LIBRARY GETS NEW WAH-SIH-YELVA
By Harrison J. Bahe
On August 26, 2025, community member Terrance Williams, along with his hardworking crew including brothers Bruce and Frank Thomas, and Jeffrey Lewis completed the construction of a brand-new wah-sih-yelva, a traditional Yavapai shade house, in front of the Fort McDowell Library.
The wah-sih-yelva is a significant structure in Yavapai culture, providing not only a place of rest and relief from the sun but also a communal gathering spot where families and community members can come together. Prior to this new build, the area in front of the library housed a small Yavapai village display that included a modest shade, a kitchen, and a traditional house. The library sought an upgrade both for cultural preservation and practical use.
“The kids can come and pop a squat on the floor underneath the shade,”
Williams explained with a smile, noting how the new structure will serve younger generations while keeping them connected to their heritage.
Williams shared his excitement about the many ways the wah-sih-yelva will be used in upcoming community events. During the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, for example, tables may be set up under the shade house to serve food. In the winter, the wah-sih-yelva will also serve as a gathering place for storytelling.
Looking ahead, Williams envisions further possibilities. He mentioned the idea of expanding the shade outward to include space for a practical outdoor stove or even a small garden, which would not only enhance the structure’s functionality but also highlight sustainable, traditional lifeways.
During the interview, a touch of humor emerged when the crew noticed the ongoing construction of the new water park directly across the street. The contrast between modern-day machinery on one side and ancient, traditional building techniques on the other brought smiles all around.
The wah-sih-yelva is now complete, so community members are encouraged to stop by the library to see it for themselves. And while visiting, step inside the library, explore its resources, and maybe pick up a book to enjoy beneath the cool shade of this new traditional Yavapai structure.
