In this episode of the Ride With Us podcast, host Greg Mengarelli welcomes Manuel Lucero from the Museum of Indigenous Peoples in Prescott, Arizona. Manuel shares his personal story, his Cherokee heritage, and the path that led him to become the museum’s executive director. He also explains why Prescott became home for his family and how the museum continues to share Indigenous culture with the community.
Next, the conversation explores the history of the Smoke Eye organization and its connection to the World’s Oldest Rodeo. Manuel explains how the group helped support the rodeo in the early 1920s and how the museum later evolved into the Museum of Indigenous Peoples. Through this history, listeners gain a better understanding of the museum’s mission and its role in preserving important stories from the past.
The episode also highlights the deep Indigenous roots of Prescott rodeo history. Manuel shares the story of Juan Levis, the first best all-around cowboy at the 1888 Prescott Rodeo, and his Native American heritage. In addition, Manuel talks about ancient trade routes, sacred pipe stone, local artifacts, and the long history of Indigenous people in the Prescott area.
Finally, Manuel discusses the special honoring songs planned for rodeo week and the importance of bringing Indigenous heritage to the forefront during America 250. This episode is a powerful look at Prescott’s history, Native American culture, rodeo traditions, and the stories that continue to shape the World’s Oldest Rodeo today.
The Prescott Frontier Days® Ride With Us podcast can be listened to wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Deezer, Player FM, Listen Notes, Google Podcasts (pending), and TuneIn + Alexa.
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Link to Ride With Us podcast website:
https://cast11.com/ride-with-us/
