Enchantment Resort Celebrates Summer Solstice with Native American Festivities

Led by the resorts' very own Native American Program Director, Allan “RJ” Joseph, guests of Enchantment Resort and Mii amo can partake in a variety of sacred rituals and celebratory festivities including traditional dance performances, music teachings, meditation, stargazing, archeology, and more.

Summer Solstice is one of the most sacred days of the year at Enchantment Resort and Mii amo, as the surrounding Native American community believes this to be a time to reflect on Mother Nature as well as ourselves. The resorts observe the Summer Solstice as a time of cleansing, renewal, love, and growth and offer guests an experience where they will not only learn about Native American traditions and beliefs, but get to experience them first-hand. Part of the overarching Native American Program at Enchantment Resort, the Summer Solstice festivities were created by RJ Joseph who works closely with a variety of Native American tribes to educate guests and staff about Sedona and Boynton Canyon's rich history and cultural traditions.

“We are thrilled to be bringing back the annual Summer Solstice celebration for the 10th consecutive year,” says RJ Joseph, Native American Program Director for Enchantment Resort and Mii amo. “Celebrating and honoring our surrounding Native American culture is an important part of the resorts' foundation and it is a treasured experience to be able to share that with our guests throughout this special weekend.”

Whether embarking on a Journey at Mii amo or residing in the Southwestern charm of Enchantment Resort, guests are encouraged to partake in this experiential weekend of authentic, educational, and interactive activities. With over 20 events offered throughout the long weekend, the culmination of the experience will be the resorts' Summer Solstice Ceremony. The ceremony takes place in Mii amo's Crystal Grotto, which was specially designed to allow sunlight to reflect off of four strategically placed crystals at the peak moment, reflecting magnificent light through the space.

A sampling of Summer Solstice festivities includes the following:

Friday, June 17:
- Morning Ritual – Guests are invited into the Crystal Grotto for this daily ceremony where an expert will guide them towards setting an intention for the day.
- Che Ah Chi Video Screening – Join RJ Joseph, writer and director of the documentary “Che Ah Chi: The History of Boynton Canyon” for a screening about the history of the Native American tribes in this area and the legends of Boynton Canyon followed by a question and answer session.
- Guided Meditation at the Crystal Grotto – Experience profound relaxation in the Crystal Grotto as an expert guides guests on a sacred journey of self-awareness.

Saturday, June 18:
- Talking Circle – Guests are invited to join RJ Joseph for this traditional Native American ceremony that has been used by many tribes for communication, healing and spiritual purposes.
- Native American Inspired Cooking Demo – Enjoy Native American traditional foods, nutritional information, and herbs to use in everyday cooking.

Sunday, June 19:
- Native American Dance Performance – Celebrate this special time of year with a local, traditional Native American dance performance.
- Peace Pipe Teachings: A Native American Father's Role – This weekend also celebrates Father's Day as well as the Summer Solstice, both important influences in a Native American's life. RJ Joseph will discuss a father's role in both modern and traditional Native American families.

Monday, June 20:
- Native American Dance Performance – Celebrate this special time of year with a local, traditional Native American dance performance.
- Summer Solstice Ceremony at the Crystal Grotto – Celebrate the power of this sacred celestial alignment as a Native American facilitator leads guests in this powerful Solstice Ceremony.
- Walk to the Ruins with RJ – Join RJ Joseph for a unique opportunity to learn the teachings and history of the first people to inhabit Boynton Canyon while walking to view the existing archeological ruins in the canyon walls through binoculars.