Navajo Nation pushes

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

for radioactive waste

remnants to be

removed

Indigenous MMA

fighters battle in

the cage

-More on pg.14

-More on pg. 16

COMMUNITY

COLUMN

Hopi

A day in a

Tribe

life of a stink Enrollment

bug

updates

LARRY’S CORNER

More on Page 2

-More on pg. 15

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

Hopi Board of Education is Sworn in on October 22, 2021

Seeking Additional Candidates to Fill Remaining Four Seats

Candidates and members of the Election committee stand and pose with newly sworn in members (photo by Carl Onsae/HT)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Submitted by: Dr. Noreen E. Sakiestewa

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Friday, October 29, 2021. Five

members of the Hopi Board of Education (HBE) were

sworn in by Judge Delfred Leslie of the Hopi Trial Court

at a ceremony at the Moenkopi Legacy Inn, Munqapi,

Ariz. on Friday, October 22, 2021. The five HBE members are:

•Robyn Kayquoptewa (At Large Member)

•Merwin Kooyahoema (Second Mesa Day School)

•Sophia Quotskuyva (Hopi Day School)

•Le Roy Ned Shingoitewa (Moencopi Day School)

•Ronya Talayumptewa-Peshlakai (Hopi Junior Senior

High School).

The HBE will now begin its work of creating a comprehensive and unified Hopi School System and promoting

collaboration, consistency, and accountability among all

schools and educational programs on the Hopi reservation.

The five HBE members were appointed by the Hopi

Tribal Council (HTC) on October 5, 2021 by a unanimous vote with one abstention. This appointment process was approved by the HTC on June 8, 2021 after two

attempts to hold the HBE election were made last year

but not enough candidates applied to make the elections

viable.

“For the past four years, it has been an honor to support

and contribute to the creation and implementation of a

Hopi School System that reflects and builds upon shared

Hopi Educational values…” stated Vice-Chairman Clark

W. Tenakhongva, “…and with these appointments to the

HBE, we continue on the path to ensuring a higher quality of education for our future generations.”

With the swearing in of these HBE members, Dr. Darold H. Joseph, Chairperson of the Transition Team, also

stated that “…the transition process will now be able to

move forward with this critically important step of a seated HBE to provide leadership and build the foundation

for the new unified Hopi School System and to provide an

education that is culturally relevant and contribute to the

wellbeing and development of our Hopi students.”

As the HBE is intended to be a nine-member board,

the Hopi Tribe Education Transition Team is also seeking

additional candidates to fill the remaining four seats on

the HBE. The Transition Team is a team of over 40 professionals, teachers, parents, and school administrators

who in the Hopi Education Code are charged with facilitating and implementing the transition from the current

organization of Hopi’s Tribally Controlled Schools to the

unified Hopi School System.

The remaining four positions on the HBE are for the

following attendance areas: First Mesa Elementary

School, Keams Canyon Elementary School, Hotevilla

Bacavi Community School, and an At-Large member

representing the entire Hopi Reservation.

Throughout this entire process, the Hopi Health and

Education Committee have supported the transition to

a unified Hopi School System. The Committee’s Chairman, Mr. David Talayumptewa, stated that “…it is very

important that each school Attendance Area has every

opportunity to put forth their unique needs and goals on

the HBE, and so I encourage all who are interested to

apply for these remaining positions and contribute to this

important and historic development in Hopi education.”

HBE Election Team Lead, Sam Tenakhongva stated,

“Self-nominations for appointment are accepted and

nominations can also be made by school boards, parent

committees, villages, and community members.”

The Transition Team is looking forward to accepting

applications for these important positions. Dr. Noreen E.

Sakiestewa, Director of the Hopi Department of Education and Workforce Development, stated “I encourage all

those who would like to give their time for our children

and help create a truly Hopi school system anchored in

the principles and values of the Hopi way of life.”

A virtual public “Information Session on the Appointment of the Hopi Board of Education” will be held on

November 17, 2021, 5:30 p.m., at https://us02web.zoom.

us/j/81994912528 or by phone at 346-248-7799, Meeting

ID 819 9491 2528. This Information Session will provide an opportunity to learn more about the HBE qualification requirements, application processes, and to ask

questions. The HBE application due date is November

30, 2021, 5:00 p.m. The HBE Candidate application and

other information can be found at https://www.hopi-nsn.

gov/tribal-services/department-of-education/, or by contacting Dr. Noreen E. Sakiestewa at NSakiestewa@hopi.

nsn.us or at 928-734-3501.

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

Hopi General Election Set for November 11, 2021

Hopi Elections Office Issues Email - Updated Early Voting Information

Romalita Laban - Hopi Tutuveni

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – October 29, 2021, Karen Shupla,

Registrar Hopi Elections Office notified recipients on the

Hopi Tribe’s “All list” and others, via an October 28th

email with Subject: Early Voting Extended- Hopi Elections Office about the latest updates regarding the Hopi

Tribe’s Early Voting opportunities being rescheduled due

to closure of the office “the last few days” referring to

October 26–28, 2021.

Just two days prior on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 26, 2021, Cianna Sakeva, Hopi Elections Assistant

notified all Hopi Tribal Workers via email that, “The Hopi

Elections Office will be closed for the remainder of the

day today (10/26) and all day tomorrow (10/27) due to

exposure in our office. We are taking the necessary precautions with sanitization which will take place immediately.”

In Shupla’s email notification she explained, “…due to

unforeseen circumstances the Hopi Elections Office had

to be closed for a couple of days, Early Voting was scheduled during this time. Normal business hours will continue beginning tomorrow Friday, October 29, 2021…8:30

a.m. - 4:30 p.m.…” Further information also included,

“…the Office will be open to continue the Early Voting

cycle. Early Voting will be [extended] through November

1, 2, and the 3rd due to the closure of the office the last

few days. This will allow those to come and vote if they

had tried to come to the office during the time of closure…For more information, you may contact the Hopi

Elections Office tomorrow, Friday, October 29, 2021, at

1-928-734-2507/2508 or email Kshupla@hopi.nsn.us.

Thank you for understanding.”

Today, October 29, 2021, Shupla sent out another email

notification with the Subject: Early Voting Extension –

Hopi Elections Office and included a general information flyer noting the same information as that listed in the

above paragraph.

Although neither Shupla nor the Hopi Elections Board

has submitted the information for advertising or in a press

release, Hopi Tutuveni is including the information in the

November 3rd publication for the benefit of ensuring

information is shared with the eligible Hopi voters. The

information is being included, as a courtesy from Hopi

Tutuveni, in this democratic process of voting in the 2021

Hopi Tribal General Elections.

General Election is set for Thursday, November 11,

2021, and the Hopi Elections Office will require those

who have Absentee Ballots to have them mailed in to

the Kykotsmovi Post Office, where Hopi Elections Office receives its mail. In a general email notification sent

October 11, 2021, Shupla noted, “IMPORTANT DATE:

November 10, 2021, is the date the Hopi Election Board

will be collecting the remaining Absentee Ballots from

the Kykotsmovi Post Office. November 11, 2021, is a

National Holiday and the post office will be closed. Canvassing will be held on November 11, 2021, beginning at

around 7:30 p.m. at the Peace Academic Center, Kykotsmovi, [Arizona]…”

Tutuveni has been providing updates and information

regarding the upcoming 2021 Hopi Tribal Elections for

Chairman and Vice-Chairman by making contact with the

Hopi Elections Office staff and providing opportunities

for press releases and ad placements. The Hopi Elections

Office has foregone submitting any press releases or

requests to advertise since March 2021 when a lengthy

press release was submitted but was then abruptly pulled.

