Arizona Culture Keepers

Arizona Culturekeeper

In April 2003, the first group of ten Arizona citizens and groups were inducted into a prestigious new organization known as the Arizona Culturekeepers.  The award was spnosored by the new Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, and a hall was established at the resort for photographs of the honorees. 

Each year, through 2012, ten more individuals and groups will be inducted as Arizona Culturekeepers.

The year 2012 will mark the centennial celebration of Arizona, and a special celebration will be held at that time.

Dolan Ellis was not only in the first group of ten culturekeepers, he was the first of that first group. 

Congratulations, Dolan, on another well-deserved award!

In the photograph below, Dolan is preparing to help induct his friend and mentor, Travis Edmonson, as an Arizona Culturekeeper in September 2005.  Dolan sang one of Travis' great Arizona songs, "Wind Song."  The slide tells just a little about the Culturekeepers program.  (Travis gave a great acceptance speech!)

Photo by Susan Kolbe