American Indian Veterans Memorial Programming Document

AMERICAN
INDIAN
VETERANS
MEMORIAL

PROGRAMMING DOCUMENT

1/31/2018



Table of Contents

Introduction 01
Design Workshop 02
Goals + Objectives

Site Context 03
Design Narrative 04

Cost Estimate 05
Schedule 06



INTRODUCTION

1

“Arriving at
processional
stairs, visitors will
be greeted by
two upright steel
structures, which
artistically express
eagle’s wings – they
‘carry the spirit of
the warrior’ from day
to night. A cycle
that never stops
therefore memory of
the American Indian
Veteran will be
lasting and forever.”

introduction

Introduction 01 introduction

Design Workshop 02 SPS+ Architects, an integrated design team for American Indian Veterans Memorial, have prepared this program
document, a literary compilation of thoughtful planning that not only captures the essence and spirit of the project
Goals + Objectives itself, but attempts to bridge many conversations, whether it be with City of Phoenix, veterans, family members, and
tribal nations who have supported this journey for two decades. We will assist with planting the seeds towards the
Site Context 03 thoughtful process of planning, designing, and constructing the American Indian Veterans Memorial. Through research,
Design Narrative design meetings, and dialogue, we have compiled a record of goals and design workshop outcome that are not only
critical, but carry the momentum and spirit of achieving the American Indian Veterans Memorial Organization’s mission
of creating a place that honors all American Indian Veterans from all wars.
04
As designers, we understand the sacred eagle plays a critical role in the story behind the American Indian Veterans
Cost Estimate 05 Memorial. It symbolizes freedom, spirituality, mystery, and journey, and is therefore a leading concept associated with
reflection and remembrance.
Schedule 06
about sps+ architects

SPS+ Architects is a full-service design firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Native American design is a practice area we
American Indian Veterans Memorial Organization (AIVMO) specialize in, spanning more than three decades of working with tribal communities. Through an inclusive, interactive
design process, our work reflects the values and social organizations of the communities we serve.
Rudy Flores, President Yaqui
Kent Ware Jr, Vice President Kiowa While our innovative design solutions have extended nationally and beyond, our primary focus as a firm has always
Tandy Young, Board Member Choctaw been on our work in Arizona. In particular, we have made a point to reach out to Arizona’s under-served minority and
rural populations. In many cases, we have developed long-term relationships with these clients spanning decades and
Max Reed, Board Member multiple projects. This longevity is a direct result of our focus on customer service and delivering a quality product that
Chris Christy, Board Member Choctaw meets and exceeds client expectations. For more information about our breadth of work and design philosophy,please
Burke Wyatt, Memorial Advisor Citizen Potawatomi visit www.spsplusarchitects.com.

SPS+ Architects (architect)

Bill Pittenger, CSI Partner
Richard K Begay Jr, AIA Lead Design Architect Diné

Melissa Loewenthal, Designer

Kenew, LLC (contractor)

Robert Terry III, Principal Menominee



introduction

“It is the desire of the Introduction 01 mission statement of the American Indian Veterans Memorial Organization
American Indians forming
this organization to assure Design Workshop 02 The mission of the American Indian Veterans Memorial Organization is to build a national memorial to the American
that the lives and blood Goals + Objectives Indian Veteran that is self-sustaining. The desire of the American Indians forming this organization is to ensure that the
of their brothers and lives and blood of their brothers and sisters are not forgotten and that honor of lasting significance is bestowed on
sisters be not forgotten Site Context 03 those American Indians who valiantly served our country in armed conflict.
and that honor of lasting Design Narrative
significance is bestowed Reasons for carrying out this mission are as follows:
upon those American
Indians who valiantly 04 • To recognize the indigenous people of the United States for their unique contribution in serving our country in time
served our country in of war.
armed conflict.” Cost Estimate 05
Schedule • More American Indians have died in combat than any other minority group. An estimated 190,000 American Indian
Veterans are currently living in the United States.

06 • American Indians have fought nationally for the United States in every major war since the American Revolutionary
War, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the
Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan and other armed conflicts.

• The contribution that American Indian Veterans, both male and female, have made in service to the United
States needs a visible reminder to all Americans that American Indians have done more than their fair share for our
country in its time of need.

