Arts Genesis, Inc. Letter of Introduction and Supplementary Material, 2009 June 12

The Arts Genesis Project Choki Collection contains 13 DVDs, 2 books and accompanying material documenting the Arts Genesis Project Choki. The DVDs were created and distributed by Arts Genesis, Inc. specifically to retain a public record of the project and in celebration of the opening of the Dr. Fernando Escalante Community Library & Resource Center on the Yaqui Reservation. The DVDs contain TIF format digital artwork designated by the organization for use by archives and educators when duplicating DVDs, the copyright license, and data regarding the reproduction and use of the material. The DVDs also contain videos of workshops, programs, dancers, and performances; curriculum support and training materials; lectures regarding cultural and ethical concerns in relation to Native American arts and culture; record of the Itepo A Ta'avae Conference; interviews with students and educators taking part in the program; and video of visiting governmental officials, tribal members, elders, and artists.

Papers contain a letter from Arts Genesis, Inc. describing the contents of the DVD collection as well as its purpose, license, and designated use; printed event programs and flyers; a Yaqui Culture curriculum guide; a list of donors, contributors and supporters; and printed compilations of poetry and artwork. The letter from Arts Genesis, Inc., addressed to the archivist, states that This material represents 30 years of work with the people of Old Pascua Yaqui Village and the staff and students at Richey School. Decisions about what would be recorded and released were made in collaboration with Old Pascua educators and elders.

Artists, educators and collaborative partners include Carol Kestler (Founder and Executive Director), Octaviana V. Trujillo (Chair, Project Choki and Director American Indian Graduate Center at University of Arizona), Refugio Savala (Yaqui Elder), Gene Riggs (mural artist), John Snavely (artist and workshop facilitator), C. Sue Pfaffl (artist and workshop facilitator), R. Carlos Nakai (artist and workshop facilitator), Julia Strand (Assistant Superintendent TUSD), Rene Malmgren (TUSD Assistant Director Fine Arts), Ofelia Zepeda (educator and artist), Byrd Baylor (advisor), and others.