Hopi Tutuveni staff made phone contact with the Hopi

Elections Office on Thursday, October 28, 2021, to inquire about updated vote counts and information about

Early Voting being rescheduled. No staff was available

however a message requesting a return was left on the

voice mail. No calls have been received as of October 29,

2021. However, information received on Friday, October

22, 2021, from Cianna Sakeva, Hopi Elections Assistant,

that counts were being updated on the Hopi Tribe’s website on the Hopi Elections Office page was confirmed on

October 26th. Below is what is depicted on the page as

of October 29, 2021, and which has not changed since

October 26th:

Due to the coronavirus pandemic the Hopi Elections

Board determined “EARLY VOTING SITES” for the

Hopi Reservation as another opportunity for the general

public to get votes in. It hasn’t been determined as of late,

if those efforts brought in more or less voters during the

recent Primary Election as compared to previous election

years, when there weren’t pandemic concerns present.

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

HEALTH

Hopi Tribe Enrollment Office

5 Tips to Prevent Common Holiday

Updates

Foot Problems

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Submitted by: Dione A. Naha,

Enrollment Coordinator

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – October 29, 2021

and per Executive Order #010-2021, the

Enrollment Office has reopened for business. We are following the “Return to

Work” Guidelines to ensure everyone’s

safety.

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m.

– 5 p.m. with the office closed during the

Lunch Hour from 12-1 p.m.

We kindly request updates to member’s

contact information. Families that have

had a member pass on are encouraged to

forward a copy of the Death Certificate for

the members file. Tribal Membership Photo ID cards are available for members who

need a New or Replacement card. Please

review expiration dates on ID cards. All

other services are available, please see

website for further details: www.hopi-nsn.

gov.

Office contact information:

Lisa Yowytewa, Verification Clerk - P:

928-734-3152 E: LYowytewa@hopi.nsn.

Dione Naha, Enrollment Coordinator –

P: 928-734-3154 E: DNaha@hopi.nsn.us

Tanya Monroe, Enrollment Director - P:

928-734-3151 E: TMonroe@hopi.nsn.us

Are you into drawing

COMICS?

New Perspective - Education

by: Carl Onsae

Submit your comics to

consae@hopi.nsn.us

Drawing comics is a great way to show your

drawing skills and your side of Hopi Humor.

If you have the skill and the humor to draw comics

for the Hopi Tutuveni

Call 928-734-3283

To find out more information.

DISCLAIMER: Comics submitted will become property of Hopi

Tutuveni. Name of artist will be

displayed and not edited when submitted. Hopi Tutuveni has

the right to publish submitted comics.

Hopi Tutuveni wants your AD’s

Call or email us to get a quote TODAY!

928-734-3283 or

rlaban@hopi.nsn.us

(StatePoint) The holiday season is one

of the most joyful times of year, but it can

also lead to aching feet. One source of seasonal foot pain is gout, a type of arthritis

exacerbated by consuming too much of

certain holiday foods and beverages.

As you celebrate, prevent gout flare-ups

and other painful afflictions with these

five tips for healthy holiday feet from the

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).

1. Don’t overindulge in holiday cheer.

Your feet can sometimes feel the effects

of too much holiday cheer. Foods and beverages high in purines, such as shellfish,

red meat, red wine and beer, can trigger

extremely painful gout attacks, a condition when uric acid builds up and crystallizes in and around your joints. According

to foot and ankle surgeon and Associate

Member of the American College of Foot

and Ankle Surgeons, Josh Sebag, DPM,

AACFAS, “Often, it’s the big toe that’s

affected first since it’s the coolest part of

the body and uric acid is sensitive to temperature changes, but this may also occur

in other parts of the foot and ankle.”

If you do experience pain in your big

toe or other parts of your foot or ankle,

drink appropriate fluids, elevate your foot

and immobilize it. Frequently, non-aspirin

equivalents of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat gout.

In severe cases, contact your foot and ankle surgeon.

2. If the shoe fits, wear it. When hitting

the dance floor or shopping malls, don’t

compromise comfort and safety when

picking shoes. Narrow or overly highheeled shoes or shoes that aren’t worn often, such as dress shoes, can irritate feet,

leading to blisters, calluses, swelling and

even severe ankle injuries. “Choose lowheeled shoes that fit your foot in length,

width and depth while you’re standing,”

says Dr. Sebag

3. Be pedicure-safety conscious. Head-

ing out for your holiday pedicure? Nail

salons can be a breeding ground for bacteria, including MRSA, a type of staph infection that causes fever and painful red

bumps, and can be life-threatening if left

untreated. Reduce your risk of infection.

Choose a salon that follows proper sanitation practices and is licensed by the state.

You may also want to consider bringing

your own pedicure instruments for safety.

4. Watch for ice and snow. Though

winter wonderlands are beautiful, they

can also be dangerous. Use caution outdoors, watching for ice or snow patches.

The ankle joint can be more vulnerable

to serious injury from falling on ice. “Ice

accelerates the fall and often causes more

severe trauma because the foot can move

in any direction after slipping,” Dr. Sebag

explains. If you fall, take a break from activities until you can be seen by a foot and

ankle surgeon. Use RICE therapy (Rest,

Ice, Compression, and Elevation) to reduce pain and control swelling around the

injury.

5. Listen to your feet. Don’t let foot

pain ruin holiday fun; inspect your feet

regularly for evidence of injury, ingrown

toenails, bruising, swelling, blisters, dry

skin or calluses. “If you experience foot

pain (while at rest or with activity), swelling or notice signs of problems, make an

appointment with your foot and ankle surgeon,” Dr. Sebag says. “Often, especially

for people living with diabetes, and those

with altered foot sensation, what may

seem like a simple issue can turn into a

larger problem if medical care is delayed.”

For more resources or to find a foot and

ankle surgeon near you, visit FootHealthFacts.org, the patient education website of

the American College of Foot and Ankle

Surgeons.

Treat your feet right. Being proactive,

protective and preventive can mean a

healthier holiday season for your feet -and your whole body.

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

EDUCATION

HOLIDAY COOKING

Is Your Child Equipped to Elevate Holiday Cooking With

Quick and Easy Tweaks

Succeed in Their Classes?

(StatePoint) Educational success goes

beyond just making good grades. It also

means loving the learning process and

having the right tools can be a game

changer. Here are five learning tools to

consider:

• Better notetaking: Making sense of

newly-introduced material when it comes

time to study can be challenging when one

is working with regular pen and paper.

Smart pens however feature built-in audio

recording functionality and the ability to

record and save every pen stroke, giving

students multiple options for taking thorough notes and revisiting them.

• An intuitive calculator: Many students become bored or frustrated when

they move beyond basic math. Often, it’s

because they’re not properly equipped

to succeed in higher-level classes. While

you probably already know that a scientific calculator is necessary for high school

and college-level math (and even middle

school in some cases), not every model

is easy to use or designed to actually aide

comprehension of mathematical concepts.

Being able to visualize calculations can

make learning more interesting and keep

your student’s head in the game.

To that end, consider the Casio FX991EX. It has a large, high-resolution

LCD screen, for easier use of applications

such as spreadsheets and 4x4 matrix calculations, as well as Natural Textbook

Display for two-dimensional templates

of fractions and other mathematical formulas. With a comprehensive set of advanced calculations for integration and

differential calculus, along with vector

and inequality calculations, it’s an intuitively-designed calculator that can carry

your student through many years of course

instruction, studying and test-taking.

