Economic Development Program

Where Empowerment Happens

NACA’s Economic Development program currently operates a vendor program where Indigenous artisans and buyers can learn to market their wares. The project creates a unique opportunity for Native Americans to enhance and develop their economic self-sufficiency, and lessen public assistance dependency.

Above all, Indigenous families involved with the project have gained dignity, self-worth, economic empowerment, and renewed pride in themselves. For many of the families, the artists are multi-generational. By creating economic development opportunities at the individual level, we empower individuals to seize control over their financial, social, and health circumstances.

The Overlook Vista

The Oak Creek Overlook Vista is located off Highway 89a. It is 17 minutes South of Flagstaff, Arizona. It is often referred to as the “Gateway to Sedona.” The Overlook is one of the most beautiful sites in Coconino County, and there is absolutely no fee to enjoy the beauty of the scenery at the Oak Creek Overlook Vista.

There are 16 Native American vendors and artists who showcase and sell their authentic and beautiful arts and crafts. These carefully crafted items include jewelry, ornaments, pottery, sculptures, and much more.

In 1988, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by the U.S. Forest Service and NACA, thus establishing a Native American arts and crafts vending project located at the scenic Oak Creek Vista Overlook. This site is off Highway 89-A, atop the switchbacks of Oak Creek Canyon.

Native Americans for Community Action, Inc. works in partnership with the Coconino National Forest to oversee vendors at the Overlook Vista and provide high quality authentic Native American crafts.

The Oak Creek Overlook Vista is visited by hundreds of people daily.

Grand Canyon

NACA’s Economic Development program has a partnership with the Grand Canyon Visitor’s Center, and at the Grand Canyon Tusayan Museum site. The Grand Canyon artisan vendor sites are open seasonally, April to October, from 8 AM – 4 PM, as weather permits

Grand Canyon Visitor’s Center S Entrance Rd, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Grand Canyon Tusayan Museum Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

For more information, contact the NACA Economic Development Program Manager, Pearl Tsosie, at ptsosie@nacainc.org

Pearl Tsosie

Program Manager

George James

Overlook Ranger

Max Morales

Overlook Ranger

Tyrell Tsinnie

Grand Canyon Ranger