatery brought tacos and taco salad, paired with a purple prickly pear drink. Library Aides Lainey, Monica, and Mafi stepped up to help Chef Mario with serving food to community members. Much like the fry bread riot that almost ensued in Chris Eyre’s Smoke Signals, Mario unfortunately ran out of bread but our amazing staff improvised with nearby chips to supplement the delicious feast. Everyone had something to eat and the night progressed into a stellar performance by Adrian D. Thomas from One Way Sky.
Adrian, lead guitarist for One Way Sky, played both a combination of covers and original compositions. Later on in performance, he invited Labriola’s own guitarist, Eli, to jam. Together, the two improvised over some of Eli’s guitar instrumentals. After the jam session came the highlight of the evening: Director Alex Soto and Nataani freestyled with Adrian, who recorded a loop with his guitar and took charge of the percussion. This cypher session was the cherry on top of the entire performance.
Colton Jim (Diné):
I was tasked to greet individuals who were welcomed into Labriola's grand opening. During my time being at the desk I believe that One Way Sky was performing and it was an amazing experience because outside looking in I could see everyone was having fun and enjoying the moment. The view was great to see because everyone was socializing and were so entertained with the performances. There also was food being served to guests. My tasks included respectfully greeting people and giving them background information with what Labriola does. I offered them bookmarks, pins, and stickers when they were signing in. This was an eminent experience because I got to discuss what Labriola does and the culture they influence towards Indigenous people and other ethnic people who have Indigenous studies. Generally, this was a great event and I was able to see where I stand upon my knowledge about what Labriola offers and my social skills.
Monica Howard (Diné):
Labriola’s long-awaited grand opening was open to the public with performances from DJ Reflekshin and One Way Sky’s Adrian Thomas. DJ Reflekshin curated some of the best sets that brought in the good vibe atmosphere that the new Labriola space has to offer. People of all ages and the community in the Phoenix area showed up for the live events. One Way Sky was Labriola's second and last live performance. One Way Sky is very well-known and popular among the community, so the songs were already familiar to the audience. They offered an interactive performance with the crowd, which led to performing with some of Labriola’s staff. All in all, One Way Sky and Indian Tacos with delicious treats prepared by Chef Mario from The Rez, An Urban Eatery had created a successful and warm grand opening of the new Labriola space in Hayden Library.
Lainey Tsosie (Diné):
On April 3rd in the early evening, the Labriola National American Indian Center hosted Adrian Thomas from Indigenous band group “One Way Sky.” Before and during the performance, I was tasked with preparing the catering for the event. We had a lot of food to prepare, so my coworkers and myself created an assembly line in order to put together the fry bread tacos, nachos, and salad plates for our guests. I would prepare the food and then put it out on the catering table for our guests to take and enjoy during the show. After we had put out all of the food, I stood behind the catering table greeting them, thanking them for coming, asking them to only take one plate per person, and telling them to enjoy the show. It was fun to see everyone take their plate, relax, and enjoy the music with friends and family. I enjoyed being a part of the grand opening experience and I feel it was a great success amongst us as the Labriola and our guests.
Lucy Taryole (Kiowa and Mvskoke Creek):
The Grand opening of the Labriola center was a very eventful day. I originally attended the first hour under CIE and the introduction was a great experience. I got to see a lot of familiar people I have not seen in a good while. Later on when I joined to help the event, it felt nice to be able to participate and be included in an event where everyone was present. I was still a fairly new Library Aide, so being around everyone else helped me figure out who is who. I joined Labriola to be able to be a part of something and the event was a great experience for that goal. I missed the luncheon but I was very grateful that the team saved me a plate to munch on when I had the time. It got really busy towards the end of the event with the fry bread tacos but truthfully, I didn't mind. It gave me something to do and something to feel good about as I helped keep things in order and made sure every plate was served and ready.
When One Way sky began their session, I was finally able to sit down and enjoy from the back of the main room. I already forgot what the name of this blue drink that was being served that night… or was it purple? It was really delicious and I still think about it….
Elena Dominguez (Pascua Yaqui):
The previous evening and early morning of the grand opening I saw our dedicated staff and students preparing the furniture layout of conference room and center, fulfilling guest bags with mugs provided by Café Gozhóó, stocking stickers and bookmarks, and setting out the decorative wipe boards designed by Lucy Taryole and myself.. The O'odham basket designs include the man in the maze, proportioned with a small ruler and red yarn, and filled in with rusty oranges and a light blue. The sailor font for "Labriola" and event details informed attendees of the performance that took place at six.
Paired with Monica Howard and supported by Yessenia Ramos from Community-Driven Archives (CDA) Initiative and her friend Maria, I was assigned to greet guests at the front door, take in parking validation, photo release, and do my best to answer any questions, We saw anyone from relatives of Labriola, the governor of GRIC, comedians, and various artists, including Thomas "Breeze" Marcus, the first to arrive and part of the duo who painted the mural.
Lunch rolled around with Chef Nephi Craig's catering, himself stationed at the end of a long table cutting bison. Last year I wrote a critical analysis on Gather (2020), featuring Craig and Twila Cassadore who are White Mountain Apache/Diné and San Carlos Apache, respectively, as they discussed Indigenous food pathways and reflected on their interpersonal transformations in this work. I was famished and the meal was delicious. I left for class and returned towards the end of the One Way Sky performance, tucking into Mario's blueberry basil tea and melodious electric guitar. Wrapping up the night, all hands were on deck to rework the furniture, pack up instruments and cables, and wish everyone a safe journey home.