• New language tools: Sometimes foreign language classes leave students with

an expansive vocabulary but not the conversational skills to use it. Make studying

a new language more useful and fun by

encouraging your child to make use of

apps that focus on grammar, real-world

conversation, and storytelling.

• A beginner’s keyboard: When it comes

to the world of musical instruments, the

piano is fundamental. However, if you’re

looking to introduce the instrument to

your budding musician affordably and in

a way that will keep them motivated and

inspired to practice, consider a keyboard

designed with the beginner in mind. Portable and lightweight, Casiotone keyboards

are first-class and offer a range of features

designed to aide instruction. Pre-programmed, illuminated keys help novices

learn songs quickly, representing a visual

learning system based on the latest findings in music education. Also suitable for

beginners are keyboards with a USB-todevice interface. This offers the possibility to connect the instrument to a storage

medium device, so players can control

their progress and stay motivated.

• An up-to-date prescription: Has your

child ever complained that school is boring or tiring? It could be a vision problem that’s causing them to feel that way.

Nearsightedness can make seeing the

blackboard a struggle and farsightedness

can turn the simple act of reading a book

into a headache. Have your child’s vision

checked annually to ensure their glasses

or contacts prescription is up-to-date.

Educational tools can make learning

easier, paving the way for your child to

embrace school subjects and succeed.

(StatePoint) Holiday cooking and entertaining don’t have to be overly complex to

impress. Here are quick, simple ways to

elevate your meals for memorable experiences your friends and family will love:

Balanced Seasoning

Are your go-to family recipes in need

of an update? Enhance the flavor profile

of savory holiday dishes by swapping

out salt and pepper and instead, reaching

for Livia’s Seasoning Salt, an all-natural, pre-blended seasoning of kosher salt,

coarse-ground black pepper and garlic.

“Livia’s is good on just about everything, which is why it’s the not-so-secret

ingredient in a lot my creations,” says Peter Hoff, executive chef and partner, NOLO’s Kitchen & Bar.

You can use Livia’s in a number of ways

during meal preparation and table-side to

give holiday dishes something extra:

• Add flair to appetizers by shaking it

into the yolk mixture of deviled eggs or

using it to season baked brie.

• Season the outside of your turkey with

olive oil and a few liberal shakes of Livia’s, or even create your own brine that

will become a treasured recipe of its own.

• Season hams and roasts with it.

• Add it to stuffing and mashed potatoes.

• Update morning egg bake recipes to

wow overnight guests.

• Include it on your holiday table so that

guests can season their food to taste.

For more information, visit liviasseasoningsalt.com.

Add Pizzazz to Desserts

With a few updates, you can give your

standard dessert line-up a touch of elegance. Use fresh ginger in your gingerbread cookies. Create your own crumbs

for sprinkling on top of cakes. Garnish

slices of pie with a mint or basil sprig or a

cinnamon stick. Melt your favorite chocolate and drizzle it on anything.

Up Your Tablescape Game

A holiday feast is the perfect time to

create a special atmosphere. And you can

do so easily by breaking out your best

dishes and utensils, as well as by adding

a few natural elements to the tablescape,

such as poinsettias, holly, evergreens and

pinecones. Ditch the overhead lights and

use candles or other warm lighting to create a soft, convivial glow.

You don’t need to overhaul your entire

menu to make your holiday feast special.

Make quick, simple tweaks and additions

to your existing recipes and entertaining

traditions to elevate the occasion.

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

Early Signs of Diabetic Hypoglycemia and What

You Need to Know

Submitted by: Ms. Sandra Ovah, Program Coordinator, Hopi Wellness Center For Hopi Tutuveni

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. - October 20, 2021, Diabetic hypoglycemia occurs when someone with diabetes doesn't

have enough sugar (glucose) in his or her blood. Glucose

is the main source of fuel for the body and brain, so you

can't function well if you don't have enough.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is defined as a blood

sugar level below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or

3.9 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

Pay attention to the early warning signs of hypoglycemia, and treat low blood sugar promptly. You can raise

your blood sugar quickly by eating or drinking a simple

sugar source, such as glucose tablets or fruit juice. Tell

family and friends what symptoms to look for and what

to do if you're not able to treat the condition yourself.

Symptoms

Early warning signs and symptoms

Initial signs and symptoms of diabetic hypoglycemia

include:

•Shakiness

•Dizziness

•Sweating

•Hunger

•Fast heartbeat

•Inability to concentrate

•Confusion

•Irritability or moodiness

•Anxiety or nervousness

•Headache

Nighttime signs and symptoms

If diabetic hypoglycemia occurs when you're sleeping,

signs and symptoms that may awaken you include:

•Damp sheets or night clothes due to perspiration

•Nightmares

•Tiredness, irritability or confusion upon waking

Severe signs and symptoms

If diabetic hypoglycemia isn't treated, signs and symptoms of severe hypoglycemia can occur. These include:

•Clumsiness or jerky movements

•Inability to eat or drink

•Muscle weakness

•Difficulty speaking or slurred speech

•Blurry or double vision

•Drowsiness

•Confusion

•Convulsions or seizures

•Unconsciousness

•Death, rarely

Symptoms can differ from person to person or from episode to episode. Some people don't have any noticeable

symptoms. It's also possible you won't have any symp-

toms of hypoglycemia, so it's important to monitor your

blood sugar levels regularly and keep track of how you're

feeling when your blood sugar is low.

When to see a doctor

Severe hypoglycemia can lead to serious problems, including seizures or unconsciousness that requires emergency care. Make sure your family, friends and co-workers know what to do in an emergency.

If you're with someone who loses consciousness or

can't swallow due to low blood sugar:

•Don't inject insulin, as this will cause blood sugar levels to drop even further

•Don't give fluids or food, because these could cause

choking

•Give glucagon — a hormone that stimulates the release of sugar into the blood — through injection or nasally

•Call 911 or emergency services in your area for immediate treatment if glucagon isn't on hand

If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia several times a

week or more, see your doctor. You may need to change

your medication dosage or timing, or otherwise adjust

your diabetes treatment regimen.

Causes

Low blood sugar is most common among people who

take insulin, but it can also occur if you're taking certain

oral diabetes medications.

Common causes of diabetic hypoglycemia include:

•Taking too much insulin or diabetes medication

•Not eating enough

•Postponing or skipping a meal or snack

•Increasing exercise or physical activity without eating

more or adjusting your medications

•Drinking alcohol

Blood sugar regulation

The hormone insulin lowers blood sugar levels when

blood sugar is too high. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and need insulin to control your blood sugar, taking

more insulin than you need to can cause your blood sugar

level to drop too low and result in hypoglycemia.

Your blood sugar can also drop too low if, after taking

your diabetes medication, you eat less than usual (most of

the body's glucose comes from food), or if you exercise

more than you normally do, which uses extra glucose.

Maintaining the balance between insulin, food and activity isn't always easy, but your doctor or diabetes educator can work with you to try to prevent low blood sugar

levels.

Risk factors

Some people have a greater risk of diabetic hypoglycemia, including:

•People using insulin

•People taking certain oral diabetes drugs (sulfonylureas)

•Young children and older adults

•Those with impaired liver or kidney function

•People who've had diabetes for a longer time

•People who don't feel low blood sugar symptoms (hypoglycemia unawareness)

•Those taking multiple medications

•Anyone with a disability that prevents a quick response to falling blood sugar levels

•People who drink alcohol

Complications

If you ignore the symptoms of hypoglycemia too

long, you may lose consciousness. That's because your

brain needs glucose to function. Recognize the signs and

symptoms of hypoglycemia early, because if untreated,

hypoglycemia can lead to:

•Seizures

•Loss of consciousness

•Death

Take your early symptoms seriously. Diabetic hypoglycemia can increase the risk of serious — even deadly

— accidents.