LEFT Nearly 1,000 Native American Indians representing
approximately 26 tribes joined the 36th Division that later

fought in the Meuse-Argonne campaign during WWII.

CENTER WWII Code Talkers recruited by the marine corps
from the Navajo tribe to devise and use a secrete code

based on their native language.

RIGHT Lori Piestewa, the first Native American woman in
history to die in combat while serving in the U.S. military and

the first woman in the U.S. military killed in the Iraq War.
Piestewa was awarded the Purple Heart and Prisoner of

War Medal.

introduction

“This is us...it’s the eagle.
It’s a symbol strength. ”

- Kent Ware Sr., Kiowa, WWII Veteran

Introduction 01 place

Design Workshop 02 Steele Indian School Park is within the central core of downtown Phoenix. Nestled in a diverse neighborhood, the
Goals + Objectives park serves as a place for recreation and public activities. Its purpose, as originally planned, has been to provide an
open, green space within the cultural and historic context of place – a place that has untouched beginnings, yet
Site Context 03 lasting memories. It is here the memorial will co-exist with its surrounding, bridging history with the timelessness of urban
renewal, and where indigenous tribes continue to offer a sacred voice.
Design Narrative 04
indigenous voice
Cost Estimate 05
Schedule History of Indian School dates to the late 19th century. In 1891, the federal government was purposeful in educating
American Indians to a modern way of life. “Remove the Indian in the Indian,” was their credo. Locating them in a
military style institution, the slow, impactful experience of assimilation devastated the cultural pattern of tribal ways.
06 Dormitory halls and classrooms, regimented and functional, remain an emotional experience for many.

LEFT Students at Phoenix Indian As time passed, workforce development become a leading paradigm. In addition to government curriculum, it was
School line up with marching far better to teach students a trade or craft to enable them to become part of the work force. Students were taught
band members in the front. masonry construction, typing, and cosmetology.
Photo estimated to be taken
between 1900-1930. Although memories of punishment for speaking the native language remain, there are plenty of virtuous memoirs that
exist. Moments such as playing ball, working on weekends, the uncontrollable laughter of students in the tree groves
Courtesy Billie Jane Baguley during lunch or even sharing stories of family members joining a branch of military service are recalled but remain
Library and Archives, Heard unspoken by the aging alumni. This place has an indigenous voice.

Museum, Phoenix.
(Native American
Connections website)

introduction

“The inner circle is the earth; the outer circle is the the masterplan + promotory
universe. Inside the circle the crossed lines represent the
The City of Phoenix embarked on a unique and provoking task of creating a community park that implants itself to
four cardinal directions – east, south, west, and north. indigenous principles of balance and interconnectedness. Its beginnings are rooted in the circle – as though all things
Directions from which we migrated, directions from encompassing and continuous – a common concept to all tribes and even to the City of Phoenix in its pursuits towards
the future. The memorial is juxtaposed next to a body of water.
which the students of Phoenix Indian School came. The
directions connect so no matter where you are, you are The proposed American Indian Veterans Memorial will be located at a prominent site west of the hummingbird-shaped
pond – forever symbolizing peace and healing. The promontory as defined will gracefully offer ever-lasting and
in the center of life.” timeless visibility for the memorial.

- Phoenix Indian School Park Master Plan task force Report “The American Indian Veterans Memorial Organization is created to establish a memorial to honor the American Indian
veterans of all wars and to establish a place for such veterans, their families, and friends to gather, and pay tribute to
living and deceased American Indian veterans.”

AIVM “The hummingbird
SITE

is prevalent in many

tribal stories. They are

spiritual messengers

that bring rain or

tobacco. They are

associated with joy

and harmony. It is

heartwarming to know

the location of the

Veteran’s Memorial is

at the underside of the

bird’s wing as a way

to further symbolize

peace and healing.”



GOALS
+

OBJECTIVES

2

design workshop goals + objectives

“What is the goal,
objective, and reason
for the memorial?”

LEFT Ernest Childers
(Muscogee [Creek]) receives
the Congressional Medal
of Honor from Lieutenant
General Jacob L. Devers
(left). 5th Army headquarters,
April 8, 1944. Under heavy
enemy fire, Lieutenant
Childers had wiped out two
German machine gun nests
near Oliveto, Italy, killing
enemy snipers and capturing
an artillery observer.
Bettmann/Getty Images.

