Third Thursday Food for Thought – “Himdak doo Ilna: A Way of Life – How Societies Shape Culture”

Debbie Manuel photograph of Se-He Ki Man in the Maze with the Navajo basket, water olla, and natural gourd dipper.

Old Pueblo Archaeology Center’s “Third Thursday Food for Thought” dinner will feature Native American guests Royce and Debbie Manuel at Dragon’s View Asian Cuisine, 400 N. Bonita Ave., Tucson from 6 to 8:30 p.m. For tribal groups in Arizona, understanding the connections between physical, social, mental and spiritual identity of the people prior to birth through 102 years old is a way of life. Tribes in Arizona often illustrate their balance between patriarch and matriarch societies through symbolism. Illustrating with the Man in the maze and the Navajo basket designs, Royce Manuel (Auk-Mierl Aw-Thum) and Debbie Nez-Manuel (Diné) unfold the general understanding of two common designs. On a community level, Royce and Debbie are immersed in planning, organizing, and fundraising for an Inaugural Arizona Native Youth Leadership Summit to be held in Fort McDowell Arizona. Guests may select and purchase their own dinners from the restaurant’s menu. There is no entry fee but donations will be requested to benefit Old Pueblo’s educational efforts. Because seating is limited in order for the program to be in compliance with the Fire Code, those wishing to attend must call 520-798-1201 and must have their reservations confirmed before 5 p.m. Wednesday April 20.