Big Bend Ranch State Park hosted a program highlighting the role of trade beads in the lives of Native people in the La Junta region, where the Rio Conchos and Rio Grande meet. Beads were more than decoration — they served as currency, a tool for communication, and a way to connect communities across the borderlands.
Park visitors learned about this history and then created their own clay beads, bracelets, and necklaces, bringing a hands-on dimension to the story. The program connected modern participants with traditions that once shaped survival and community life along the two rivers.
David Flash (david.flash@gmail.com) is a marketing executive and digital media publisher for Big Bend Times, the media outlet with the largest audience in Texas's Transpecos region. With over ten years in sales and marketing, he excels in omnichannel marketing strategies that boost growth, revenue, and customer loyalty in various industries. Flash earned a Master of Science in Digital Audience Strategy from Arizona State University, a Bachelor of Arts in History with a Business Minor from The University of Texas at Austin, and a certificate in Sales Development Science from Texas Tech University. He holds certifications in email marketing, social media marketing, and Google Ads, showcasing his expertise in leveraging digital platforms for marketing success.
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