File:Havasupai woman.jpg

Diana Sue Uqualla, representing the Havasupai People.

The Grand Canyon Association and Grand Canyon National Park dedicated a new rim-based amphitheater and landmark feature at Mather Point on Grand Canyon’s South Rim on Monday, October 25, 2010 starting at 3:30 p.m.

The new amphitheater allows park visitors to view the Canyon’s famous vistas from a beautiful location, while seated on native limestone. The amphitheater’s setting, adjacent to the rim seats approximately 50 – 80 people providing space for ranger talks or viewing the Canyon’s sunrise and sunsets in a peaceful spot.

The landmark feature, honoring the Native American Tribes affiliated with Grand Canyon National Park, is also created from native limestone. This feature has a plaza with a meeting area for visitors walking to and from Mather Point. Stone slabs in the construction include etchings inspired by stories with input gathered from these tribes. Diana Sue Uqualla, representing the Havasupai Tribe offered a blessing at the landmark feature.

The Grand Canyon Association and Grand Canyon National Park are thankful to the Salt River Project and their partners; U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Arizona Public Service, NV Energy and Tucson Electric Power - owners of the Navajo Generating Station for providing the funding to help construct these two key elements at Mather Point near the park’s main visitor center – the landmark feature and Mather Point Amphitheater. These areas will become a central part of the visitor experience for the nearly 4.5 million people from around the world who visit Grand Canyon National Park each year.