Prevention

To help prevent diabetic hypoglycemia:

•Monitor your blood sugar. Depending on your treatment plan, you may check and record your blood sugar

level several times a week or multiple times a day. Careful monitoring is the only way to make sure that your

blood sugar level remains within your target range.

•Don't skip or delay meals or snacks. If you take insulin or oral diabetes medication, be consistent about the

amount you eat and the timing of your meals and snacks.

•Measure medication carefully, and take it on time.

Take your medication as recommended by your doctor.

•Adjust your medication or eat additional snacks if you

increase your physical activity. The adjustment depends

on the blood sugar test results, the type and length of the

activity, and what medications you take.

•Eat a meal or snack with alcohol, if you choose to

drink. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach can cause

hypoglycemia. Alcohol may also cause delayed hypoglycemia hours later, making blood sugar monitoring even

more important.

•Record your low glucose reactions. This can help you

and your health care team identify patterns contributing

to hypoglycemia and find ways to prevent them.

•Carry some form of diabetes identification so that in

an emergency others will know that you have diabetes.

Use a medical identification necklace or bracelet and

wallet card.

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

Native American/Alaskan

Heritage Month

Submitted by: Bernadean Kachinhongva, Mentor - Hopi Substance Abuse

Prevention Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Kykotsmovi, AZ – October 27, 2021 the

month of November is National Native

American and Alaskan Heritage Month.

Native American Heritage Month first

started as an effort to gain one day of recognition. In 1990, President George H.W.

Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American

Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations are under various names including “Native American Heritage Month”

and “Native American Indian and Alaska

Native Heritage Month.” The HOPI Substance Abuse Prevention Center (HSAPC)

encourages all Natives to embrace their

lineage and culture, as a form of strengthening themselves. As Native Americans,

our ancestors have struggled to keep our

identity strong. We encourage all individuals to embrace and continue learning about their own heritage and values.

Native Americans and Alaskan Natives

work to have their voices heard and presence known, even after the many atrocities they have survived. However, some

of our Native cultures and languages are

slowly diminishing or have been completely lost. Trauma amongst all people of

diverse backgrounds is slowly coming to

light across the country. Natives are well

aware of these injustices and live with the

effects from generation to generation. It’s

because of these injustices; historical trauma is evident in many of our people today.

There is an understanding that alcohol

was introduced to Native Americans as a

way to impair their cognitive awareness.

We see this in our work at the HSAPC

with our participants as many continue to

turn to substances. HSAPC continues to

strengthen our people by implementing

Hopi culture and values in our prevention

programming.Historically, some Native

American nations aren’t recognized by

the federal government or didn’t meet the

criteria. While on the other hand, some

choose not to be affiliated with the federal government. These circumstances have

impacted the non-federally recognized

nations in many ways, however, they’ve

learned to adapt. HSAPC would like to

recognize the non-federally recognized

nations as well during National Native

American and Alaskan Heritage Month.

Continue to embrace your ancestors,

teachings, culture, and language.HSAPC

mentors work to remain open-minded in

learning about our teachings as well as

other nations. We recognize the impact of

colonialism, trauma, and substance abuse

on Native Americans and the increase of

substances in our communities. HSAPC is

proud to be a part of the Trauma Informed

Substance Abuse Prevention Program

(TISAPP) from the Arizona Governor’s

Office of Youth, Faith, and Family. We

encourage you to embrace your healing

with traditional medicines, ceremonies,

Creator/Higher Power and to find strength

and resilience in your culture. If you

would like further information on HSAPC

services, you can call our office at 928734-0300

The Hopi Wildlife & Ecosystems Management Program

WOOD HARVEST

HART RANCH

ENROLLED HOPI TRIBAL MEMBERS ONLY

Friday-Sunday, October 22-24 2021

Friday-Sunday, November 12-14 2021

Friday-Sunday, November 19-21 2021

Friday-Sunday, December 3-5 2021

Friday-Sunday, January 21-23 2021

Last Vehicle in at 2:00 pm NO EXCEPTION!!!!

DIRECTIONS:

FROM FLAGSTAFF:

From Flagstaff the Hart Ranch is approximately 20 miles east on

I-40. Exit at the Twin Arrows Exit (Exit 219).

From Winslow:

From Winslow the Hart Ranch is approximately 40 miles west on

I-40. Exit at the Twin Arrows Exit (Exit 219).

Harvesting sites are located approximately 5.5 miles south of the

exit.

WEMP staff will be stationed at the main entrance to check you in

and direct you to the different sites.

ITEMS TO BRING:

Your Tribal Enrollment Card and/or ID.

A spare tire, tools, chainsaw, food and plenty of water.

**NOTE**

A special Hopi Tribal Wood Hauling Permit will be issued to you at

the main entrance before you leave the Hart Ranch.

For more information, you may contact the Hopi Wildlife & Ecosystems Management Program at (928) 497-1014.

Hopi Tutuveni wants to know how we are

doing.

Call or email us to tell us if we are doing a good job. We need your

feedback

928-734-3283

HOPI H.E.O.C UPDATES

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

Hopi Tribe Department of Health and Human Services Covid-19 Emergency Response

October 27, 2021 Report

KYKOTSMOVI, AZ – October 27, 2021

This data is updated on the Hopi Tribe’s

website “COVID-19 Response and Resources” page.

Hopi Health Care Center – Community

Vaccination Information:

COVID-19 vaccines are available every

Tuesday’s for the month of November for

those 18-years and older for Pfizer and Modena only. Call (928) 737-6049/6081/6148 Appointments are required.

COVID-19 Testing Drive Up Testing Remains Open Monday – Friday from 8 am to

9:30 am. Enter at the west entrance & drive

around back. Wear a mask & stay in your

vehicle. For more information about other

testing options please call (928) 737-6233.

Moenkopi residents Tuba City Regional

Health Care will have a Pfizer vaccine community drive-up vaccine clinic now available for individual’s 12-years and older. Call

1-866-976-5941 to schedule your appointment.

As of October 27, 2021 the United States

now has approximately 45,571 million confirmed positive cases with over 737,990

deaths reported.

Over 1,156 million confirmed positive

cases now exist in Arizona. Of those, close

to 21,284 are in Navajo and 23,026 in Coconino Counties.

The Hopi Health Care Centers most recent

data report indicates over 11,797 patients

tested as of October 26, 2021. Over 1,608

of those tests at Hopi Health Care Center

came back positive with 1,168 from Hopi

Tribal members. Tuba City Regional Health

Care Corporation reported 316 positives for

Hopi Villages with a combined number of

1,500*** positive Hopi Tribal members.

*Note: Data include all state-wide data

from facilities such as the Hopi Health Care

Center, Flagstaff, Winslow, Phoenix or other

hospitals. + Includes Village member(s) retested positive.

Prevention:

Watch for Symptoms - people with

COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-10 days after exposure to the virus.

Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.

People with these symptoms may have

COVID-19:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Fatigue

• Muscle or body aches

• Headache

• New loss of taste or smell

• Sore throat

• Congestion or runny nose

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible

symptoms. CDC will continue to update this

list as we learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung

disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk

for developing more serious complications

from COVID-19 illness.

