The Happy Hopi

27/12/2023

15/12/2023

I need this reminder!
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30/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 30

I have loved creating these gratitude posts. I have been reminded how blessed I am to be Hopi and how blessed I am to know that the Creator has a plan for me. Today I am thankful to be Hopi because it's part of what makes me, ME! ❤️
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29/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 29

I am from the Is'wungwa (Coyote) clan. Each of the Hopi clans has a history and responsibilities that are unique to that clan. Clans are considered family and they look out for one another. I am grateful to know that I have a clan family.
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28/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 28

I am thankful that I have learned to serve the Creator/Heavenly Father and to love doing it! I feel called to serve Hopi and other native people as well. I strive to listen to the whisperings of the Spirit and be still to hear Him.
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27/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 27

One day I was doing a search on the internet and I typed the words "Do Native Americans...". The program auto-filled the words "still exist?". I was shocked to realize this is a question people ask. I am happy to say that we do exist and there are many tribal nations with their own languages, traditions, beliefs and ceremonies. I am so grateful for the opportunity I've had this month to share my love of all things Hopi. Askwali/ Thank You for reading these posts!
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26/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 26

I am a musician at heart and love to play the piano and belt out songs in my car like I'm on stage with 20,000 people cheering me on. Hopi people have their own style of music that is beautiful and unique. I leave you with a few pictures of me over the years set to a Hopi lullaby. My so'oh (grandmother) used to sing this while stroking my hair and rubbing my back right before bed. Hopi music reminds me of her and I am grateful that I have a love of music.
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25/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 25

When people move away from their ancestral lands they run the risk of losing touch with their heritage. I am thankful that my parents and grandparents gave me opportunities to return home and experience Hopi life and traditions.
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24/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 24

The Hopi world view is deep and full of meaning. Hopi people are known for their prophecies and understanding of spiritual things. I am grateful to view the world with a spiritual lens.
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23/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 23

I celebrate Thanksgiving for what it means to me. It’s a day to spend time with my family and give thanks to my Heavenly Father. I love a day dedicated to being grateful for what I have but, for some this day is hard. Please be sensitive to your Native American friends. Just because they have a turkey and loved ones sitting around the table doesn’t mean they have forgotten the injustices that have happened to their people. It means that in spite of that, they are striving to focus on forgiveness, gratitude and love and I am grateful for that.
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22/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 22

Hopi people have lived in the southwestern United States for millennia. They learned how to farm in a dry climate, used long distance running as a means of travel and became skilled at using their resources to make clothes, baskets and other necessities. I am grateful to be descended from people who used their ingenuity to thrive in a harsh environment.
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21/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 21

Hopi people are humble. When we live the Hopi way, we give thanks in all things, take only what we need and respect all living things. I am grateful to understand the blessing of humility in my life.
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20/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 20

On November 25, 1894 troops came to Orayvi (Oraibi) and arrested 19 men: Heevi'ima, Polingyawma, Masatiwa, Qotsventiwa, Piphongva, Lomahongewma, Lomayestiwa, Yukiwma, Tuvehoyiwma, Patupha, Qotsyawma, Sikyakeptiwa, Talagayniwa, Talasyawma, Nasingayniwa, Lomayawma, Tawalestiwa, Aqawsi, and Qoiwiso.

These men were sent to Alcatraz, also known as "The Rock" for almost a year for refusing to send their children to government boarding schools and for impeding other Hopis who wanted to comply.

When negotiations with the government failed and passive resistance was no longer an option, these men stood their ground. Today I am grateful to come from a people who will stand up for what they believe.
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19/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 19

Hopi is a sovereign nation within the United States. The Hopi Tribe has it's own constitution and is governed by a tribal council made up of a chairman, vice chairman, representatives from some of the villages and a few other offices. Because I am enrolled tribal member you could say I have dual citizenship. I treasure my status as a citizen of the United States and a member of the Hopi Tribe. I am grateful for government, especially when those governing us seek to do God's will.
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18/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 18

Hopi people believe good health is achieved when the body, mind and spirit are in balance. They use a variety of plants to create remedies for all types of ailments. Many today believe there is so much is so much sickness in the world because we are not living the Hopi way. The healing hand symbol represents healing and our connection with the universe. I am grateful to know that our body, mind and spirit are equally important and that each contributes to who we are.
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17/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 17

Working together for the common good is part of Hopi culture. Each persons effort may seem small but, when we work together we can accomplish great things. I am grateful to know the importance of team efforts and the value of the phrase "love thy neighbor as thyself".
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16/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 16

