The San Tan Chapter of the Arizona Archaeological Society will be hosting a talk on the history of the Gila and Salt rivers.

Zarco Guerrero from the Arizona Humanities will be presenting “Our River Stories: The Gila and the Salt” at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 10, at the San Tan Historical Society Museum, 20425 S. Old Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek. The event is free.

Guerrero will share a series of stories about the history of water and the River People over a 2,000-year period, “beginning with the Toltec trade route that brought agriculture and corn to the Southwest,” according to a press release.

“We learn about the Yaqui Indians who fled persecution and found refuge in Arizona rebuilding the ancient canal system. A descendant of the first Mormon settlers tells his families’ story of finding an oasis in the desert given to them by God and their determination to tame the mighty Salt River. Our story culminates when an endearing elderly woman shares the hope that there still is to protect our water resources and to right the wrongs committed against the land and its River People,” the release stated.

Guerrero is a sculptor, muralist, storyteller and performance artist who has dedicated his career to creating social change through the arts.

Born in Arizona, his art has been exhibited in Mexico and throughout the United States. He has received international acclaim and awards, such as a National Endowment for the Arts Japan Fellowship, a Governor’s Arts Award and a Zony Award.

Guerrero is a Southwest Folklife Alliance Master Artist and has been awarded grants for artistic projects by The Doris Duke Foundation, Valley Metro and the Arizona Community Foundation.

Arizona Humanities is the Arizona affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities and supports public programs that promote “understanding of the human experience” with cultural, educational and nonprofit organizations across the state.