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

HOPI H.E.O.C UPDATES

Hopi Tribe Department of Health and Human Services Covid-19 Emergency Response October 27, 2021 Report, Cont.

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

Hopilavit - Fall Related

October 6 issue

H Q I I N O O L

A A A S N I K T

L T S N U A T Y

A A O Y A W W O

S A O I I O G T

A L H Q S T N N

M A U S Z T U A

I I T I W P U K

A O J K M A T T

Y P K Y A A S O

A T G A M P E G

N K O H Q U L W

Q A F A A F E X

O I S T S T W H

H M W I I V A L

L A Y K U H Y F

B S M O R I T S

HOPI WORDS

Steamed)

Tsawna - Frighten

Huk.yala - Abate (of wind)

Tu’tsi - Corn (Roasted)

Huyta - Give Out (Treats)

Nìitiwpu - Abundance

Silaqvu - Corn Husk

Maalama - Ground Cultivated

Aniwna - Achieve or Accom-

Mangwni - Corn Leaves

Höqna’ya - Harvesting Party

plish

Kyàasòmkwivi - Creamed

Hota - Haul (Harvested

Aptsiwta - Adequate

Corn

Goods)

Natwànpi - Agricultural

Angwusi - Crow

Pàngala - Heap (Harvested

Practice

Qataala - Darkness

Goods)

Qana’öna - Ambitious

Tuviku - Disguise

Moritspu - Hull (Beans)

Maqsoni - Arduous

Àasa’ta - Enough (candy

Tukwsi - Matured Corn

Tuho’os - Autumn

treats)

Kawayvatnga - Melon

Paapu - Beans (Pod)

Uti - Exclamation! (Horror)

Halasami - Moist Ground

Sikyahatiko - Beans (Y.

Nìktiwta - Extra (candy

Tuvatski - Nut Bearing Tree

Lima)

treats)

Pisoq - Occupied (Harvest)

Pasqalalni - Boundary (Crop)

Màmqasi - Fear

Sipala - Peach

Patomelooni - Canteloupe

Nùutsel’eway - Fearsome

Pintomori - Pinto Beans

Hökni - Corn (Harvested)

Sami - Fresh Corn

Natwani - Plant

Tuupevu - Corn (Pit

Sungwa - Friend

TICK-TACK-TOE

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

Larry’s Corner

A day in

a life of a

stink bug

Ahhh...the stink bug, no one knows much about

the stink bug, other than the fact that when you bother him, he sticks his butt up and sprays you with his

stink, hence the name “Stink Bug.”

Although the stink bug may be a well-known pest

to us Hopi cats, it is rarely discussed in Hopi folklore.

The stink bug is also known in some places as the

clown beetle because of how he sticks his butt in the

air to spray you with his stink as a defense mechanism. The stink bug is not an invasive bug, but it

may strike your curiosity when you see it around

your house. The stink bug does not hurt anyone and

seems to be minding its own business as it is out and

about or just lying flat on its back wiggling to get

back on all fours.

I sometimes think about the stink bug because it

is rarely talked about and there are few stories told

about the stink bug in Hopi folklore. So, a question

that comes to mind when I do see one is why does

it exist? Does it have a purpose in this world? Why

would life create something that has little to no purpose, in my mind, at all? I often think about the stink

bug when I see it wandering around outside, but except for that, we don’t care for it.

Although I have not heard of any Hopi folklores

about the creature, I have heard some Hopis call this

bug a’hoyani or “bug that comes back” and while it

typically doesn’t bother you, if you get lucky to have

it spray its stink at you, I would think you would not

want it to come back.

So, when you don’t want Mr. Stinky to come towards you and spray you with his stink, you flick

with your finger and he goes flying off into space.

And by some miraculous events, he will come back

towards you, hence the name a’hoyani.

Now another thing that I find interesting about Mr.

Stinky is that he doesn’t bother anyone. He minds

his own business and does what he needs to do to

achieve his daily quota. The only time we call him

a pest is when he seems to bother us because when

we flick him, he starts to come back to us, AGAIN,

that’s when we get annoyed and call him a pest.

I know it may seem harsh to the people who like

bugs. I know it may seem to mean but I like to think

maybe he was going to an important meeting and

you were in the way of his route and that’s why he

always tries to walk the same path you are in.

So why don’t we like him, he probably has a job,

a family, or maybe his wife is pregnant and he must

work overtime to provide for his family…I don’t

know. If I spoke stink bug talk and got his side of the

story, maybe this column wouldn’t be so one-sided.

So, you’re probably wondering why I chose to

talk about the common stink bug, right? Well, for

one thing, he must be here for a reason otherwise

Hopis wouldn’t have a unique name for him, and I

wouldn’t be writing about him at this very moment.

See in life sometimes we are forgotten by others

and by “we” I mean Native Americans. And we are

only remembered because we become open with our

“uniqueness” and Hopi and Native Americans are

no different from the stink bug…well my sisters are

the stinky ones…but I digress.

See America has forgotten about us, we don’t exist

in the minds of their “idea of life” at one point they

called us “pests” but we just kept being and in some

instances kept coming back to our homelands and

kept strong with our way of life. And just like the

stink bug, which is resilient and persistent to its purpose, surroundings and thrives in any climate, I can

see a comparison to how Hopis or Native Americans

seem to live and carry on in that a’hoyani spirit.

So, what sort of lesson can we take from this?

Well for one, he doesn’t mind being called a stink

bug or clown beetle, even though he may have a

cool name like “Blarg the Destroyer” or something

like that because of his tough outer shell. Another

thing is that he probably has a family to feed so he

is out and about trying to provide for his family, and

so he must have a commitment. Another thing is that

he leaves no trace, he’s not wasteful, he’s not messy,

and he only takes up one inch of space.

So, does he live his life like how I imagined and

assumed? I don’t know, but then again, I’m a cat

looking at a bug and wondering if it’s safe to eat…in

some cultures stink bugs are considered a delicacy

because they are full of nutrients and they are easy

to obtain. But whatever the reason why the stink bug

exists is still much a mystery to me.

So, my advice to you is that a stink bug can be

more than just a stink bug, he protects his surroundings, he eats other harmful beetles or bugs, and he

does protect crops from maggots and other little

pests. He is not messy and I don’t think he has any

diseases. So, when you see a stink bug call him by

his real name if he tells you his real name, but otherwise say “Hi” to him and he will be on his way. We

can learn a thing or two from him. He may be wise

like an old storyteller and probably has a lot of stories to tell you, so just listen to him he may surprise

you…or he may just spray you with his stinky butt.

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

Notice of Request for Proposals

Market Survey

The Hopi Tribe P.O. Box 123 Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039

Ph: (928) 734-3281 • Ph: (928) 734-3283

Editorial Board of the Hopi Tutuveni

Kyle Knox , Gary LaRance, George Mase

Advertise

in this 1

column x

10” for only

$80

FULL

COLOR!

CALL

TODAY TO

RESERVE

THIS

BANNER

Call:

928

734

3283

Notice is given that the Hopi Credit Association is requesting proposals from qualified

marketing companies or individuals for development of a market survey.

Company Background/Introduction

The Hopi Credit Association is a certified Native Community Development Financial

Institution Loan fund located on the Hopi Reservation in Northern Arizona. Our mission

is “to enhance the quality of life by providing lending, financial education, and training

opportunities for our Hopi Senom to become informed consumers”. We provide a variety of lending products and financial education to Hopi Tribal enrolled members.

