Western National Parks announces tour that brings Diné weaving, artistry, storytelling and the living traditions of the historic trading post to communities across the West
TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The traditions of Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, operated and supported by nonprofit partner Western National Parks (WNP), are once again hitting the road. The 2026-27 Hubbell Trading Post tour will bring an immersive cultural experience to national park sites, public lands and community destinations across the West, connecting visitors with Diné (Navajo) artistry, knowledge and traditions passed down through generations.
The Hubbell Trading Post tour has been connecting communities with the trading post’s living traditions for many years, with the program gaining significant momentum and reaching new audiences in recent seasons. The returning tour brings the history and heritage of Hubbell Trading Post, the oldest continuously operating trading post in the American Southwest, beyond its home in Ganado, Arizona. At each stop, visitors can explore an extensive collection of authentic Navajo weavings, handcrafted sterling silver jewelry featuring turquoise and other fine gemstones, and other works created by Indigenous artisans.
More than a shopping experience, each event creates opportunities to learn about the people, traditions and artistry behind the work. Hubbell Trading Post Diné Trader Wallace James Jr will give talks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day, sharing knowledge and stories drawn from his experience as a trader and his deep connection to the community. No two talks are exactly alike, giving visitors a chance to hear different stories and perspectives throughout the tour.
For James, sharing these traditions is deeply personal. A Diné trader who grew up in the community, he comes from generations of weavers and artists and a family whose ties to Hubbell Trading Post extend across generations. James spent much of his childhood at Hubbell, watching his mother weave and learning about wool, dyes, designs and the stories behind the art.
“Hubbell’s has always been part of my family’s story,” said James. “I grew up here watching my mother weave and learning from the people around me. When we take Hubbell’s on the road, we share some of that knowledge and help people understand the time, skill and tradition behind each weaving. I want people to leave knowing more than they did when they arrived and feeling a connection to the artists and the stories behind their work.”
Diné weaver Tonita Yazzie will demonstrate traditional weaving throughout each event, offering an up-close look at the skill, patience and knowledge involved in an artistic tradition carried forward across generations.
Together, the talks, demonstrations and works available for purchase invite visitors to look more closely and better understand the living artistic traditions they represent. Visitors can ask questions, observe weaving in progress, hear directly from people connected to Hubbell Trading Post, and purchase work by Indigenous artisans.
“These gatherings create opportunities for genuine connection,” said Marie Buck, President and CEO of WNP. “Visitors aren’t simply seeing beautiful works of art. They can learn about the knowledge, skill and traditions behind them from people who are carrying those traditions forward today. It is an experience that brings people together while supporting Indigenous artists and the places where these stories are shared.”
Purchases during the tour support Indigenous artists while also supporting Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site and the 72 other national park sites that partner with WNP, a nonprofit education and philanthropic partner of the National Park Service. WNP operates the trading post at Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site, continuing a trading tradition that dates to 1878.
2026-27 Hubbell Trading Post Tour
The tour returns to destinations across the West this season, with stops at national park sites and other cultural and community venues. All events on public lands occur during Visitor Center hours:
Bandelier National Monument
October 10-11, 2026
The National Parks Store
January 16-17, 2027
Sabino Canyon Recreation Area
February 13-14, 2027
Tucson Festival of Books
March 13-14, 2027
White Sands National Park
April 17-18, 2027
Petroglyph National Monument
June 12-13, 2027
Additional tour stops may be announced throughout the season.
Wallace James Jr will speak at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day, with weaving demonstrations by Tonita Yazzie taking place throughout the events. Program details may vary by location.
About Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site
Established in 1878, Hubbell Trading Post is the oldest continuously operating trading post in the American Southwest. Located in Ganado, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation, the site preserves the trading post, Hubbell family home, historic farm and other features associated with generations of trading and cultural exchange. Today, the trading post remains active, connecting visitors with authentic works by Navajo and other Indigenous artists while continuing relationships among traders, artists and the surrounding community.
About Western National Parks
Western National Parks (WNP) is a nonprofit education and philanthropic partner of the National Park Service, supporting more than 70 national park sites across the West. Since 1938, WNP has worked to connect people with parks through education, interpretation, research, philanthropy and visitor experiences. Purchases from WNP park stores and online help support national parks and the people, stories and landscapes they preserve. Learn more at wnp.org.
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SOURCE Western National Parks
