Tucson – September 28, 2026 -- Western National Parks (WNP) is bringing the traditions of Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site on the road again for the 2026-27 season, with stops at national park sites and community venues across the West through June 2027.
The tour visits six confirmed locations starting in October
The schedule kicks off at Bandelier National Monument on October 10-11, 2026, followed by The National Parks Store on January 16-17, 2027, Sabino Canyon Recreation Area on February 13-14, 2027, the Tucson Festival of Books on March 13-14, 2027, White Sands National Park on April 17-18, 2027, and Petroglyph National Monument on June 12-13, 2027. Additional stops may be added during the season, and events on public lands run during regular Visitor Center hours.
A Diné trader shares stories twice daily at every stop
Hubbell Trading Post Diné Trader Wallace James Jr will give talks at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day, drawing on his experience as a trader and his family's generations-long connection to the community. James grew up watching his mother weave at Hubbell and says no two talks are exactly alike. "Hubbell's has always been part of my family's story," James said, adding that he wants visitors to leave understanding the time, skill and tradition behind each weaving.
Live weaving demonstrations accompany the talks
Diné weaver Tonita Yazzie will demonstrate traditional weaving throughout each event, giving visitors an up-close look at the craft. Attendees can also view and purchase authentic Navajo weavings and handcrafted sterling silver jewelry featuring turquoise and other gemstones made by Indigenous artisans.
Purchases fund the historic trading post and dozens of other parks
Marie Buck, President and CEO of WNP, said the events let visitors learn directly from people carrying these traditions forward today. Sales from the tour support Indigenous artists as well as Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site and the 72 other national park sites partnered with WNP, a nonprofit that has operated the trading post in Ganado, Arizona, since a trading tradition dating to 1878.