The Happy Hopi

06/04/2024

I really love the idea of the eclipse being a time for reflection and learning. It’s also really cool to think about divine beings taking a pause to discuss our well-being.

We at KUYI want to express our practice of “kyavtsi” during the solar eclipse and use this opportunity to take time during the work day to do self-reflection. Therefore the KUYI Staff will be out of the office April 8th from 10 AM to 12 PM. Thank you for your understanding during this time.

From the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office - “Hopi belief does not view an eclipse as a taboo, but a time to teach the young and remind the elders about kyavtsi (respect) for natural law and the relationships that guide us through life. Our practice is not to eavesdrop or make a spectacle of the event, but view it as a conversation between our kwa’a the moon and our father the sun.

During the eclipse it is said that the event represents a conversation between the two to reflect and share their observations of life, humankind and nature on earth. This process is called “naa’iikwilta” or to carry each other on their backs. The moon and sun practice this throughout time to pass understanding on the state of life we are in, both good and challenging, at this place in time.

Once the event is complete, they will continue to carry that knowledge to lead us forward and help to support the balance of life and nature.”
(Source support from CPO)

11/02/2024

So beautiful!

This beautiful sculpture was built by the Irish people in their own country to honor the American Choctaw Indian tribe. They were grateful because in 1847 the Choctaw people sent money to Ireland when they learned that Irish people were starving due to the potato famine. The Choctaw themselves were living in hardship and poverty, having recently endured the Trail of Tears.
And that is a lesson in how to be a person in this world.
Kindred Spirits is a large stainless steel outdoor sculpture in Bailick Park in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland. The shape of the feathers is intended to represent a bowl of food
Thank you for reading the article ❤

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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