Project Objectives

The objectives of this project include:

▪ Develop, administer, and analyze a market survey to understand who potential clients are and what current and future needs are.

▪ Provide executive summary to report findings of the market survey.

Target Geographies

Hopi Credit Association’s target market is Hopi Tribal enrolled members residing on

the Hopi Reservation. We would also like the market survey to reach Hopi Tribal enrolled members residing in the State of Arizona to understand needs off the reservation.

Project Timeline*

Final Project Due: March 31, 2022.

Submission Requirements*

Proposals must be received by December 3, 2021.

Contact Information

Please contact for full Request for Proposal:

Alissa Charley

lisa@hopicredit.us or 928.738.2205

Hopi Credit Association reserves the right to reject any or all proposals for budgetary,

conflict of interest, past performance, federal contract disbarment, or other reasons; to

reject any or all submittals or portions thereof; to reissues this notice and to award the

contract on a partial bases if in the best interest of the Hopi Credit Association.

RFP

Request for Proposals

Hopi businesses and individuals with expertise

in developing, hosting and maintaining websites are invited to respond to a Request for

Proposals for website development, hosting and

maintenance for the Hopi Tourism Association.

Qualified respondents should request a copy of

the RFP by emailing ld@buildingcommunities.

us. The deadline for proposals is November 23,

2021.

Hopi Tutuveni Staff

Managing Editor - Romalita Laban

RLaban@hopi.nsn.us

Assistant Editor - Carl Onsae

Consae@hopi.nsn.us

ARTICLES:

The Hopi Tutuveni welcomes

original articles reporting on

local, state and national news

items on issues related to Hopi

or of interest to Tutuveni readers.

We are especially interested

in articles reporting on issues

impacting the Hopi community or on events and activities

involving members of the Hopi

Tribe. Articles should not exceed

750 words and should follow

Associated Press (AP) style and

formatting. The Managing Editor

reserves the right to edit articles

for style, length and clarity. If

significant editing is required, the

Managing Editor will communicate with the author prior to

publication.

PRESS RELEASES:

Press releases must be submitted

on official letterhead and include

the name of the organization,

contact person, telephone

number and email address. Press

releases should not exceed 500

words and submissions may be

edited for length and clarity at

the discretion of the Managing

Editor.

LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR:

Letters should not exceed 250

words and must include the

name of the author and complete

contact information (address,

phone number or email address)

CIRCULATION

and the headline and date of

the article on which you are

commenting. Anonymous letters

and letters written under pseudonyms will not be published.

The Tutuveni Editorial Board

reviews all submissions and

reserves the right not to publish

letters it considers to be highly

sensitive or potentially offensive

to readers, or that may be libelous

or slanderous in nature.

OPINION EDITORIALS:

Submissions must be exclusive

to Hopi Tutuveni and should not

exceed 1,000 words. Include with

your submission your name and

complete contact information,

along with a short 2-3-sentence

bio.

SUBMISSION

INSTRUCTIONS:

All press releases, articles, letters

to the editor and Opinion Editorials electronically as a Word

document or as plain text in the

body of an email to the Managing Editor, Romalita Laban. Articles, press releases and editorials

that include photographs must

be in high resolution, 300dpi

or more and must be your own.

All photographs must include

photo credit and a caption for

each photo listing the names of

all persons included in the photo

and description of what the photo is about. (call 928-734-3283

for deadline schedule).

The Hopi Tutuveni is published twice a month, with a circulation

of 2,500 copies throughout the entire Hopi Reservation. The paper

is delivered on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month to the

following locations: Moenkopi Travel Center, Moenkopi Legacy

Inn, Hotevilla Store, Kykotsmovi Village Store, Tribal Government

Complex, Hopi Cultural Center, Hopi Health Care Center, Polacca

Circle M, Keams Canyon Store.

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

RFP

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Hopi Family Assistance

Program (TANF Program)

Public Comment Period

The Hopi Family Assistance Program is currently conducting a 45 day comment period on

the new Hopi Temporary Assistance to Needy

Families (TANF) Plan. Then Hopi/Tewa people are encouraged to provide their comments

regarding the new plan. Hopi Tribal members

can request a copy of the new TANF plan by

calling the Hopi Family Assistance Program at

928-734-2202. All Hopi /Tewa tribal members

are encouraged to provide their comments by

mailing to the Hopi Family Assistance Program, P.O. Box 123, Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039 no

later than November 24, 2021.

October 1 – November 19, 2021

Request for Proposal for Financial Audit Service

The Hopi Foundation–Lomasumi’nangwtukwsiwmani, is accepting proposals for a multi-year engagement

from qualified and independent CPAs to perform annual

financial and compliance audits for the purpose of expressing an opinion on financial statements for a tax-exempt charitable nonprofit.

The multi-year engagement shall cover 2021 until

2023, with each annual audit to cover calendar year January 1 to December 31. The scope of the audit shall be

applicable to:

A.Nonprofit 501(c)3 financial audit and 990 statements

in accordance with IRS standards;

B.Public Radio audited financial statements in accordance to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting standards.

All proposals must include:

1.Proposal letter from a qualified CPA firm;

2.A quote of all costs associated with Part A & Part

B proposed scope of work with Part B radio audit costs

listed separately;

3.Credentials and references including references from

tax-exempt charitable organization clients and public radio clients.

All completed proposals must be received by The Hopi

Foundation or post-marked by 5:00pm, Friday, November 19th. Contact Monica Nuvamsa, Executive Director at (928) 734-2380 or 2390, or by email at nuvamsa@

hopifoundation.org.

About The Hopi Foundation-Lomasuminangwtukwsiwmani

The Hopi Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization based on the Hopi Reservation. The

Hopi Foundation hosts the KUYI 88.1FM Hopi Radio, a

Native American, community-based, public radio station.

PH: (928) 289 0974

porturica@gmail.com

Hopi Tribal Council

Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma,

Chairman

Clark W. Tenakhongva, Vice

Chairman

Judith Youvella

Tribal Secretary

Wilfred Gaseoma, Tribal

Treasurer

Violet Sinquah, Sergeant-AtArms

Village of Upper

Moenkopi

Robert Charley

Philton Talahytewa, Sr.

Hubert Lewis, Sr.

Michael Elmer

Village of Bakabi

Dwayne Secakuku

Clifford Qotsaquahu

Velma Kalyesvah

Village of Kyakotsmovi

David Talayumptewa

Phillip Quochytewa, Sr.

Danny Honanie

Herman G. Honanie

Village of Sipaulavi

Rosa Honanie

Alverna Poneoma

Raymond Namoki

Village of Mishongnovi

Delores Coochyamptewa

Pansy Edmo

Mervin Yoyetewa

First Mesa Consolidated

Villages

Albert T. Sinquah

Dale Sinquah

Wallace Youvella, Jr

Ivan L. Sidney.

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

Indigenous MMA

fighters battle in

the cage

Ruff, Puff and Rumble was a cannabis friendly MMA event out of Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Carina Dominguez, Indian Country Today)

Carina Dominguez

Indian Country Today

PHOENIX — It was a rowdy Saturday night for Indigenous MMA fighters who entered the cage at Celebrity

Theatre in Phoenix, with one winning his retirement fight.

Shannon Ritch, Choctaw, stepped into the cage for

his last time and won his pro headliner match up against

Samson Guerrero via submission, in the first round, with

a rear naked choke.

He said as soon as Guerrero turned, “I was like, ‘I got

him!’”

