Working with the tribe to design the landscape was successful and rewarding. The tribal representatives were engaged and communicated the importance of unique plants, geology, animals, symbols, associations and landforms.
The Pascua Yaqui Education Center provides wholistic culturally appropriate instruction for multiple generations. It has a campus with a learning garden and a ceremonial courtyard. Also located on the campus are:
- A library.
- Resource center.
- Technology-based education program called Tech Ania (Yaqui word meaning “world”).
- Cultural preservation center.
Serving multiple generations in one location creates a formal and informal setting for the elders to tell the stories of the tribal culture to the children. A very important component of our design was to formulate a place for this sharing of knowledge across generations. Working with the tribe to design the landscape was successful and rewarding. The tribal representatives were engaged and communicated the importance of unique plants, geology, animals, symbols, associations and landforms. The landscape design honors the Pascua Yaqui culture, and supports the educational programs using the design materials to support hands-on learning to promote the preservation of Yaqui culture and heritage.
Multi-generational campus educational programs include:
- Early Childhood “Ili Uusim Mahtawapo” (Where Little Children are Taught) – ages 3-5.
- Yaqui Education Services (YES) – K12 and Higher Education Programs.
- Community and Adult Education Program (STEM) and Community Resource Lab programs.
- The Adult and Continuing Education Program – Adult Basic Education and GED.
- Dr. Escalante Community Library and Resource Center.
Location
Pima County, Arizona
Owner
Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Prime
Pascua Yaqui Tribe
Total Cost
$7,800,000
Size
6 acres
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