Introduction 01 design workshop goals + objectives
Design Workshop 02
Goals + Objectives The memorial project, an effort that spans two decades, is more than a mere mix of desert materials. It will be distinctive, timeless, and will speak gently to those who visit.

Site Context 03 On September 15, 2017, SPS+ Architects with members of the American Indian Veterans Memorial Organization and invited veterans participated in a design workshop held at the Salt River
Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The purpose of the meeting was to gather information by group discussions and activity that would inform the preliminary design process. The participants
Design Narrative 04 were presented with the question: “What is the goal, objective, and reason for the memorial?”. Then participants were asked to write down their thoughts, goals, or visions; the written
compilation of note cards was collected and organized by Richard K. Begay Jr, Lead Design Architect and Burke Wyatt, retired architect and AIVMO historian, in close consultation with the
Cost Estimate 05 participants. The data collected is found on the following page.

In keeping with the workshop’s intent, the following goals articulate the summary, which will be used in the design process:

Schedule 06 cultural

It was apparent culture was a leading theme throughout the workshop. Words such as identity, spirituality, ceremonies, traditional values, and teachings become meaningful and vital
connections to the design process.

stories

Knowing the life story of a person appeals to many. All too often, family members are unaware of a grandfather’s sacrifice and contributions, yet what is more appealing is where he or she
came from. Are they part of a military family tradition or did they come from a war ravaged society that required service? The memorial will be a place to reflect and honor the memory of
American Indians. Not only will the place tell stories, it should aspire to achieve more. The memorial should take its role as elder veteran passing down history and wisdom to grandchild. Cast
plaques will hold personal narratives.

design ideas

The group shared design strategies and ideas. It was apparent each participant was interested to know how the memorial will look and feel. Closely following goals, practical ideas were
presented. Mr. Begay Jr., a Diné tribal member and leader in Native American design, believes that, “To transcend the ordinary to be truly unique, a thorough understanding of living in
balance with nature to a state of beauty where harmony exist between the self, nature, and natural order of the universe.” The design concept shall embrace the power of place as illustrated
above, but will include critical workshop feedback such as access to the site, meditation areas, and a delicate composition for pedestrian arrival, processional entrance, and other functions
for military observances. Entrance to holy area will be from the east to observe the sun’s arrival.

goals + objectives

towards an authentic

Participants were asked to share and consider the purpose of the workshop. In a way, to find a deeper meaning of the role we will have in discussing
place – the place where the spirit of our veterans will exist in memory but will also be a place where we reflect and learn through history the personal
stories of a young marine or the first American Indian KIA. It will be expressive in eloquent dialogue. It will present meaningful passages of teachings
through the voice of the American Indian Veteran.
Participants were presented with the question: What is the goal, objective, and reason for the memorial. The phrase ‘story of solder’ or ‘personal story’
permeated throughout the dialogue.

a place for the visitor ... a place for the gold star mother

Workshop participants agreed the purpose of the memorial is to bring people together to learn the language of honor and sacrifice of America’s finest
warriors. There was lengthy discussion regarding the type of memorial and the audience it will serve. First, the memorial should embody and reflect the
memory of the Warrior from all tribes. It will be a place to educate a diverse audience as it exists on the historic Indian School grounds within the greater
Phoenix area neighborhoods – in addition to an international audience. The artistically shaped landscape composition will reflect and embody all tribes –
in addition to facilitating veteran’s processional for families.

“Develop the story of the
American Indian Veteran –
and use place to tell that story.”

Richard K. Begay Jr, Diné September 2017
Community Design Workshop

memhoortrisnaibyoliuimdzrteeebnotlity sacred site
meditation

the story continues east design ideas
entrance
“Listening to our elders is a way of inheriting critical knowledge of who inspiring
we are as indigenous people. As children we are taught to respect
the world we live in; understand there is interconnectedness, a sense American Indian future
of mystique, and a delicate ratio among junipers, the canyons, and generations
brittlebush for it provides a way of life”. Veterans Memorial
anchor
It is intended that the place chosen for the American Indian Veterans create a memorial that
Memorial will impact those who inherit its teachings. To understand that sacrifice home honors and of lasting
ceremony is the Way of a Warrior. As visitors leave the Circle of Warriors, values place signficance to
they will be infused and entrusted with knowledge of the past and a American Indian
vision toward the future. Veterans

teach

cultural spirtuality men+
women
warriors

journey

family

pride stories

teach

way of the achievement
warrior

courage

the
American

Indian
Veteran



SITE
CONTEXT

3

site context

“The four sacred elements, earth, sky, water,
and fire, all touch this place. Water from the
mountain brings us life, and the sky feeds
the mountains with its moisture. The earth
rises and falls to meet the sky and holds us
to mother. We are warmed by the sun and
grow beneath its fire.”

