Let this be a lesson that we must choose our leaders wisely. We are Hopi. Our elected leaders must understand and respect our Hopi ways.

Our 1936 constitution reflects who we are as Hopi and Tewa Sinom; and respects our village inherent powers. It is a living document that is meant to protect and preserve our sovereignty.

Maasau gave us specific instruction that we must honor our covenant; that we have to hold on to and protect our Hopi way; and that we must not forget who we are.

I am glad that our people spoke against this potential atrocity. This was a dangerous non-Hopi proposal and would have caused irreparable harm to our people.

Our Hopi and Tewa Sinom stood unified in opposition to this bad idea.  Our elected leaders need to listen to us and make sure they truly “preserve the good things of Hopi life”.

Now let us work together in the spirit of cooperation and make sensible improvements to our 1936 constitution.

Benjamin H. Nuvamsa

Village of Shungopavi & Former Hopi Tribal Chairman