Strategic Plan | SRPMIC Visibility & Partnerships
This summer, Scottsdale Community College (SCC) took an exciting first step toward one of its key ASPIRE 2026-2030 Strategic Plan goals: SRPMIC Visibility & Partnerships. With the installation of new, locally created Native artwork in the College’s Indigenous Cultural Center (ICC), SCC is deepening its commitment to honoring and visually representing the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) and other Indigenous communities on campus.
The idea for displaying Native art in the ICC dates back to the Center’s original proposal in 2014. While a few pieces were installed in 2019 – thanks to contributions from SRPMIC artist Dwayne Manuel – progress accelerated this year as SCC’s American Indian Program (AIP) and SCC’s SPAIC Council reignited the vision and brought in new artists to reflect the depth and diversity of local tribal traditions.
The Native Art Project, led collaboratively by AIP and SPAIC, aligns directly with SCC’s strategic priority to increase the SRPMIC and other indigenous communities’ presence on campus through cultural visibility and meaningful partnerships. While SCC sits on the ancestral lands of SRPMIC, feedback from students and community members has consistently called for more intentional representation across the college. To this end, AIP and SPAIC consulted with SRPMIC to identify potential Native artists from across their sister communities for this project.
The addition of three powerful canvases and a beautifully etched shell necklace by Zachary Justin, Gila River Indian Community – now housed in the ICC hallway and display case – brings new energy and meaning to the Center. This work is also joined by Nuwi, an original piece by artist Thomas “Breeze” Marcus, Tohono O’odham nation member and SCC Alum who grew up in SRPMIC.
These artworks are more than visual enhancements. They hold cultural significance – sharing stories, preserving history, and maintaining connections to the land and community. For SRPMIC, indigenous visibility on campus is an affirmation of shared space and mutual respect.
“Integrating Indigenous artwork into the Indigenous Cultural Center affirms cultural identity, fosters a sense of belonging, and creates a welcoming space where students feel seen and valued. It also serves as a bridge for cultural education, community engagement, and empowerment, while honoring and preserving Indigenous histories, voices, and artistic expression,” said Belinda Gutierrez, AIP Manager and SPAIC member. “This summer’s progress is just the beginning of how SCC is valuing and prioritizing the voices of our Indigenous students, listening to their input to ensure they feel seen, represented, and supported on campus.”
Future phases of the Native Art Project will continue this work, expanding installations across campus and elevating Indigenous voices through partnerships, events, and student support. SCC has already engaged with another SRPMIC artist to support the next steps.
For now, SCC celebrates the arrival of these first pieces as powerful symbols of connection, culture, and community.