The New York Times Student Journalism Institute

Representatives of nearly 200 tribal nations gathered in Pima County earlier this month for the Thunder in the Desert, a festival of powwow circles and other traditional celebrations of their heritage.

From Dec. 30 to Jan. 8, the festival, at the Rillito Park Racetrack, opened its gates to indigenous people from all corners of the world, who came seeking to raise awareness of their different cultures and traditions. Nations represented included the Aztecs, Cheyenne, Kiowa, Navajo and Yaqui, with members traveling from as far away as Alaska, Australia, Bolivia, Mexico and Panama.

Among the guests were elementary school students, who participated in dances and engaged with tribe members. One of the main objectives of the event was to spread awareness that these cultures must be preserved, and children are the next generation to carry these traditions.

Thunder in the Desert was conceived in 2000 as a celebration to be held every four years. Four is a sacred number in some native cultures. This year marks the fourth of the every-four-years event, so organizers say it will not be held again.

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Louis David Valenzuela, a Tucson resident and Yaqui artist, carved Yaqui crafts. He teaches Yaqui art to students at Hohokam Middle School.

Lewis Perkins, a Comanche and Wichita “straight dancer,” fixed his daughter’s dress during a powwow dance.

Thunder in the Desert held powwow competitions and invited people to dance in their traditional outfits.

Performers dressed in traditional regalia as they danced in the powwow circle.

A woman’s “jingle dress” highlighted the dancer’s movements.

Several teepees stood tall around vendors’ displays, including one shown for sale.

Luis Salinas, an Aztec performer, invited children to dance along with him in the “blessed circle.”

A boy performed a “grass dance,” characterized by fast-paced, energetic movement.

Elementary school students waited around the powwow circle for performances to begin.

Elementary school students danced with performers from the various tribes. One of the goals of the event was to teach cultural traditions and practices to the next generation.