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it was a time of uncertainty and fear. None of us knew the magnitude and scope of what was happening. Store shelves were empty, masks were mandated, and handwashing and sanitizing practices were issued. Obtaining supplies and following the guidelines was hard in the city but, was even more difficult on tribal lands. Hopi villages only have small stores with limited supplies. A significant number of homes do not have running water which made the handwashing guidelines difficult. Medical care on Hopi is also limited which was another of many concerns at the time. I received a call one evening in the early days of the pandemic from my cousin. He said he and his sister wanted to gather supplies to take to Hopi and asked if I wanted to help. This was the beginning of what would become . A simple decision to bring up a truckload of supplies turned into a 501(c)(3) non-profit that is still going strong. The outpouring of donations and volunteers was incredible! The Hopi Sinom (community) turned out in droves. Many said they had family on Hopi and volunteering was a way for them to help their family back home. For me, this effort gave me a way to connect with my family, give back to Hopi, and it gave me a positive focus during the pandemic. Hopi Relief has changed the trajectory of my life because it reconnected me with my roots. I have since found additional ways to serve indigenous people and continue to look for new opportunities which has been a beautiful blessing in my life.

15/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 15

The Hopi are incredible artists. Hopis are masters in the art of pottery, painting, drawing, basket weaving, beading, carving, jewelry making and the list goes on. I love and appreciate all of the beautiful things created by Hopi artists.
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14/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 14

Hopi society is very complex. Ceremonies take place all year long and every event is rich with symbolism and higher meaning. You could study Hopi for a lifetime and still not know or understand it all. I am truly blessed by the traditions and beliefs of my ancestors.
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13/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 13

Hopi life is hard. Many homes on Hopi don't have running water, electricity or other modern conveniences. When I stayed at the house in Hotevilla, AZ there was no running water so, the kids were responsible for getting the water from the spring. There was no electricity so, the house was lit with lanterns in the evening. In the summer it would be warm in the house during the day and cool at night because there was no cooling/heating. Cooking and cleaning took much longer to do there than they did at home because I couldn't just turn on a faucet to fill a mop bucket or put something in the microwave. My time on Hopi along with the values being taught by my parents, made me into someone who values hard work and being, "anxiously engaged in a good cause" (Doctrine & Covenants 58:27).
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12/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 12

Hopi people await the return of Pahana, the lost white brother, who will come from the east. He will be dressed in red and will bring with him a missing section of a sacred Hopi tablet. When he returns, he will restore peace and balance to the earth. I believe that Pahana and Jesus Christ are one and the same and I am thankful that my culture and my faith work together to strengthen my testimony of the Savior.
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11/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 11

American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average and have served in every major conflict for over 200 years. Thank you to all who have served!
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10/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 10

Hopi is a matrilineal society. Women own all the property and items contained within the home. Clan lines are also passed down from your mother. Both men and women have clearly defined roles in Hopi society. I am thankful to be from a culture that honors the role of women.
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09/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 9

Family ties are important in Hopi but, your family isn't just the people who are related to you by blood. Your clan is your family and extended family members have an important role in raising children. In the Hopi way, it really does take a village to raise a child and I am grateful that we look out for one another.
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08/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 8

People use the phrase, "find your tribe" a lot these days. It means to find the people you trust, have common interests with, or similar beliefs. Your tribe makes you feel like you belong. I am LITERALLY part of a tribe. How cool is that?!
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07/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 7

Everyone knows about fry bread. We all love the fried dough covered in powdered sugar, honey or taco toppings. But, I also love the not-so-well known traditional foods that are staples on Hopi.

Picture 1. Corn (tuupevu) is a staple of Hopi life. It can be dried and grounded into meal which is used to make piki. My favorite is when it's roasted underground. Yum!

Picture 2 & 3. Piki is Hopi a flakey "bread" made from a batter of blue corn meal, water & juniper ash. Women make the piki by spreading the thin batter directly over a hot flat stone. when the batter starts to peel up from the stone, it is folded into a long roll and set aside to cool.

Picture 4. Nöqwivi is a stew made with mutton or beef. This is one of my favorite Hopi meals.

I'm grateful that I get to eat these foods that are unique to the Hopi!
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06/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 6

I love my garden! My kwa'ah (grandfather) always had a garden. The entire backyard at my grandparents house was full of edible plants. He also tended to a family field in Moencopi, AZ where he was raised. Hopis are farmers and they sing as they tend to their fields as a form of prayer. My grandpa grew the sweetest corn and the best tasting cucumbers ever! My childhood memories of eating strawberries straight from the vine, shucking corn and playing in the fields have inspired my love of gardening. I hope someday to be half the gardener he was and I am thankful that those experiences.
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05/11/2023

WHY I AM THANKFUL TO BE HOPI: DAY 5

All Native American societies believe in a Creator. Tawa, the Sun God, is the Creator and he is a significant part of Hopi life. Hopi people do not separate religion and government. In fact, it's an important part of cultural preservation to include traditional beliefs in everything we do. I am so grateful for the gift of knowing, without doubt, that there is a God and that He is my father.
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