Navajo Nation delegation to the Master Plan Task Force - 1993

Introduction 01 site context
Design Workshop 02
Goals indicate what the client wants to achieve and why. Goals are important to identify because they establish the
Goals + Objectives directions of programming concepts that ultimately suggest the physical means of achieving the goals. We feel our
work has laid the groundwork for a tremendous journey. The site is unique and beautiful. It will become a permanent
Site Context 03 memorial for veterans, their families, and the larger public audience.
Design Narrative 04

Cost Estimate 05



Schedule 06



LEFT OPPOSITE PAGE
view looking north at
base of promontory

RIGHT
view looking east

CENTER
view looking east

LEFT THIS PAGE
view looking west



DESIGN NARRATIVE

“The spirit catcher touches the earth and ascends vertically carrying
the memory of our warriors.”

design narrative

Introduction 01 procession

Design Workshop 02 “I find myself walking with a war uncle, a son, husband, a mother, or brother.” Their names etched on the red brick
paver. Harmony comes to mind. They are regimented in posture, yet balanced with solidarity and patriotism. On
Goals + Objectives a cool morning in May, the colors of the American flag are revealed and brought to life by poignant, romantic
composition. The red brick pavers firmly grounded as billowing white clouds hover against the blue sky – a brilliant
Site Context 03 display of earth and sky colors - our flag is visible all around.

Design Narrative 04 The splayed walls form walking paths welcoming all. Their geometry follows the organic forms found in nature. Arriving
at processional stairs, visitors will be greeted by two upright steel structures, which artistically express eagle’s wings –
Cost Estimate 05 they ‘carry the spirit of the warrior’ from day to night. A cycle that never stops therefore memory of the American
Schedule Indian Veteran will be lasting and forever.

Within the low walls, visitors will ascend the gentle rise towards the platform. The enclosure provides a sense of
06 sanctuary as though protected by mother earth - then gradually visitors will circulate to eastern entrance of the circle.
The frame of the universe above…father sky.

circle of warriors

Within the circular plaza, known as the Circle of Warriors, the red pavers are set in a cardinal pattern, signifying tribes
coming together from all directions. The circle unifies our nation. At the center, soil from all Arizona tribes are present
commemorating the honor of being the sacred fire host. The symbolic ‘hearth’ combines with other elements, the
earth, the wind, and the water further symbolizes a geo-ritual relationship to landscape and the universe.

Informative plaques tell personal stories of a US Marine in Afghanistan, one plaque holds the story of a B-2 gunner in
Europe during World War II, and another of the first Arizona KIA American Indian in World War I.

first light

First light on Memorial Day will be to honor and remember service men and women who gave their honor, duty,
commitment, and lives. Each day begins in the east with the rising sun - commemoration begins now. The memory of
relatives lasts each day and will be carried into the night – a never-ending cycle.

design narrative

Concrete wall Stone gravity wall landscape Refurbish landscape
Brick paver landscape
Circle of Warriors
Concrete walk Flagstone steps Ceremonial Plaza

landscape Brick paver
Exposed Aggregate

landscape

THE PROMONTORY

Site plan site plan

American Indian Veterans Memorial
Steele Indian School Park

existing sidewalk THE PROMONTORY
STEELE INDIAN SCHOOL POND
entry procession
steps

Circle of Warriors
ceremonial plaza

existing amphitheater area plan

design narrative

west elevation

South Elevation 41’-6”

7’-0”

south elevation

design narrative

bird’s-eye view

Commemorative Plaques
Personal Narratives

Commemorative Plaques
Personal Narratives

circle of warriors

Circle of Warriors

design narrative

procession

It is intended that place chosen for the American Indian Veterans Memorial will impact those who inherit its teachings. To understand
that ceremony is the Way of Warrior. As visitors leave the Circle of Warriors, they ought to be infused and entrusted with knowledge of a
past and toward a future.