As modern day peoples our cultural expressions are conveyed in ways that are not regarded as traditional. Over a thousand years ago, red designs on buff pottery were considered modern and new. Any culture alive and well will change, but constants will remain. Our constant is our Himdag, the underlying beliefs we share. Through our name “HEKIU” “An Indigenous Artist Continuum.” We celebrate the past, live in the moment and know, in time, we too will be left in Hekiu.

HEKIU (meaning past in the O’odham language) references all of the ancient past. This includes all the histories of the land beginning with O’odham presence, Piipaash groups later settling in the area, Yoeme populations migrating up from the south, and non-indigenous settlers coming into the area. The purpose of HEKIU is to create accessibility for O’odham, Piipaash, Yoeme, and indigenous creatives to gather and connect through creative and artistic opportunities. The groups intends to: (1) support, advocate, and develop a resource group for creatives in this territory; (2) advise, consult, and provide resources for projects of various scales; and (3) connect and create partnerships with tribal entities.