Bill Harrison – SMOKI – Of Prescott, Arizona

Menu – Beef Stew, Salad, Dessert & Beverage by Les.

Program – Smoki of Prescott, Arizona – In 1921, an all-white group of businessmen in the small northern Arizona community of Prescott, decided to play Indian. They painted their skin red, wore long black wigs and skimpy leather loin cloths and performed the sacred Hopi Snake Dance in front of thousands of enthusiastic tourists. Over the next 70 years, their event was one of the most popular in Arizona, generating publicity and revenue for the growing town. However, the Hopi Indian Tribe was outraged! The Snake Dance was an integral part of their ancient religion and had been performed by the Hopis for thousands of years. Unfortunately, their protests of cultural theft fell on deaf ears. This is the remarkable story of Smoki, a group of dedicated, civic-minded individuals who had the best of intentions and noble goals but became so engrossed in the traditions and pageantry of their event, they refused to accept, or even acknowledge, the rights of Native Americans.

Purchase dinner & program tickets by Feb 6. Program tickets by Feb 11 at 5PM.