Category: Hopi blogs

New blog seeks to promote and preserve Hopi culture

On By Matthew Sakiestewa GilbertIn Hopi blogs, Paaqavi Inc.Leave a comment

Screen shot 2014-03-08 at 1.13.26 PMWhen I started BeyondtheMesas.com in 2009, only a small number of blogs on the Hopi existed that were also written and managed by Hopis themselves. But this number is increasing every year. One of the latest blogs to emerge is called Paaqavi Inc. by Gwendolyn Dyer (Hopi), Marilyn Fredericks (Hopi), and Suzanne Jamison. Be sure to check it out. Here’s their “Mission” statement:

“We believe that Self Determination for Hopi communities is achieved through grassroots momentum that creates strong foundations, resulting in an improvement in the quality of life for Hopi People.  We support initiatives that directly benefit Hopi communities through partnerships which leverage financial donations with contributions by the recipient communities through labor, knowledge and prayers”.

Paaqavi Incorporated is a recognized 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization and was formed in 1994 by members of the Village of Bacavi, located on Third Mesa of the Hopi Reservation. Its purpose, as stated in our mission goals, is to:

  • Promote use of traditional Hopi knowledge, language and culture.
  • Preserve Hopi agriculture practices, arts and architecture.
  • Promote positive and healthy community environments of the Hopi villages.
  • Create social, economic and cultural opportunities for individuals, groups and villages as a collective.

Since the creation of Paaqavi Incorporated, the organization has helped to organize, fund and complete several projects that have directly benefited Hopi People and their communities.

We invite you to read about our accomplishments and encourage you to support our endeavors!

Us’qwali!    Kwah’Kway!    Thank You!

1000 Words and a Cup of Coffee: A new Hopi-authored blog

On By Matthew Sakiestewa GilbertIn 1000 Words and a Cup of Coffee, Hopi authors, Hopi blogs6 Comments

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Be sure to check out a relatively new Hopi-authored blog by VaNiesha Honani of Walpi entitled “1000 Words and a Cup of Coffee.” So far VaNiesha has written on a handful of topics, including the Hopi Code Talkers, and the recent auction of 71 Hopi ceremonial items in France.

Here’s an excerpt from a post that she wrote entitled “This Little House on Walpi”. I think you will find her writing style and perspective to be quite engaging.

This past summer, I was in a mood and set on sitting in that little house during our Home Dance, moping and eating stew. I sat still. Little girls ran in and out, screaming with laughter and the boys chased each other around with bows in the summer.

As the day passed, they got dirtier. I held my little niece and talked to her. “You see this craziness?” She smiled. All the girls were dressed in traditional dresses. Even in my grumpiness, as I held my niece and had random one-sided conversations with her, my breath was taken away. The memories multiplied to the present. I looked at all my sisters, my nieces and aunts, in the same traditional clothes as 1000 years ago. The corn stalks and kachina dolls. The random small toy arrow that would come flying through the door. How beautiful.

I smile because when I hear somebody in an L.A. gallery wonder, “I can’t imagine growing up there, I wonder if people still live there or did they leave because it’s hard living.” I muse. Yes, we do still live there. No matter where or how far. Technology and all. It’s home. I smile as I stand next to them pondering over my house, this little house on Walpi.

Want to read more? Head on over to her blog: www.1000wordsandacupofcoffee.com