Ruff, Puff and Rumble attendees witnessed two knockouts, one technical knockout and seven fights that went

the distance.

Ritch had a couple recent scares that made him believe

his retirement fight might not take place.

First, his initial opponent, Aaron Brink, dropped out of

the fight days before it was set to take place, then his new

opponent, Guerrero, struggled to turn in the proper medical documents in a timely manner.

“If he gets them turned in, we have a 50/50 chance that

we're going to fight,” Ritch said at the weigh-in at Golden

Margarita on Friday.

Fortunately for Ritch, it was the happy ending he was

anticipating for his career. He had a huge turnout from his

hometown Coolidge, Arizona.

“I'm 51 years old, making my last fight in front of my

hometown and for a Native promotion, this is a dream

come true,” Ritch said.

Ritch had his first MMA fight in 1991 when it was still

called No-Holds-Barred.

“I would go across the border, Nogales. We'd fight, Plaza de Toros, and they would have the chicken fights, the

dog fights, then the people would fight,” Ritch said.

He was the first Native American world champion

MMA fighter.

“I fought in New Mexico and it was for a Native promotion, and they had the first Native American championships for mixed martial arts. And I won and I went

through the tournament and won three fights in a row in

one night. And I got the belt,” Ritch said.

Now that he’s tapped out after 237 professional fights,

the most out of any MMA fighter, he’ll be exploring acting full-time.

“I got my SAG card. So now I'm an actor, stuntman,”

Ritch said.

He has a movie coming out with Mickey Rourke and

Michael Jai White in January called “The Commando”

and another coming out with Bruce Willis.

Indigenous MMA fighters battle in the cage - and on

pay-per-view

He says he does a lot of stunts but his upcoming roles

will have more lines. He also works for a private security

company and has worked for celebrities and politicians,

like Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice.

Ritch shared a message for kids.

“Just because you're from a small town, doesn't mean

you are small town. You can do anything you want to do,

dream big because dreams come true,” he said.

Deran Martinez, Gila River, won his amateur title,

265 pound, matchup against George Sopi, Samoa from

Nānākuli, Oahu.

“I’ve talked about this, you know, coming and fighting

under a big card and I'm just pursuing it,” Martinez said.

He won the Indigenous title fight, taking home a belt

with the Man in the Maze engraved on it and is looking

forward to sharing his next steps.

“I'm excited for everyone to know, I'm excited to reach

a new level,” Martinez said. “I just want to thank (the)

Gila River Indian Community, again, all the rez boys and

rez girls. I'm going to do my best to go out and be a light

for everybody. And I'm excited.”

RUF Nation is a mixed martial arts league in Arizona and owners Joel Lopez, Adrian Romo and Anthony

Laso are from the Tohono O’odham Nation and take great

pride in their culture.

“There's a lot of values involved with fighting, but

most of all, the values of being O’odham we carry them

into our business as far as respecting everything and everybody. Himdag called our ways. Some of that is spilled

into our company too, building relationships. So again,

respect and it's tough to do that in this business, you

know,” Lopez said.

Ruff, Puff and Rumble was a first of its kind event.

RUF Nation collaborated with Trap Culture Promotions to host a cannabis expo before the MMA fights.

Lopez encourages therapeutic driven approaches to

healthcare because his grandmother was a Sobadora and

used it as a medicine, soaking it in alcohol and applying

it topically to clients she would massage.

The expo was in the parking lot of Celebrity Theatre

before the pay-per-view fights were underway.

“RUF Nation has grown and is growing. And it's multiplying, with audience, with fans, with fighters. We can't

keep up with fighters anymore,” Lopez said.

After the fights many celebrated at the Golden Margarita, including UFC fighter Nate Diaz who showed support

for Ritch and the other RUF Nation fighters.

For those who missed it, RUF Nation is offering access

to the Ruff, Puff and Rumble “replay”.

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

Braves bring chop to World Series

Charles Odum

AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA — As the World Series shifts to Atlanta,

some TV viewers may be offended to see Braves fans

still chopping and chanting in force.

After teams in the NFL and Major League Baseball

have dropped names considered racist and offensive to

Native Americans the last two years, the Braves chop

on — with the support of baseball Commissioner Rob

Manfred.

What matters most to Manfred is the Braves have the

support of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, based

in North Carolina about three hours from Atlanta.

"The Native American community in that region is

wholly supportive of the Braves program, including the

chop," Manfred said Tuesday. "For me, that's kind of the

end of the story. In that market, we're taking into account

the Native American community."

Manfred's decision to accept input from only one Native American group doesn't sit well with the Oklahoma-based Muscogee Nation.

"I think on a subject like that and when you're dealing

with Indian country you have to look at it as a whole instead of one or two specific places," Jason Salsman, press

secretary for the Muscogee Nation, told The Associated

Press on Thursday.

"You have to look far and wide and how all Indian nations feel."

Richard Sneed, principal chief of the Eastern Band of

Cherokee Indians, would like to see more outrage about

what he says are far bigger issues facing Native Americans, including poverty, unemployment, child abuse, sexual assaults and suicide.

"I'm not offended by somebody waving their arm at a

sports game," Sneed told the AP on Tuesday. "I'm just

not. If somebody is, that's their prerogative, it's their

right. They can be offended. ... I don't know very many,

maybe one or two, from my tribe who say, 'Yeah, I don't

like that.' But at the end of the day, we've got bigger issues to deal with."

Sneed said the problems with crime and poverty remain largely ignored when the national attention has been

on team names and the tomahawk chop.

"There's just so much happening and the frustrating

part for me as a tribal leader is when the only issue that

seems to be discussed is ... 'How offended are you by

the chop and should the Braves change their name?' ...

Really, it's the least of our problems, I guess is what I'm

saying."

There is no indication the Braves plan to change their

name or discourage the chop, which has been a tradition

for their fans since the early 1990s. Former Braves out-

fielder Deion Sanders is credited with bringing the chop,

which was part of his college football background at

Florida State, to Atlanta.

Sanders, now Jackson State's football coach, declined

an interview request from the AP.

The Braves are following the lead of Florida State and

the minor league Spokane Indians in nurturing relationships and developing support from local Native American groups.

The Braves temporarily attempted to deemphasize the

chop in the 2019 NL Division Series against St. Louis

after Cardinals reliever Ryan Helsley, a member of the

Cherokee nation, said he found it insulting.

Following Helsley's complaint, the Braves stopped distributing the red foam tomahawks used by fans doing the

chop during the series. They also stopped having the accompanying music played to encourage the chant.

The coronavirus pandemic emptied stadiums and took

attention away from it.

Now fans have returned and the chop is fully revived,

complete with drumbeats, stadium music and the tomahawk images posted on video boards around Truist Park.

From Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to University of Georgia standout defensive tackle Jordan Davis to Braves

fans, there is widespread local support for the chop.

Kemp wrote "Chop On, and Go @Braves!" on his

Twitter account after Atlanta beat the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.

Davis, asked Monday if he was pulling for the Braves,

said: "Definitely. Chop on Braves. We're definitely rooting for them."

Braves fans even brought the chop and chant to Houston. A small number of fans began doing the chop when

the Braves took an early lead Tuesday night in Game 1

and remained in the stadium to pick up the chop again

following a 6-2 win.

No dissenting opinion on the chop could be found from

a line of fans who were waiting to buy World Series tickets Tuesday morning at Truist Park.

"It's freaking awesome," said Sarah Oldham. "I think

it's part of our winning strategy, making all that noise at

the stadium. It's like voodoo going on. I'd be afraid."

