Arizona Museum of Natural History’s Newest Exhibit ‘THRIVE: The First People Yesterday, Today and Forever’ features GRIC

Joseph Morales

GRIN Intern

MESA — A new exhibit at the Arizona Museum of Natural History (AZMNH) celebrates the resilience and the enduring presence of the O’odham and Piipaash peoples, featuring key contributions from the Gila River Indian Community (GRIC).

Titled THRIVE, the exhibition is a collaboration of AZMNH, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC), and GRIC. It explores the deep connections these Indigenous nations have with their ancestral lands of the Sonoran Desert.

GRIC’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office helped in shaping the narrative while sharing cultural knowledge to enhance the project. Their input, along with contributions from SRPMIC’s Community Garden and Department of Cultural Resources, helped bring the vision to life All of these Tribal Representatives contributed their expertise with great enthusiasm, generously sharing their knowledge and perspectives to shape this piece.” said Chad Amos, Marketing & Communications Manager at AZMNH.

Working with GRIC and SRPMIC representatives, ensured THRIVE authentically reflects their perspectives and traditions. “The exhibit expands the museum’s storytelling approach by centering Indigenous voices and traditional knowledge” said Amos, Marketing & Communications Manager at AZMNH. “This is designed to foster a greater appreciation for Indigenous people. It encourages visitors to engage with these stories in a meaningful way.” Rather than focusing solely on artifacts, the exhibit incorporates firsthand accounts and works of art inspired by ancestral practices. One standout piece is a pottery jar by O’odham master potter Ron Carlos (SRPMIC), it blends traditional artistry with modern influences. 

The planning and development of THRIVE began in January 2024, with the gallery opening in 2025. The process took approximately one year. Now, this is a temporary exhibit which started on January 25, 2025 and will be on display until August 17, 2025. The exhibit aligns with AZMNH’s mission to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous history, ensuring these voices and traditions are honored.

Guest are encouraged to experience THRIVE and learn about the lasting legacy of Arizona’s first peoples.

For more information, visit the museum website: https://www.arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org/explore-the-museum/exhibitions/thrive.