Hualapai Tribe preserves culture in new book

PEACH SPRINGS, Ariz. (AP) – The Hualapai Tribe is celebrating the first book written in more than 30 years that documents the northern Arizona tribe's history.

The tribe collaborated with author Jeffrey Shepherd over 10 years to assemble bits of history. Shepherd will give a lecture and sign copies of the book, “We are an Indian Nation,” next Monday and Tuesday evening at the Hualapai Cultural Center.

The center opened earlier this year with a ceremony that included drumming, dancing and singing performances.

The tribe's cultural director, Loretta Jackson-Kelly, says the center reinforces productivity, and helps teach language and cultural arts, and provides facilities for children to learn traditional practices.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.