This Arizona Family Is Now The Face Of Our State’s Native Tribes

Arizona would not be where it is today without our native cultures. They helped turn this land into the beautiful, habitable landscape we know and love today.

As the years have moved on, however, these native cultures are being erased from our history. A new piece of art, starring Arizonans, will be making rounds nationally, bringing more recognition to the tribes in the Grand Canyon State.

Powwow Forever Stamps

In April of 2025, the United States Postal Service debuted it's newest lineup of Forever Stamps, this time focusing on the vibrant culture of Native Powwows. These gatherings are massive celebrations involving singing, dancing, and colorful regalia.

The stamps are designed by New Mexican painter Mateo Romero, who designed four different stamps, each capturing a different dance style. The styles represented are Traditional, Fancy Shawl, Crow Hop and Hoop. As stunning as the designs are, it's the dancers used as models that help bring these pieces to life.

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Capturing Arizona Culture

Tony, Violet, and Manaya Duncan are those taking center stage on these stamps. You may have heard of them, s they frequently perform in Phoenix and around the Valley. Tony is a Powwow World Champion, and his wife, Violet, is a former Miss Indian World, making them the perfect choice to represent Arizona's beautiful culture.

Their poses are based on an impromptu photoshoot at the Heard Museum after Romero caught one of their performances at the Heard Indian Market. Now, they'll be remembered forever as the face of the USPS' latest Forever Stamp collection, being seen by people around the world.

[KJZZ][@heardmuseum via Instagram]