Exhibit closing: Beautiful Games: American Indian Sport and Art

Sports have played a pivotal role in American Indian tribal communities; in fact, many contemporary sports are rooted in traditional tribal sporting games. Lacrosse and surfing have long been attributed to indigenous peoples, while other games such as cross-country running, racquetball, cross-country skiing and canoeing, although not exclusive to the Americas, evolved independently. Native athletes quickly gravitated to historic sports like baseball, basketball, football and rodeo, and many American Indians have excelled in modern sports.

Tribal communities continue to be heavily interested in and involved in sports, particularly basketball, rodeo and running.

Come before Nov. 29 to see how this exhibit examines the historic and modern role of sports in tribal communities and the American Indian athletes who have participated and excelled in major American collegiate and professional sports.

Supported by presenting sponsor Gila River Indian Community, contributing sponsor Salt River Project, patron sponsors Janet and John Malamed with additional support from the Scottsdale League for the Arts.