Lowell Celebrates 30 Years of Native American Astronomy Outreach with Free Community Day
November 16, 2025 | Noon–7pm | Free Admission for Coconino County, Yavapai County, and Arizona Native Nations Residents | Sponsored by Findlay Toyota
On Sunday, November 16, Lowell Observatory invites the community to join in celebrating three decades of its award-winning Native American Astronomy Outreach Program (NAAOP) with free entry for Coconino County, Yavapai County, and AZ Native Nations. This free community day is sponsored by Findlay Toyota to celebrate a history of culturally-rooted science education and collaboration with our communities.
“As a long-time supporter of Lowell Observatory, Findlay Toyota Flagstaff is honored to be involved in the Native American Astronomy Outreach Program,” says Findlay Toyota Marketing Manager Kristina Campanella. “We love supporting local initiatives that bring knowledge, culture, and community together.”
Local performers and vendors will gather in Lowell’s Astronomy Discovery Center for Indigenous storytelling, music, dance, and art to honor 30 years of shared learning under the stars. This milestone also happens to fall on the 1-year anniversary of the Astronomy Discovery Center’s grand opening on November 16, 2024.
Throughout the day, enjoy live presentations from Indigenous educators and artists whose work bridges culture, science, and tradition:
- Travis Terry, Pima Nation flutist
- James Junes, comedian and motivational speaker
- Sunny Dooley, Navajo storyteller
- White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers, featuring the Cha’Bẽ’Tų Apache Crown Dance Group and Cha’Bẽ’Tų Apache Sweethearts
- Gerald Dawavendewa, Hopi artist and author
From noon to 5pm, a variety of Indigenous artists and craftspeople will be selling their handmade creations across campus. Browse silversmith jewelry, embroidered handbags, canvas art, Hopi pottery, glass etching, and much more. Regular day and evening programming, including stargazing, will also be available. Don’t miss out on this art-and-music-filled community free day!
About the Native American Astronomy Outreach Program
Founded in 1994, NAAOP connects Lowell astronomers and educators with Native communities across the Southwest to share the wonder of astronomy through a culturally relevant lens. Each year, Lowell staff and teachers collaborate with Native educators to blend traditional sky stories with modern science, inspiring curiosity and pride in the next generation of learners.