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The Phoenix Indian Industrial School, known as the Phoenix Indian School in later years, was established in 1891, operating as a boarding school for American Indian children by the Bureau of Indian Affairs up until 1990. Initially focused on forced assimilation of Native American children into mainstream American culture, it later transitioned into a traditional high school, and its history is marked by both trauma and resilience. The school served as a site of cultural suppression and, later, a place where students began to reclaim their heritage.
Located at the corner of Central Avenue and Indian School Road, much of this site was transferred to the City of Phoenix from the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1990, which the city used to create Steele Indian School Park. Since its closing, the City of Phoenix has saved three historic buildings and placed them on the National Register of Historic Places. One of those historic buildings, the former grammar school building, is the building Native American Connections and Phoenix Indian Center has renovated and transformed into the Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center (PISVC).
The PISVC offers a historical gallery, individual and group tours, educational programming and conference and event spaces to the community.
Schedule your visit today to explore the PISVC and its gallery! Call 602-648-9713 or email PIVisitorCenter@nativeconnections.org to confirm your visit. See our calendar of events below for scheduling availability. The PISVC is open for tours by appointment only from 8am - 5pm, Monday - Friday. We cannot accommodate same-day or walk-in visits.
Event space and commercial kitchen available to rent with a variety of spaces & uses, learn more below.
Schedule a Visit
We tell the authentic story of the Indian Boarding School experience to educate and connect our community to indigenous culture, teaching the history of forced assimilation and the legacy of trauma endured by generations of Native peoples.
Learn more about their history of resilience at the Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center.
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The PISVC features conference and event spaces, a dedicated boardroom, AV set up, and a fully equipped commercial kitchen, making it the perfect venue for gatherings designed to inspire and educate. Whether you're hosting a workshop, seminar, family celebration, or special event, this facility is equipped to meet all your needs and provide an enjoyable environment for learning, collaboration, and connection. Nonprofit discount available.
View Details & Room Rental Fee Schedule
The PISVC is looking to interview former students and employees of Phoenix Indian High School. If you attended the school or know of someone who did, please contact us at 602-648-9713 or by email PIVisitorCenter@nativeconnections.org if you'd like to share your story.
Email us
Learn more about this important professional workshop exploring the legacies and contemporary impacts of Indian boarding schools, along with culturally responsive and place-based approaches to teaching and learning about this topic, taking place at this historic location summer 2024.
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Check out our calendar for upcoming events and dates available for tours or rentals. Connect with our team at 602-648-9713 or PIVisitorCenter@nativeconnections.org to confirm availability.
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