Said Caleb Godfrey, who works near Truist Park: "I

like it. I love it," when asked about the chop.

"I understand both sides of the argument for it and

against it, but I also don't feel like it's a (racial slur) scenario where it's offensive," Godfrey said.

The Braves declined to comment on their renewed support of the chop.

The NFL's Washington Football Team dropped the

R-word name. MLB's Cleveland Indians have announced Guardians as their new name. The NFL's Kansas

City Chiefs face pressure to discontinue the chop chant

by their fans.

Sneed said R-word was "the only name I felt was derogatory. Yeah, that's offensive. The rest of them never

really bothered me and still don't bother me to this day."

The Braves dedicated their July 17 game against Tampa

Bay to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The team

said the night will be an annual event designed in part to

educate fans on the history and culture of the group.

The Braves have placed a "We are still here" display

in their stadium's Monument Garden. The display is designed to educate fans on the EBCI's history.

Sneed said the Braves have "really been instrumental

and really a trailblazer in setting an example for using

their platform because it is a national platform and in

some cases international."

Manfred also praised the Braves, saying "they've done

a great job with the Native Americans" in the region.

"The Native American community is the most important group to decide whether it's appropriate or not and

they have been unwaveringly supportive of the Braves,"

Manfred said.

The Harrah's Cherokee Resort and Casino in Cherokee,

North Carolina, is a Braves sponsor.

"That's separate from what we do on the governmental

side," Sneed said, adding he and other elected officials on

the tribal council "don't have any input or any say in that."

The casino generates funds "so we have the resources

to really help our people, especially when dealing with

things like substance abuse, mental behavioral issues and

so forth," Sneed said. "So we're fortunate.

"But I'm also very cognizant of the fact there are ... a

lot of tribes that still live in abject poverty with extremely

high rates of unemployment."

Sneed said he sees the relationship with the Braves "as

one where it gives us a platform to be able to discuss the

issues that are really important to Indian Country and that

need to be addressed.

"They're not new issues for us. They're things that tribal

nations have dealt with really since government intervention and the Indian Removal Act and tribes being forced

off their reservations."

The support of Sneed's group means everything to

Manfred, who didn't waver when pressed on the Braves'

chop.

Might other Native Americans be offended by the

chop?

"I don't know how every Native American group

around the country feels," Manfred said. "I am 100% certain that the Braves understand what the Native American

community in their region believes and that they've acted

in accordance with that understanding."

Hopi Tutuveni November 3, 2021

Navajo Nation pushes for radioactive waste

remnants to be removed

The Northeast Church Rock Mine in October 2009. (Photo from the U.S. EPA)

Arlyssa Becenti

the northeast Churchrock mine and the Kerr-McGee

Source New Mexico

Quivira mines. Those are additional abandoned uranium

mines just a few steps away from the United Nuclear CorGALLUP – Navajo Nation continues to hold strong on poration’s mill site.

its stance against radioactive waste being dumped near

There are about 524 abandoned uranium mine sites

its lands, while also pushing for the waste to be removed on the Navajo Nation, and the tribe’s EPA says there are

completely.

likely more. Of these mines, 219 of them have available

The Church Rock uranium mill site is owned by United funds for cleanup and remediation efforts, leaving 305

Nuclear Corporation, and in 1979 this site is where 93 unaddressed sites that pose severe environmental and

million gallons of radioactive tailings were released into health dangers to surrounding areas and people.

the Pipeline Arroyo and Puerco River. This is the biggest

“The Navajo people have endured decades of radiation

radioactive spill in U.S. History.

exposure and contamination caused by uranium mining

It’s well-documented how this spill has impacted the and production, and continues to impact the health of inNavajo people, poisoning the water and land. But this is dividuals, families and communities,” said Navajo Presnot a devastation of the past, because waste remnants still ident Jonathan Nez during a recent meeting with the Red

exist. Where to dump those remnants is the issue before Water Pond Road Community Association. “We strongly

the Navajo Environmental Protection Agency and the oppose the proposed amendment that would allow the

Red Water Pond Road Community Association today.

transfer of uranium mine waste and contamination just a

Dariel Yazzie is the supervisor at Navajo Superfund short distance from the Navajo Nation and the homes of

Program within the Nation’s EPA. He said they are ask- our Navajo people.”

ing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to come back

Red Water Pond Road Community and many other

“and make more of an effort to convey at a higher level to Navajo communities have been severely impacted by

the community what is in the draft environmental impact the legacy of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation. The

statement.”

draft environmental impact statement finds there were

The corporation that owns the site asked to amend its serious effects on groundwater, public and occupationsource material license for its former uranium mill north- al health, and historic and cultural resources from past

east of Gallup. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission pre- uranium activities at the Northeast Church Rock Mine

pared an environmental impact statement as part of its re- and the corporation’s mill site, Nez said in his April 2021

view of this request. If the license is amended, that would letter to the John Tappert, director of the Division of Deallow the corporation to transfer about 1 million cubic commissioning, Uranium Recovery and Waste Programs

yards of mine waste from its northeast mine to a location at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

that’s less than a mile from the uranium mill site and still

In April, the commission held a radio forum on KTNN,

on Navajo Nation trust land just south of the reservation. the radio station that serves the Navajo people, to inThe Church Rock uranium mill site is licensed by the form communities about the license amendment. Dumpcommission — and it’s a Superfund site identified and ing costs spurred the request to leave the waste near the

listed by the United States’ EPA.

Navajo Nation. It’s cheaper to transfer the waste down

The U.S. EPA defines the northeast mine as the highest the road at $44 million than to transport it to the nearest

priority for cleanup out of the abandoned uranium mines off-reservation facility at $293 million.

in the area because of its size and how close it is to the

“The U.S. EPA noted in its decision that the commucommunity.

nity and the Navajo Nation government had supported

The Red Water Pond Road Community sits between the transfer to a licensed repository further away from

the Navajo Nation,” said Ashley Waldron, environmental project manager for the commission during the radio

forum. “The U.S. EPA said it was not able to select this

option under Superfund criteria for its decision, which

included cost.”

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has failed to provide what the Navajo Nation has needed during this comment period, said Yazzie from the Navajo Nation EPA.

He said the NRC used the pandemic as an excuse not to

make more of an effort to visit Navajo Nation and talk

with the communities, and this was seen as problematic.

Also, the person the commission identified as a tribal liaison was clarified later on to actually be an administrative

liaison, and what exactly this individual’s job entailed

was never specified to Navajo Nation.

He never got their definition of the role this liaison

was supposed to be playing, he said. “To me the liaison

should’ve been the person packing all the draft EIS comments around, knocking on doors, making sure people

know what’s in the draft EIS. That didn’t happen.”

If waste were to be transferred to the Church Rock mill

site, it would be transported by dump trucks. The roads

used to get the waste to the mill site would be inaccessible to the public, except for one crossing at Highway 566,

Waldron said.

Regardless, people dislike the plan. “The community

still feels they don’t want the waste to go across the highway,” Yazzie said.

But that may not be of concern to the U.S. federal

government, he added, because after a May meeting, the

community was told that if they don’t support the license

amendment then they will have to wait another 10 years

to get the ball moving again on waste removal.

“We felt from the Navajo Nation that was inappropriate,” Yazzie said. “To say you won’t be able to get anything done for 10 years, that felt more like a threat to the

community. The community is frustrated it’s taken this

long.”

Navajo Nation will continue to discuss the proposed

plan and license amendment with the Red Water Pond

Community Association.

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.