Fighting poachers, drug-runners, kidnappers and others who threaten the way of life of the Wantu people is the mission at the heart of a group of strangers who each travel to Africa seeking its beauty and grandeur. What begins as a journey to experience the land and wildlife soon becomes a confrontation with the devastating realities of wildlife poaching. Such is the adventure at the center of author Stan Bindell’s new novel, “Falling into Congo: Fighting Off the Poachers.” Often missing from … [Read more...] about Author Highlights Connections Among Indigenous Cultures in New Novel
Hopi
Blending Two Worlds: Darold Joseph Champions Culture and Education for Native Students
Native American students should not feel that they live in an “either or” world, says Northern Arizona University educator Darold Joseph, Ph.D. Instead, he believes they can thrive by drawing from the best of two realms. “Native Americans face the challenge of using more modernity and more technology to sustain who we are,” he said. “Students can learn to meet state and federal educational requirements while still retaining and using their culture.” Joseph is the director of the Institute for … [Read more...] about Blending Two Worlds: Darold Joseph Champions Culture and Education for Native Students
Volunteers Cut, Split, Deliver Firewood to Tribal Communities
When the Kayenta and Black Mesa coal mines closed, many Hopi and Navajo families lost a key source of fuel for home heating. With coal no longer available, some turned to gathering firewood – an effort complicated by land-use restrictions and limited resources. On the Navajo Nation, firewood collection is often restricted to designated clan lands, and removing wood from another’s allotment is not tolerated. While some Hopi mesas have forested areas, wood is often scarce, and cutting live trees … [Read more...] about Volunteers Cut, Split, Deliver Firewood to Tribal Communities
Hopi Councilmember Cliff Balenquah Sees Economic Potential, Pushes for Smart Growth
Hopi Tribal Councilmember Cliff Balenquah says the Hopi Tribe has a lot of potential for economic development, but it has to overcome obstacles to reach that goal. Balenquah, who has served on the council on and off for the past 12 years, said the recent purchase of a hotel in Clarkdale was a positive step forward. He said other economic development opportunities include developing land between Flagstaff and Winslow just off I-40, which the tribe owns, and maybe purchasing Hank’s Trading Post, … [Read more...] about Hopi Councilmember Cliff Balenquah Sees Economic Potential, Pushes for Smart Growth
New Archaeology Center Becoming Popular Attraction
The past few months have seen major increases in visitation to unique educational experiences provided by the Verde Valley Archaeology Center (VVAC) in the heart of Camp Verde. Executive Director Monica Buckle attributes much of that increase to the “phenomenal” new location of the center in its new building at 460 W. Finnie Flat Road in the middle of town. “We ran out of space at our past site, so local donors have been exceptionally generous in helping us fund the new museum … [Read more...] about New Archaeology Center Becoming Popular Attraction
Hopi Artist Uses Art to Heal Other Veterans
Prescott artist and U.S. Army Veteran Filmer “Fil” Kewanyama draws on the ceremonies and symbolism of his Hopi heritage to portray the ancient spiritualism guiding his people. “The majority of my work depicts and chronicles the Hopi way of life,” Kewanyama said. “What I feel and know is very important and sacred to me. One meaning of the word Hopi is ‘peaceful.’ We are encouraged to live good lives by being at peace with ourselves and everything around us.” Through his paintings, digital … [Read more...] about Hopi Artist Uses Art to Heal Other Veterans
An Incredible Team Effort: Navajo-Hopi Relief Group Raises $18 Million in One Year
When Ethel Branch first launched a modest GoFundMe last March to help Navajo and Hopi elders and families withstand the impacts of COVID-19, she had no idea how quickly it would grow. One year later, the grassroots Navajo-Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund has received over 100,000 donations, gifts and grants totaling $18 million and has forged partnerships and mobilized hundreds of volunteers to deliver humanitarian relief to thousands in need. “The success of our fundraising campaign was … [Read more...] about An Incredible Team Effort: Navajo-Hopi Relief Group Raises $18 Million in One Year
